Description
This Broccoli Crunch Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful dish inspired by the Whole Foods classic. Made with broccoli, crispy beef bacon, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a creamy, tangy dressing, this salad is nutrient-packed and easy to prepare. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a quick lunch, it offers a delicious balance of crunch, sweetness, and savory goodness—all at a fraction of the cost of store-bought versions!
Ingredients
Salad Base:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup shredded carrots (for color and crunch)
- ⅓ cup diced red onion (for a slight zing)
- ½ cup dried cranberries (adds sweetness)
- ⅓ cup sunflower seeds (adds crunch and healthy fats)
- 6 slices crispy beef bacon (crumbled for a smoky flavor)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
Creamy Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets.
- Dice the red onion into fine pieces.
- Cook the beef bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small bits.
- Shred the carrots using a grater if not pre-shredded.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Broccoli florets
- Shredded carrots
- Diced red onion
- Dried cranberries
- Sunflower seeds
- Crispy beef bacon
- Shredded cheddar cheese (if using)
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
✅ For a Healthier Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and turkey bacon instead of regular beef bacon.
✅ Make it Vegan: Omit the bacon and cheese, use vegan mayo, and swap in roasted chickpeas or smoked almonds for extra crunch.
✅ Storage: This salad stays fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Keep the dressing separate for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: simply savory
- Method: Salad, Side Dish
- Cuisine: American, salad
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: ~250
- Fat: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Protein: ~8g