If you’re searching for a salad that brilliantly balances crisp freshness, sweet bursts, and a touch of savory crunch, look no further than the Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe. This vibrant medley brings together tender broccoli florets, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, tangy cranberries, and a luscious dressing that ties every flavor together beautifully. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without hours in the kitchen, this salad delivers excitement in every bite and keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the salad’s signature flavor and texture. From the fresh, crisp broccoli to the creamy, tangy dressing, these components come together effortlessly to create something truly special.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh and crunchy, they provide the salad’s vibrant base and are packed with nutrients.
- Bacon: Crumbled for a smoky, salty punch that complements the fresh vegetables perfectly.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds a creamy and tangy richness.
- Red onion: Diced finely to lend a subtle bite and beautiful color contrast.
- Dried cranberries or raisins: These little bursts of sweetness bring an unexpected fruity twist.
- Sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts: For a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that balance the salad.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation of the dressing that binds all the flavors together.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy note that elevates the dressing.
- Honey or sugar: A hint of sweetness to balance the tang and saltiness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
How to Make Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Fresh Ingredients
Start by combining the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, diced red onion, dried cranberries, and your choice of sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts in a large bowl. This colorful mix sets the stage for the delicious flavors to come, and tossing them together ensures each bite is a delightful blend of textures.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of the Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe, offering just the right balance of tang, creaminess, and sweetness to elevate every ingredient.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss everything gently but thoroughly. Make sure every piece is lightly coated to guarantee that each forkful bursts with flavor, texture, and that signature creamy tang.
Step 4: Chill to Meld Flavors
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. This step is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, softening the raw edges and letting the dressing soak into all the ingredients for a perfectly harmonious dish.
Step 5: Serve with a Final Toss
Before serving, give the salad one last good toss to redistribute the dressing that may have settled at the bottom. This ensures a consistent, Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe experience in every bite.
How to Serve Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe
Garnishes
To add a touch of elegance and even more texture, sprinkle some extra sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts on top just before serving. You can also add a few fresh thyme leaves or thinly sliced green onions to brighten up the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even alongside your favorite barbecue fare. Its fresh crunch and creamy tang cut through rich, smoky meats and make for a well-balanced meal that’s pleasing to all palates.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers or lettuce cups at your next gathering. You could also layer it in a clear trifle bowl to show off its gorgeous colors or pack it in mason jars for easy picnic-friendly portions that look as good as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, but the salad is best enjoyed within a couple of days before the broccoli loses its crispness.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and mayonnaise-based dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended. Freezing would change the texture and can cause the dressing to separate, resulting in a less enjoyable salad when thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature rather than reheated. If it has chilled too long, simply take it out of the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving and give it a fresh toss to refresh the flavors and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar provides a great balance to the salad, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a tangy feta for a new twist on the classic flavors.
Is there a vegan version of this salad?
You can easily make a vegan version by swapping out the bacon for smoked tempeh or coconut bacon, using vegan mayonnaise, and choosing plant-based cheese or omitting the cheese altogether. The dried fruit and nuts still provide plenty of flavor.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
For the best taste and texture, refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. This chilling time allows the dressing to infuse into the broccoli and other ingredients, giving you that delicious, well-rounded flavor the recipe promises.
Can I prep the salad the day before a party?
Yes, making it a day ahead is a smart move. Just keep it covered tightly in the fridge, and toss gently before serving. It will taste even better after the flavors have had time to meld overnight.
What can I substitute for dried cranberries if I don’t have them?
If you don’t have cranberries on hand, raisins or chopped dried cherries are fantastic alternatives. They provide a similar sweet-tart burst that complements the savory and crunchy elements beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a standout dish to their meal rotation. It’s easy, full of vibrant flavors, and has a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory elements. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad to share at every gathering!
Print
Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A vibrant and delicious Broccoli Salad Supreme combining fresh broccoli florets with savory bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a tangy honey-apple cider vinegar dressing. This make-ahead salad is perfect for gatherings and offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the fresh broccoli florets, crumbled cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, dried cranberries (or raisins), and sunflower seeds (or chopped walnuts). Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Mix Dressing with Salad: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Chill Salad: Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully.
- Serve: Give the salad a good toss just before serving to redistribute any settled dressing and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- You can substitute dried cranberries with raisins and sunflower seeds with walnuts based on preference.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat or light mayonnaise.
- Make the salad a few hours ahead or the day before to enhance flavor.
- This salad is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days for freshness.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
