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Creamy Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe with Cheddar and Sunflower Seeds

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A crunchy, creamy salad combining fresh broccoli, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and nutty sunflower seeds in a tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, quick dinners, and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets (about one large head)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
  • ½ cup roasted, unsalted sunflower seeds
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
  2. Rinse and pat dry the broccoli. Chop into small, uniform 1-inch florets.
  3. Finely dice ¼ cup red onion. To reduce pungency, soak in cold water for 10 minutes and drain (optional).
  4. Shred the sharp cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, crumbled bacon, cheddar, sunflower seeds, and red onion.
  7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat without bruising the broccoli.
  8. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and broccoli soften slightly.

Notes

Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes is essential for best flavor and texture. Use thick-cut bacon for optimal crispness. Avoid overmixing to keep broccoli crunchy. Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter dressing. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, creamy salad, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, easy salad, potluck recipe, quick dinner

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/creamy-broccoli-bacon-salad-recipe-with-cheddar-and-sunflower-seeds-easy-and-best/