Are you tired of bland salads that leave you craving something more satisfying? This broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and cranberries is the perfect solution.
It strikes the ideal balance between being a healthy dish and delivering bold, satisfying flavors. Filled with fresh ingredients and a creamy dressing, it’s the kind of food you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Why This Salad Is So Good
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant and flavorful dish. Each bite combines crunchy broccoli florets, smoky bacon, sweet-tart cranberries, and nutty sunflower seeds.
Creamy goat cheese and a yogurt-based dressing round it all out, creating a salad that’s as delicious as it is nutrient-packed. It’s the kind of food that works for every occasion, from weekday lunches to potluck gatherings.
The addition of sunflower seeds provides a delightful crunch and a boost of healthy fats, while the cranberries add just the right touch of natural sweetness. Smoky, crispy bacon ties everything together, making each bite irresistibly satisfying.
Tips for Making the Perfect Salad
- Use fresh broccoli: Opt for firm, bright green broccoli for the best texture and flavor. Fresh broccoli retains its crunch, which is essential for this recipe.
- Make it your own: Swap sunflower seeds for slivered almonds, or use dried raisins instead of cranberries to fit your personal taste preferences.
- Prepare the dressing in advance: Mixing the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt ahead of time allows the flavors to meld. You can even adjust the tanginess by adding a splash of lemon juice.
- Don’t skip the bacon: The crispy bacon is a key ingredient, but if you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives can work well.
For a burst of extra freshness, try tossing in a handful of chopped parsley or green onions. This adds an herbal brightness that complements the creaminess of the dressing.
How to Keep It Healthy
This recipe is already packed with nutritious ingredients, but there are a few simple tweaks to make it even healthier:
- Use turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative to reduce saturated fat.
- Choose unsweetened dried cranberries or raisins to avoid added sugars.
- Replace mayonnaise with a light or avocado-based alternative, or increase the ratio of Greek yogurt for a lower-fat option.
- Reduce or omit the goat cheese if you’re aiming to cut back on dairy, or use a dairy-free version to keep it vegan-friendly.
With these small adjustments, you can customize this salad to meet a variety of dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.
Storage & Meal Prep Ideas
This broccoli salad is a great recipe for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge for 4–5 days, making it a fantastic option for make-ahead meals. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its crunch and flavor.
You can prepare the dressing separately and combine it with the salad just before serving if you prefer the broccoli to stay extra crisp.
This versatility makes it perfect for busy weekdays or even as a side dish for dinner parties. It’s also a great choice for potlucks, as it’s easy to transport and doesn’t require reheating.
A Versatile, Crowd-Pleasing Food Option
The combination of crunchy, creamy, smoky, and sweet elements makes this a recipe everyone will love. Plus, the balance of healthy ingredients with indulgent flavors ensures you’ll keep coming back to this dish.
Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe with Crispy Bacon, Sunflower Seeds & Cranberries
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
Ingredients
Salad:
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 large head of broccoli cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup dried unsweetened cranberries
- 1/2 cup shelled sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt dairy or dairy-free
Instructions
- Prepare the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lay bacon strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes or until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to cool, then crumble into small pieces.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, red onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and goat cheese.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Add the crumbled bacon and toss everything together until well coated.
- Chill or Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
Notes
Nutrition
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.