As the seasons change, so do the flavors we crave. Whether it’s the cooler air of fall or the freshness of spring, certain ingredients just seem to shine. Enter the Seasonal Broccoli Salad, a deliciously refreshing dish that brings together fresh, crunchy vegetables with savory, sweet, and nutty flavors.
The Perfect Side Dish for a Late Summer / Fall get-together!
This salad is perfect for any gathering or as a light yet hearty side for your weeknight dinners. The combination of fresh broccoli, sunflower seeds, smoked bacon, red onion, and cranberries creates an irresistible blend of textures and flavors. The slight bitterness of the broccoli, the sweetness from the cranberries, and the salty crunch of the bacon and sunflower seeds come together in a perfectly balanced dish that’s bound to become a new favorite.
Pro Tip: If you are looking for a Smoky Addition, you can amp this up by using double-smoked bacon, with the use of a pellet grill. You can find my recipe for my Pellet Grill Smoked Bacon, here!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Salad Ingredients:
- 8 cups Broccoli Florets, Chopped
- 1/2 lb Bacon, Cooked and Crumbled
- 1/2 cup Red Onion, Finely Diced
- 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries
- 1/3 cup Sunflower Seeds (already shelled)
- Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 2 Tbsp White or Apple Cider Vinegar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Seasonal Broccoli Salad with Sunflower Seeds, Smoked Bacon, and Cranberries
As the seasons change, so do the flavors we crave. Whether it’s the cooler air of fall or the freshness of spring, certain ingredients just seem to shine. Enter the Seasonal Broccoli Salad, a deliciously refreshing dish that brings together fresh, crunchy vegetables with savory, sweet, and nutty flavors.
This salad is perfect for any gathering or as a light yet hearty side for your weeknight dinners. The combination of fresh broccoli, sunflower seeds, smoked bacon, red onion, and cranberries creates an irresistible blend of textures and flavors. The slight bitterness of the broccoli, the sweetness from the cranberries, and the salty crunch of the bacon and sunflower seeds come together in a perfectly balanced dish that’s bound to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 large heads)
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- 5 slices smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prep the Ingredients: Start by chopping the broccoli into bite-sized florets, and finely dice the red onion. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
- Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, sunflower seeds, crumbled smoked bacon, red onion, and cranberries. Toss them together to ensure every bite is filled with goodness.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat everything evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Once the salad has chilled, give it a final toss, and serve! This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
Why You’ll Love This Salad:
The smoked bacon adds a deep, savory flavor that plays perfectly off the sweetness of the cranberries and the crunchiness of the sunflower seeds. The broccoli provides a satisfying bite, making this salad not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. It’s a dish that feels indulgent, but is filled with wholesome ingredients. Plus, the sweet and tangy dressing ties it all together, enhancing the natural flavors without overwhelming them.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh addition to your holiday spread or a new way to enjoy seasonal veggies, this Seasonal Broccoli Salad is a go-to recipe that can be customized for any season. Make it your own by switching up the seeds or adding your favorite seasonal ingredients.
Enjoy the balance of flavors and textures, and share this dish with family and friends—it’s sure to be a hit!
Seasonal Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 cups Broccoli Florets, Chopped Fine
- 1/2 lb Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup Red Onion, Diced Very Fine
- 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries
- 1/3 cup Sunflower seeds (already shelled)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 2 Tbsp White or Apple Cider Vinegar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together dressing ingredients in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits. Pour the prepared dressing over and mix well.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
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