Description

This Whole Foods Broccoli Crunch Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful dish that combines crisp broccoli, smoky beef bacon, sweet cranberries, and a creamy dressing. It’s a perfect side dish, great for meal prep, and even better than the store-bought version. With a balance of textures and flavors, this salad is both nutritious and delicious, making it a must-try recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh and Crunchy Vegetables:

4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
¼ cup red onion, finely diced

Sweet and Savory Additions:

⅓ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds
4 slices beef bacon, cooked and crumbled

Creamy Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the broccoli into small florets.
Finely dice the red onion.
Cook the beef bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
Toast the sunflower seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced red onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and crumbled beef bacon.
Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss everything together until well coated.

Step 4: Let It Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Make It Healthier: Swap beef bacon for turkey bacon or smoked almonds. Use light mayo or replace mayo with all Greek yogurt.
Add More Flavor: Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese or chopped apples for extra crunch.
Make It Vegan: Use vegan mayo, replace bacon with smoked almonds or coconut bacon, and swap honey for maple syrup.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing as the dressing may become watery.
Meal Prep: Prep the dressing and store it separately to keep the salad fresh. Add bacon just before serving for maximum crunch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: chef's choice
Method: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, salad

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 servings
Calories: ~280
Fat: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~20g
Protein: ~8g