Broccoli Salad with Balsamic Dressing
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Small florets, bacon, cheddar, cranberries and sunflower seeds under a dressing with a little balsamic tang. It chills while you do everything else, and someone's aunt will carry it in like she invented it.
The short version
Chop raw broccoli into small florets, toss with bacon, cheddar, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds and shallot, then dress with mayonnaise, sugar and balsamic. Chill at least 2 hours and toss again before serving.
What makes ours better
small changes, very loud compliments
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Cut the broccoli small. Bite-sized florets, about the size of a pea or chickpea, soak up dressing and eat easily with a fork. Big florets taste raw.
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Use balsamic in the dressing. A tablespoon of balsamic cuts the mayo and sugar and gives the dressing a deeper, tangier flavor.
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Chill, then toss again. Two hours in the fridge softens the raw edge of the broccoli and blends the flavors. The dressing settles, so a second toss brings it back.
What you need
check the pantry before you promise anyone
- Mayonnaise¾ cup
- Granulated sugar¼ cup
- Balsamic vinegar1 tablespoon
- Broccoli crowns1½ pounds
- Bacon6 slices
- Dried cranberries or golden raisins1 cup
- Finely diced shallot or red onion¼ cup
- Shredded sharp cheddar1 cup
Dressing
Salad
read it twice. buy it once.
Steps
apron on. phone down. mostly.
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Cook the bacon
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until deeply browned and crisp. Drain on paper towels, cool, then crumble.
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Whisk the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sugar and balsamic vinegar until smooth and no sugar granules remain.
If it's too thick to pour, thin it with a teaspoon or two of milk or water.
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Cut the broccoli
Trim the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Peel the tough outer skin from the stems and dice the tender core if you want to use it. Rinse and dry well in a salad spinner or on towels.
Wet broccoli waters down the dressing. Dry it completely.
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Combine the salad
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon, cranberries, sunflower seeds, shallot and cheddar.
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Dress and chill
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
About 120 min. Cook mode has a timer for this step.
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Toss and serve
Stir again to redistribute the dressing, which will have settled. Taste and add more seasoning, a splash of vinegar or a sprinkle of extra bacon or seeds if you like.
Good to know
the stuff I’d tell you over the phone
- For a lighter dressing, replace half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- Swap the cranberries for halved red grapes, or the sunflower seeds for toasted pecans or almonds.
- You can whisk the dressing up to a week ahead. Assemble the salad up to 24 hours in advance, though it is crunchiest the first day.
- To keep the bacon crisp, stir it in just before serving.
- Storage. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. The broccoli softens over time. This salad doesn't freeze well.
Questions, answered
asked and answered at the kitchen counter
Do I need to cook the broccoli?
No. Raw broccoli gives the classic crunch, and the dressing softens it as the salad chills. If you prefer it milder, blanch the florets for 30 seconds, then chill in ice water and dry well.
Can I make broccoli salad ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it up to a day ahead and chill. The flavor improves for the first few hours, then the broccoli slowly softens.
Why is my broccoli salad watery?
The broccoli wasn't dried well, or the salad sat for more than a day. Spin or towel-dry the florets, and stir again before serving to bring the dressing back together.
Can I make it without mayonnaise?
Yes. Use plain Greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise, or a mix of the two, and add a little honey or sugar to taste.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the bacon and add extra toasted sunflower seeds or chopped smoked almonds. You'll want a pinch more salt.
What goes with broccoli salad?
Grilled chicken, burgers, ribs and baked beans. For a warm grain side, try fluffy couscous with lemon and herbs or how to cook white rice on the stove.
From the table
Made it? Tell me everything. Especially if somebody said it was better than their mother’s. I’ll keep your secret.
Made it?
tell me the truth, then tell me who had thirds
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Published October 29, 2026.