a fresh and creamy broccoli salad with cranberries and almonds—crunchy, sweet, and tangy! Here’s the full detailed recipe 👇
🥦 Creamy Broccoli Salad with Cranberries & Almonds
🕒 Time:
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Chill: 30 minutes (recommended)
- Total: 45 minutes
🍽️ Servings:
4–6 servings
🥗 Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized)
- 1/2 small red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds (or chopped whole almonds)
- 1/2 cup cooked beef bacon or turkey bacon (optional, chopped)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
🥄 For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1–2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
🔪 Instructions:
1️⃣ Prep the Broccoli
- Wash broccoli thoroughly.
- Cut into small bite-sized florets.
- Optional: blanch in hot water for 1 minute, then rinse with cold water for a softer texture.
2️⃣ Prepare the Mix-Ins
- Finely chop red onion.
- Cook and crumble beef/turkey bacon (if using).
- Lightly toast almonds in a dry pan for extra flavor.
3️⃣ Make the Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Salt & pepper
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
4️⃣ Combine Everything
- In a large bowl, add broccoli, onion, cranberries, almonds, and bacon.
- Pour dressing over the top.
- Toss well until everything is evenly coated.
5️⃣ Chill & Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (best flavor).
- Toss again before serving.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
- Perfect side dish for BBQ 🍖
- Serve with grilled chicken or steak
- Great for potlucks and family dinners
💡 Pro Tips:
- Chop broccoli small for better texture
- Adjust sweetness by adding more/less sugar
- Add sunflower seeds for extra crunch
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version