If you’re hunting for a vibrant, nutritious dish that bursts with textures and tastes, the Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe is a game changer. This salad combines crisp broccoli florets with savory bacon, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a luscious, tangy dressing that ties everything together beautifully. It’s a perfect harmony of flavors that’s equally welcome at picnics, potlucks, or as a satisfying side to any meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for an easy yet impressive dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients, each bringing its own unique contribution to the overall balance of taste, texture, and color. From the crunch of the broccoli to the sweet bursts of cranberries, every element plays a starring role.
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets: The green base of the salad, packed with nutrients and crisp freshness.
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds a smoky, savory crunch that balances the salad’s sweetness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts slightly into the salad’s textures, offering creamy, sharp flavor.
- 1/2 cup diced red onion: Brings a mild pungency and a pop of purple color.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins: Provides a chewy sweetness that complements the savory bites.
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts: Introduces a nutty crunch and added depth.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: The rich, creamy base of the dressing that holds everything together.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Offers a bright acidity that cuts through the richness.
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar: Balances the tang with a touch of gentle sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to elevate every bite.
How to Make Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Core Ingredients
Start by placing the fresh broccoli florets in a large bowl. Toss in the crumbled cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Mixing these components early ensures the salad builds layers of taste and texture that will shine in the final dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
Whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This dressing is where the magic happens — creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough to tie everything in the salad together perfectly.
Step 3: Toss and Coat
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every bite is coated with luscious flavor. This step guarantees that the dressing melds with the salad’s chunky ingredients.
Step 4: Chill and Meld Flavors
Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving. This resting time allows all the flavors to marry and the broccoli to slightly soften, creating that irresistible balance of crisp and tender sensations.
Step 5: Final Toss Before Serving
Give the salad another quick toss to redistribute any dressing that may have settled and ensure fresh, even flavor in each bite when you serve it to your guests or family.
How to Serve Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping with a few additional crumbled bacon bits or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar just before serving to add an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives also work beautifully to brighten the dish.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully alongside grilled chicken, baked fish, or even hearty sandwiches. Its bright, crunchy profile makes it an excellent side that can lighten heavier mains or complement outdoor barbecue spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the salad in hollowed-out bread bowls or individual mason jars for easy portion control and eye-catching presentation. You could also layer it in a clear trifle bowl to showcase its colorful ingredients in all their glory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to two days, but to maintain the crunchiness, stir before serving. The flavors actually deepen nicely overnight!
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh veggies, this salad does not freeze well. To preserve the best texture and taste, it is best enjoyed fresh or stored refrigerated for a short time.
Reheating
This broccoli salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, let refrigerated leftovers come to room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I substitute the bacon with a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! You can replace bacon with smoked tempeh or crispy fried mushrooms to keep that savory, satisfying texture perfect for vegetarians while still enjoying the Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Swap out the bacon for plant-based alternatives, use vegan mayonnaise, and choose a dairy-free cheese or omit cheese altogether for a delicious vegan twist.
Can I use frozen broccoli florets instead of fresh?
While fresh broccoli is best for that crisp texture, if you must use frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid sogginess. The salad’s texture will be different but still tasty.
What type of vinegar works best in the dressing?
Apple cider vinegar is preferred for its mild fruity tang, but you can experiment with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar if those are more accessible, keeping in mind the subtle shifts in acidity and flavor.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
You can prepare the salad up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just be sure to toss it again before serving to keep the flavors vibrant and the broccoli crisp.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe that brings people together around the table with smiles and satisfied appetites. Its perfect balance of sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy makes it an enduring favorite that’s both simple and stunning. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme is a vibrant and crunchy salad featuring fresh broccoli florets tossed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds, all coated in a creamy and tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. It’s a perfect make-ahead side dish that tastes even better after chilling, ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing lunch.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds to create the base of the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the mixed broccoli salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill for Flavors to Meld: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully and the salad to chill.
- Toss Before Serving: Give the salad a final good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly for the best taste and presentation.
Notes
- For crunchier texture, add the sunflower seeds or walnuts just before serving.
- Substitute honey with sugar or maple syrup for different sweetness variations.
- The salad can be prepared the day before to enhance the flavors even more.
- Use low-fat or light mayonnaise for a lighter version of the dressing.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
