Description

This Best Broccoli Salad features fresh, crisp broccoli florets, savory bacon, toasted pecans, tangy dried cranberries, red onion, and a duo of cheddar and feta cheeses, all tossed in a creamy, honey-sweetened premium dressing. The flavors meld perfectly after chilling, making this salad a standout for potlucks, holidays, or meal prep. Enjoy a flavorful and satisfying salad with a variety of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

8 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
3/4 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped
10 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup sharp white cheddar, cubed
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup high-quality mayonnaise
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper

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Instructions

Cook the bacon until crispy, drain excess fat, and crumble.
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3–5 minutes.
Cut broccoli into small, uniform florets.
Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer immediately to an ice water bath.
Drain broccoli thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, red onion, cranberries, toasted pecans, crumbled bacon, cheddar cubes, and feta.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and white pepper until smooth.
Fold the prepared dressing into the salad mixture until well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for 2–3 hours for optimal flavor development.
Before serving, adjust seasoning as desired and serve chilled.

Notes

For a nut-free salad, substitute sunflower or pumpkin seeds for pecans. Use turkey bacon for a lighter version, or swap feta for goat cheese if preferred. The salad can be assembled a day ahead and keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days. If broccoli is too firm for your liking, extend blanching by 30 seconds. If dressing separates after chilling, simply toss the salad before serving.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing, Chilling
Cuisine: American