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The Best Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

This crunchy broccoli salad features crisp broccoli florets combined with savory protein elements and a creamy tangy dressing, making it perfect for any occasion from casual dinners to festive gatherings. It's incredibly simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, with the flavors melding beautifully during refrigeration.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 6 cups fresh broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • 1 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup chopped roasted turkey ham
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and dry the broccoli thoroughly. Cut the florets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they're uniform for even distribution in the salad.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, chopped turkey ham, and shredded cheese.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
  4. Toss Everything Together: Pour the creamy dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for the best texture and flavor development.

Notes

This salad actually gets better with time! Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance - the broccoli retains its crunch while absorbing the delicious dressing flavors. For a tangier salad, increase the apple cider vinegar to 3 tablespoons. For a sweeter version, add an extra tablespoon of honey.