There’s something truly delightful about a Broccoli Salad. This Broccoli Salad with Sunflower Seeds & Cranberries perfectly balances flavors and textures, mixing the crunchiness of sunflower seeds with the fresh snap of broccoli, while adding the sweetness of cranberries and the tang of a creamy dressing. It’s an ideal dish for barbecue gatherings, potluck events, or even a light lunch.
I first encountered this salad at a summer picnic, and it immediately captivated my taste buds! Its ingredients were refreshingly different from other salads, and it lacked the excess vinegar often found in many dressings today. Over time, I’ve made a few adjustments, and now it’s one of my staple recipes!
Ingredients
⅓ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
Salt & pepper to taste
1 large head of broccoli
1 shallot, chopped
⅓ cup dried cranberries
2 tbsp roasted salted sunflower seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Mix Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ⅓ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), and 1 tablespoon sugar.
Whisk Together:
Use a whisk to ensure all components are fully combined, creating a smooth and velvety dressing. This will serve as the creamy base for your salad.
Adjust Seasoning:
Taste the dressing and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add more vinegar gradually until it suits your taste.
Step 2: Prep the Broccoli
Chop the Broccoli:
Rinse the broccoli head thoroughly and let it dry. Cut it into small florets. You can also include the stems if they are tender; just slice them thinly.
Add to Bowl:
Add the chopped broccoli to the bowl with the dressing, ensuring the dressing coats every piece evenly.
Step 3: Add Other Ingredients
Prepare the Shallot:
Finely dice the shallot, then add it to the bowl with the broccoli.
Mix in the Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds:
Add ⅓ cup dried cranberries and 2 tablespoons roasted salted sunflower seeds to the bowl. These ingredients will provide sweetness and crunch to the salad.
Step 4: Mix Up
Stir Well:
Thoroughly mix all the ingredients with the dressing until everything is evenly distributed.
Chill:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour, or overnight if possible. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and enhances the salad’s taste.
Step 5: Time to Serve
Stir Before Serving:
Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing.
Optional Garnishes:
For added flavor and color, sprinkle some parsley on top or add a few extra sunflower seeds.
Tips & Variations
Use Various Vinegars:
Experiment with red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for different flavor profiles.
Include Cheese:
For a richer taste, mix in some shredded cheddar cheese.
Try Different Nuts and Seeds:
Substitute sunflower seeds with almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds for a different crunch.
Add Some Carrots:
Enhance the color and texture by adding sliced radishes, shredded carrots, or chopped bell pepper.
Additional Sweeteners:
If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the amount of dried cranberries or add a bit more sugar to the dressing.
Conclusion
The Broccoli Salad with Sunflower Seeds & Cranberries is indeed a delicious dish that combines different flavors and textures into one satisfying bite. The fresh broccoli and sunflower seeds provide a delightful crunch, while the creamy, tangy dressing and sweet cranberries tie everything together.
This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a quick side dish for parties. Its versatility allows you to tweak the ingredients to match your taste preferences, making it a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again. Whether as part of a barbecue spread, a potluck contribution, or a light lunch, this salad is sure to please.
Prepare this broccoli salad with sunflower seeds & cranberries and enjoy the fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a fully satisfying meal!
