Best Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad is a classic side dish that combines the freshness of raw broccoli with a creamy and tangy dressing. Here’s a delicious recipe for the best broccoli salad:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup crisp bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or sliced almonds (toasted if desired)

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broccoli:

• Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly and pat them dry. You can also peel and chop the broccoli stems into small pieces.

2. Make the Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until the sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a tangier dressing, you can add a bit more apple cider vinegar.

3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds or sliced almonds.

4. Toss with Dressing:

• Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.

5. Chill:

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the broccoli salad for at least an hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together.

6. Serve:

• Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to make sure the dressing is evenly distributed.

This broccoli salad is best enjoyed chilled and makes a fantastic side dish for picnics, barbecues, or as a complement to a variety of main dishes. It’s a delightful combination of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory flavors.