This vibrant broccoli salad effortlessly mixes crisp vegetables with sweet raisins, savory bacon, sharp cheddar and crunchy sunflower seeds. A tangy dressing of creamy mayo, apple cider vinegar and sugar binds the ingredients to create an explosion of well-balanced flavors, perfect for brightening up any meal or festive family gathering.

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I’m excited to share my Broccoli Salad Sugar Spun Run recipe with you, its perfect for bringing a mix of crunch and richness to your table. I start with 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets, add in 1 large shredded carrot, 1/2 cup diced red onion and 1/2 cup raisins to offer some natural sweetness.

Then I mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 6 slices of bacon cooked and crumbled for that savory kick. To add even more crunch and nutrition, I fold in 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds.

The dressing is made with 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar adjusted to taste, with salt and pepper to finish. This salad gives you a good dose of vitamins and protein while being a tasty option that works great for potlucks or an Easter gathering its a twist on classic Broccoli Cheddar Salad that i really love.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors all in one bite. I really dig the crunch from the fresh broccoli and the sunflower seeds, which makes every mouthful interesting. The crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese add a satisfying richness that I just can’t resist. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together, making it an awesome go-to salad when I want something tasty without a lot of hassle.

Broccoli Salad – Sugar Spun Run is one of those dishes that really works for me. I made it by tossing together fresh broccoli, shredded carrot, diced red onion, raisins, cheddar cheese, and even crumbled bacon which gave it a kick. Then i mixed in some sunflower seeds for an extra crunch. The dressing was made with mayo, apple cider vinegar, and a bit of sugar (plus salt and pepper) that tied everything in with a really tangy sweetness. It might not be perfect but it tastes so good and is easy to prepare, making it just the right mix of flavors and textures for me.

Ingredients

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Broccoli is packed with fibre, vitamins and antioxidants that gives a fresh crunchy bite.
Carrots provide vitamin A and natural sweetness while adding a crisp texture to the mix.
Red onion adds a tangy flavor and helpful antioxidants even if its a bit strong.
Raisins deliver a sweet, chewy touch that balances out the savory dressing flavors.
Bacon brings a smoky, protein-filled boost and satisfies cravings even though its fatty.
Sunflower seeds add healthy fats, crunch, and a nutty flavor with extra nutrients.
Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy sour punch balancing sweetness with a zinging twist.
Cheddar cheese delivers a creamy texture and rich flavor that binds the dish together.

Ingredient Quantities

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 large carrot, shredded

1/2 cup diced red onion

1/2 cup raisins

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

3/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 to 3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. First, clean and chop 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces and put them in a big bowl.

2. Shred the large carrot and dice 1/2 cup of red onion, then add them to the broccoli.

3. Toss in 1/2 cup raisins, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon.

4. Add 1/2 cup sunflower seeds to the mix.

5. In a smaller bowl, combine 3/4 cup mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar.

6. Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar (depending on how sweet you want it) and season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Mix the dressing really well until all the sugar is mostly dissolved.

8. Pour the dressing over your veggie and bacon mixture.

9. Toss everything gently so all the ingredients get a good coating of the dressing.

10. Let the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving, then enjoy your delicious Broccoli Salad.

Equipment Needed

1. A large mixing bowl to combine all the salad ingredients
2. A cutting board
3. A sharp knife for chopping the broccoli and dicing the red onion
4. A vegetable peeler and grater for shredding the carrot
5. A smaller bowl to mix the dressing
6. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate amounts
7. A mixing spoon or spatula to stir the salad and dressing together
8. A refrigerator-safe bowl or container to chill the salad before serving

FAQ

Q: Can I substitute the bacon for a healthier option?

A: Yep, you can use turkey bacon or even leave it out if you want a lower fat version.

Q: How long can I store the salad in the fridge?

A: You can keep it in an airtight container for about 2-3 days before the broccoli starts to get a bit soggy.

Q: What if im not a fan of raisins?

A: No worries, you can swap them with dried cranberries or even chopped apple for a different twist.

Q: Do i need to chill the salad before serving?

A: While its best served chilled, you can eat it at room temp if you dont mind the slight change in texture.

Q: Can I adjust the sugar in the dressing?

A: Absolutely, adjust the sugar to your taste or even try other sweeteners for a healthier twist.

Broccoli Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t like bacon, you can try using turkey bacon or just leave it out if you’re keeping it vegetarian.
Instead of mayo, plain Greek yogurt can be a good substitute, adding a nice tangy flavor and making it a bit lighter.
If raisins ain’t your thing, dried cranberries work pretty well for a burst of sweetness.
You could swap sunflower seeds for some chopped walnuts or pecans if you want a different crunchy texture.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you mix the dressing super well so the sugar dissolves completely, this really helps to bring out the tangy and sweet vibe of the salad. Sometimes if you rush it, the sugar stays clumpy and messes up the taste.

2. Cook your bacon until its nice and crispy before you crumble it. If it gets too burnt then it might taste bitter, but if its not cooked enough, it won’t add that crunch you need in every bite.

3. Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes even though it might be tempting to serve it right away. The extra chill time helps all the flavors blend together way better.

4. Taste your dressing after mixing everything and feel free to add a bit more salt or pepper if its needed. Fresh veggies can sometimes be bland so a little extra seasoning can really make the salad pop.