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A close-up of a wooden bowl filled with fresh, creamy broccoli salad with bacon and red onions.

Creamy Broccoli Crunch Salad (10-Minute Recipe)

A super quick, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful salad featuring crisp broccoli, crunchy seeds, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for a speedy side or light lunch!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets finely chopped (about 1.5 lbs fresh broccoli head)
  • 1/4 cup red onion very finely diced or thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or golden raisins
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds raw or roasted, unsalted
  • 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits pre-cooked, optional
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise light or regular
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper freshly ground, or to taste

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Prepare the Salad Base
  1. Thoroughly wash and pat dry the fresh broccoli. Finely chop the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces. Aim for pieces no larger than a small pea for best texture.
  2. Finely dice or thinly slice the red onion. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and optional bacon bits. Toss gently to distribute.
Make the Creamy Dressing
  1. In a separate small mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Combine and Serve
  1. Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the broccoli mixture in the large bowl.
  2. Using a spatula or large spoon, toss the salad thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Ensure every piece of broccoli gets some creamy goodness.
  3. Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld further. Enjoy your quick and delicious Creamy Broccoli Crunch Salad!

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, lightly toast the sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant before adding to the salad. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.