#Best Broccoli Salad Ever
## Introduction
Get ready to be amazed by our recipe for the best broccoli salad ever! This recip transforms an often overlooked ingredient into a spectacular, flavor-packed salad. It’s the perfect side dish to liven up your barbecues, parties, or even your everyday meals.
## Why Make This Recipe
Making this salad is a fantastic way to incorporate the nutritional powerhouse that is broccoli into your diet. The recipe brings together a satisfying crunch, plenty of color, and a tangy dressing that is sure to win over even the green veg skeptics in your family!
## How to Make Best Broccoli Salad Ever
### Ingredients:
– 5 cups fresh broccoli florets
– ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
– ½ cup dried cranberries
– ½ cup sunflower seeds
– ½ cup cooked bacon bits
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
#### For the Dressing
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
### Directions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, put together broccoli florets, red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, bacon bits, and shredded cheddar cheese.
2. In a different bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
4. For best results, refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to blend.
5. Serve the salad chilled and savor the delightful crunchy and tangy taste!
## How to Serve Best Broccoli Salad Ever
This salad is perfect as a side dish for barbecues or grilled meats. You could also bulk it up with some grilled chicken or tofu to make a complete meal.
## How to Store Best Broccoli Salad Ever
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. Given the creamy dressing, it’s best consumed within 2-3 days.
## Tips to Make Best Broccoli Salad Ever
1. For a healthier substitute, you can use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise in the dressing.
2. To add more crunch, consider adding some chopped raw almonds or cashews.
3. For a sweeter take, try adding in some chopped apples.
## Variations
You can add chopped hard-boiled eggs for an extra protein boost or use raw honey instead of sugar in the dressing for a natural sweetener.
## FAQs
**Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?**
Ans: It is best to use fresh broccoli to maintain the crunchiness. Frozen broccoli tends to be softer and might not give you the desired texture.
**Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?**
Ans: Yes, you can. In fact, making this salad a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld together.
**Q3: Any alternatives for the bacon bits?**
Ans: Absolutely! You can use diced ham, cooked chicken or even crushed tofu for a vegetarian spin.