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Creamy Broccoli Grape Salad Recipe with Bacon and Sunflower Seeds

creamy broccoli grape salad - featured image

A quick and easy creamy broccoli grape salad combining crisp broccoli, sweet grapes, smoky bacon, and crunchy sunflower seeds with a tangy, creamy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a fresh side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped bite-sized
  • 2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, toasted
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
  2. Rinse broccoli florets under cold water and pat dry thoroughly. Chop into small, even pieces.
  3. Slice the seedless red grapes in half.
  4. Toast sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli, halved grapes, crumbled bacon, toasted sunflower seeds, and diced red onion.
  7. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is well coated.
  8. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Optionally, garnish with extra sunflower seeds or bacon crumbles.

Notes

Dry broccoli thoroughly after rinsing to prevent watery dressing. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for even crispiness. Toast sunflower seeds just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. Toss salad with dressing just before serving to keep broccoli crunchy. Dressing can be made lighter by substituting mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. For vegetarian or vegan versions, omit bacon and use roasted chickpeas or smoked tempeh, and substitute dairy ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli grape salad, creamy broccoli salad, bacon salad, sunflower seeds salad, easy salad recipe, potluck salad, picnic salad