This easy broccoli salad recipe with Craisins is a perfect creamy, crunchy side dish for a broccoli lover. Its made with simple ingredients and is easy to make. It is one of my favorite side dishes.
This quick side dish will quickly become a favorite. The combination of fresh crisp broccoli florets, dried cranberries and creamy dressing makes for a perfect side dish for spring time!
Serve this broccoli salad along with this sweet potato casserole for Easter dinner.
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What's in broccoli salad?
Salad ingredients:
- Fresh broccoli- Washed and chopped into bite sized pieces
- Red onion- The red onion helps balance out the flavors in the salad and adds a pop of colour
- Dried cranberries- They add a sweet tart flavor, a pop of colour and chewy texture to the salad
- Sunflower seeds- They add a mild nutty flavor, some healthy fats and a satisfying crunch
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese-Adds a bit more creaminess to the salad, some extra flavor and a vibrant colour
Dressing ingredients:
- Miracle whip
- Granulated sugar
- White vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Add Broccoli to the bowl.
- Step 2: Add all ingredients besides the sauce onto the broccoli.
- Step 3: Mix the dressing ingredients together and pour it over the salad. Mix well.
Note: You can top the salad with bacon after if you'd like
Variations
- Bacon lovers: Add some crispy bacon or bacon bits into the salad for a salty crunch
- Cheese lovers: Switch out the cheddar for your favorite cheese
- Sugar: You can reduce it if you find it to be on the sweet side
- Healthier mayonnaise alternative- Swap out the mayonnaise for plain greek yogurt or a combination of sour cream and yogurt
- Sunflower seeds- Switch them out for slivered almonds, pecans or walnuts
- Cranberries: Try dried cherries or raisins instead
There are so many different ways to enjoy this perfect side dish. Let me know in the comments if you made it with any of these additions.
What to serve broccoli salad with?
This classic broccoli salad pairs well with:
- Grilled meats- BBQ chicken, grilled steaks or hamburgers, grilled sausages, hot dogs, or pork chops
- Grilled vegetables- Corn on the cob would go great, as well as some roasted potatoes
- Sandwiches and wraps- sloppy joes, pulled pork sandwiches or any delicious sandwich you make for lunch
Where to serve broccoli salad
- Family gatherings
- Parties
- BBQ's
- Potlucks
- Picnics
- Goes well on the holiday table for Christmas, thanksgiving and Easter
- A quick side for weeknight dinners
Can I make broccoli salad ahead of time?
You can make it the night before and then serve it the next day. The salad actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop more overnight. However, the broccoli will soften up a bit.
Storage
Store leftovers in the fridge in an air tight container or in a bowl with cling wrap for up to 2 to 3 days, that's if there is any left!!
Top Tip
After I washed the broccoli I put it through the salad spinner so the salad didn't end up being watery.
Easter Recipes
An easy salad recipe for multiple occasions
Ingredients
5 cups fresh broccoli, cut into bite sized pieces
1 small red onion, diced
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup sunflower seeds, salted or unsalted
½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed (can add more if wanted)
*optional, bacon chopped
- Dressing
1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp. white vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Wash and chop broccoli into bite sized pieces. Put broccoli through the salad spinner to remove the water then place it into a large bowl.
- Dice small onion and place it in the bowl.
- Add the cranberries, sunflower seeds and cheese to bowl. Set aside and mix the dressing ingredients.
- In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Mix together with a whisk.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and mix until coated. Top with chopped bacon if wanted.
- Store it in the fridge for 2 hours before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
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