A fresh, colorful, creamy salad with crisp broccoli, crunchy nuts and seeds, sweet dried cranberries, cheddar cheese, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, lunch, or as an easy side dish.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 5 cups (about 450 g) fresh broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded carrots
- ½ cup (75 g) finely diced red onion
- ½ cup (60 g) sunflower seeds
- ½ cup (60–70 g) dried cranberries
- ½ cup (55 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup (30 g) sliced almonds, optional
- ¼ cup (30 g) chopped pecans, optional
- ¼ cup cooked, crumbled bacon, optional
For the Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup (120 g) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (60 g) plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the broccoli
Wash the broccoli thoroughly and dry it well. Cut the florets into small, bite-sized pieces. You can also finely chop a little of the broccoli stem for extra crunch.
2. Prepare the vegetables
Add the broccoli, shredded carrots, and diced red onion to a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the crunchy ingredients
Add the sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, cheddar cheese, and optional almonds and pecans. Add bacon if using.
4. Make the dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth.
5. Combine
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
6. Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, chill for 1–2 hours.
7. Final toss and serve
Give the salad another gentle toss before serving. If it seems slightly dry after chilling, add 1–2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise and mix again.
Nut Information
This recipe can contain almonds and pecans, but both are optional.
- Almonds: Add a mild, toasted crunch.
- Pecans: Add a richer, slightly buttery flavor.
- Sunflower seeds: These are seeds, not tree nuts, and provide extra crunch.
- If serving people with a nut allergy, leave out the almonds and pecans and check the labels of the mayonnaise, cheese, dried cranberries, and seeds for possible cross-contact warnings.
- You can replace the nuts with additional sunflower or pumpkin seeds if appropriate for your dietary needs.
🔄 Easy Substitutions
No Greek yogurt?
Use sour cream or additional mayonnaise.
No honey?
Use maple syrup.
No dried cranberries?
Try raisins or chopped dried cherries.
No cheddar?
Use Monterey Jack, Colby, or another mild cheese.
Want it vegetarian?
Simply leave out the bacon.
Want it nut-free?
Skip almonds and pecans and increase the sunflower seeds.
Recipe Q&A
Can I make this salad the night before?
Yes. It can be prepared the day before and refrigerated. For maximum crunch, add the nuts and seeds shortly before serving.
Do I need to cook the broccoli?
No. Raw broccoli gives this salad its signature crunch.
Can I blanch the broccoli?
Yes. If you prefer softer broccoli, blanch it briefly, then immediately cool it in ice water and drain very well.
How long does it keep?
Store it covered in the refrigerator and use within 3–4 days. Keep it chilled until serving.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is strongly preferred because frozen broccoli becomes softer and can release excess water.
Can I make the dressing ahead?
Yes. Keep the dressing covered in the refrigerator and use it within a few days.
Why is my salad watery?
Broccoli and carrots can release moisture. Make sure the vegetables are thoroughly dried before mixing, especially if you wash them immediately before preparation.
Can I make it without mayonnaise?
Yes. You can use additional Greek yogurt, although the flavor and texture will be lighter and tangier.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check packaged ingredients such as bacon, dried fruit, mayonnaise, and seasonings for the appropriate labeling.
Is it dairy-free?
Not as written because it contains Greek yogurt and cheddar. Use suitable dairy-free alternatives if needed.
Can I make it nut-free?
Yes. Omit almonds and pecans. Sunflower seeds can provide plenty of crunch.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, assuming 6 servings and including almonds and pecans:
- Calories: ~330–360 kcal
- Protein: ~8–10 g
- Carbohydrates: ~22–27 g
- Fiber: ~4–5 g
- Fat: ~23–26 g
- Sugar: ~12–16 g
Nutrition is approximate and varies according to the specific brands and quantities used.
Serving Ideas
Serve this broccoli crunch salad alongside:
- Grilled chicken
- Burgers
- BBQ meats
- Roasted chicken
- Sandwiches
- Wraps
- Grilled fish
- Baked potatoes