Fresh and Colorful Broccoli Salad with Homemade Dressing

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I can’t help but hear Dana Carvey sing the Broccoli Song every time I make this salad. This is a great summer salad to bring to a BBQ or simply just for yourself, especially if you love broccoli like I do.

Ingredients for Salad

  • 12 oz bag Green Giant broccoli florets (save time by using pre-cut florets)
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 2-3 carrots, shredded (rainbow carrots add a beautiful touch of color)
  • 1 handful dried cranberries and/or raisins
  • 1 handful sunflower seeds (for crunch)
  • 6-8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped

Ingredients for Salad Dressing

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (add more if you like it creamier)
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 squirts (roughly 2 tablespoons) agave nectar
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Fresh ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Salad:
    • Place the broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl. Cut any larger florets into bite-sized pieces.
    • Add the finely diced red onion and shredded carrots to the bowl.
    • Toss in the dried cranberries and/or raisins.
    • Add the chopped crispy bacon.
    • Add sunflower seeds.
  2. Make the Dressing:
    • In a mason jar, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, agave nectar, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper.
    • Secure the lid and shake the jar vigorously until the dressing is well mixed. Alternatively, whisk the ingredients together in a bowl until smooth.
  3. Combine and Marinate:
    • Pour the dressing over the salad and stir well to coat all the ingredients.
    • Adjust the amount of cranberries/raisins to your liking.
    • Cover and refrigerate for at least a few hours, stirring occasionally. The flavors meld and improve the longer it marinades.
  4. Serve:
    Serve chilled. This salad pairs perfectly with BBQ, grilled chicken dishes, or as a standalone meal.

Optional Tips

  • For a bit of variety, try adding a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dressing.
  • This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.
brocoli salad

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