Fresh Crunchy Broccoli Salad (Printable)
Crisp broccoli with tangy dressing, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds for a refreshing make-ahead dish.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 small heads)
02 - ½ small red onion, finely diced
03 - ½ cup shredded carrots
04 - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
→ Add-Ins
05 - ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
06 - ½ cup roasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds
07 - ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
→ Dressing
08 - ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt
09 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
10 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
11 - ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
# How-To Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 1 minute, then immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine blanched broccoli, red onion, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and cheddar cheese.
03 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It gets better as it sits in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead entertaining
- The sweet and tangy dressing converts even the most stubborn broccoli skeptics
02 -
- This salad genuinely improves after a few hours in the refrigerator, so don't be afraid to make it the night before
- The broccoli will release some water as it sits, which can thin the dressing slightly, so consider making it on the thicker side initially
03 -
- Cut your broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces that are small enough to get on a fork easily but large enough to maintain their satisfying crunch
- Toast your nuts or seeds in a dry skillet for two minutes before adding them, it amplifies their flavor dramatically