Broccoli Salad
This simple Broccoli Salad is guaranteed to be the star of the party! Packed full of broccoli, mozzarella cheese, bacon and sunflower seeds, this classic side dish is a winner every time you serve it.
Get ready for your friends and family to ask for this recipe once they try it. I'm not kidding—I've never seen so many people rave about a simple side salad like this one. It's always the first dish to disappear and the most requested.
I love a good broccoli salad, and what I love about this one is the combination of the salty bacon and sunflowers seeds and the slightly sweet and tangy homemade dressing. When combined with the broccoli, sharp red onion and mozzarella cheese you get an amazing broccoli salad.
If you're planning to serve this Broccoli Salad at a summer party or family gathering, be sure to make extra—it's always a hit, and you'll definitely need it!
Broccoli - Cut into bite sized pieces. For best results, rinse the broccoli and set it out to dry before assembling.
Bacon - Cooked and chopped.
Onions - I love using red onions for their sharp flavor and bright color. Yellow or white onions can also be used.
Sunflower Seeds - Sunflower seed kernels offer a nice salty and nutty flavor.
Cheese - Shredded mozzarella cheese works perfectly in this salad.
Dressing - A combination of mayo, sugar and apple cider vinegar make up the homemade dressing in this recipe.
Variations
It is so easy to customize this broccoli salad. Here are a few variations to try:
Toss in dried cranberries or chopped walnuts. Swap the mozzarella cheese for shredded or cubed cheddar cheese. Or try replacing the dressing with your favorite coleslaw dressing.
The full recipe is in the recipe card below.
This salad is super easy to put together. The longest step is cooking the bacon. After that, the rest of the salad comes together in just a few minutes.
In a large bowl combine the broccoli, red onion, bacon, shredded cheese and sunflower seeds. Stir well to combine.
In a separate bowl, combine the mayo, sugar and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine.
Now add the dressing to the broccoli bowl and stir until fully incorporated. Enjoy!
If you love easy, flavor packed salads as much as I do, then you'll want to try one of these recipes next:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If making in advance I recommend waiting to add the bacon and sunflower kernels until you are ready to serve the salad.
This simple Broccoli Salad is guaranteed to be the star of the party! Packed full of broccoli, mozzarella cheese, bacon and sunflower seeds, this classic side dish is a winner every time you serve it.
- 12 oz broccoli (cut into bite sized pieces)
- 6 Slices bacon (cooked, rough chopped)
- 1/3 Cup red onion (small diced)
- 1/2 Cup sunflower seed kernels (roasted and salted)
- 1 Cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 3/4 Cup mayo
- 2 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
In a large bowl combine the broccoli, red onion, bacon, shredded cheese and sunflower seeds. Stir well to combine.
For the dressing: In a separate bowl combine the mayo, sugar and apple cider vinegar. Mix until fully combined.
Add the dressing to the broccoli salad and stir to fully incorporate. Refrigerate until needed. Enjoy!
Thank you for stopping by!