Description
A fresh and flavorful Broccoli Cranberry Salad that combines crunchy broccoli florets, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts or pumpkin seeds, and savory bacon bits, all tossed in a creamy and slightly tangy orange honey dressing. Perfect as a side dish for any meal or a light, nutritious salad on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 bunch Broccoli (chopped into small florets; ~4 cups)
- 1/2 cup Dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup Walnuts (chopped; or pumpkin seeds for nut-free)
- 1/4 cup Cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup Red onion (sliced into thin quarter moons)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (or 2/3 cup for extra creamy salad)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Orange Honey (or regular orange blossom honey)
- 1/2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped broccoli florets, thinly sliced red onion, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts (or pumpkin seeds if preferred), and crumbled cooked bacon bits. Mix gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, orange honey (zero sugar or regular), apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth and fully incorporated, creating a creamy and tangy dressing.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and stir well so that all the ingredients are coated evenly. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for about an hour before serving, although this step is optional.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: After chilling, taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve the broccoli cranberry salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
- The salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; the flavors marry well over time.
- For a creamier texture, increase mayonnaise to 2/3 cup as suggested.
- Adding bacon bits is optional and can be omitted or replaced with a vegetarian alternative.
- Refrigeration enhances flavor but serving immediately is also fine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: broccoli salad, cranberry salad, healthy salad, no cook salad, easy side dish, creamy salad, broccoli recipes
