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Creamy Crunchy Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe with Sunflower Seeds

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A quick and easy broccoli bacon salad featuring a creamy dressing, crunchy sunflower seeds, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 300g), washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • ½ cup (65g) sunflower seeds, toasted lightly
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare the broccoli: While bacon cooks, rinse 4 cups (300g) of broccoli florets under cold water. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Chop florets into small, bite-sized pieces.
  3. Toast sunflower seeds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast ½ cup (65g) of sunflower seeds for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped broccoli, cooked bacon pieces, toasted sunflower seeds, ¼ cup finely diced red onion, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until everything is coated evenly.
  6. Chill and serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For best texture, dry broccoli thoroughly before mixing. Reserve some bacon fat to add flavor to the dressing if desired. Toss dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess. For a dairy-free option, substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt and use vegan mayonnaise. Blanch broccoli briefly if you find it bitter.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, sunflower seeds, creamy salad, crunchy salad, summer salad, easy salad recipe, potluck salad

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/creamy-crunchy-broccoli-bacon-salad-recipe-with-sunflower-seeds-easy-and-delicious/