Crunchy Broccoli Bacon Sunflower Seed Salad Easy Tangy Dressing Recipe
A crunchy and flavorful salad combining fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, toasted sunflower seeds, and a tangy dressing that balances smoky and nutty flavors perfectly. Quick and easy to prepare, this salad is perfect as a light meal or a side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 400g), chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- ½ cup (60g) shelled sunflower seeds, toasted
- ½ small red onion (about ½ cup or 50g), thinly sliced
- ½ cup (50g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15g) honey
- 1 teaspoon (5g) Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces. Save a little bacon fat if desired for toasting sunflower seeds.
- Rinse broccoli florets and pat dry. Chop into small, bite-sized pieces, avoiding soggy parts.
- Toast sunflower seeds in the same skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Thinly slice the red onion. For milder flavor, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust sweetness or acidity as preferred.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, bacon, sunflower seeds, sliced onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
For best texture, do not overdress the salad. Toast sunflower seeds carefully to avoid burning. Save some bacon fat to toast sunflower seeds for extra smoky flavor. Prepare components separately if making ahead and toss just before serving to maintain crunch. Bacon can be substituted with turkey bacon or coconut bacon for different dietary needs. Cheese is optional and can be replaced with dairy-free alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 c
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 12
Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, sunflower seed salad, tangy dressing, crunchy salad, easy salad recipe, quick salad, healthy salad