Easy Broccoli Salad

**Easy Broccoli Salad: A Refreshing and Healthy Side Dish**

When it comes to vibrant, healthy side dishes, **Easy Broccoli Salad** is a crowd-pleaser. Packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor, this salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough to complement any meal. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or looking for a nutritious snack, this simple broccoli salad is a perfect choice. It’s quick to prepare, refreshing, and full of crunchy textures, making it a favorite for all ages.

Let’s explore the reasons why **Easy Broccoli Salad** should be your go-to side dish and how to prepare it in no time!

### **Why You’ll Love Easy Broccoli Salad**

1. **Quick and Simple to Make**: One of the best things about this broccoli salad is how easy and quick it is to prepare. It’s a no-fuss recipe that requires minimal cooking and is ready in just about 15 minutes!

2. **Packed with Nutrients**: Broccoli is an incredibly nutrient-dense vegetable, full of vitamins like C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. By adding other wholesome ingredients like nuts, seeds, and fruit, you create a salad that’s both healthy and delicious.

3. **Perfect for Any Occasion**: Whether it’s a summer cookout, holiday gathering, or just a family dinner, Easy Broccoli Salad fits seamlessly into any menu. It’s the perfect side to balance out rich main dishes like grilled meats, burgers, or even as a standalone light meal.

4. **Versatile**: The beauty of this salad is that you can customize it to your preferences. Add or remove ingredients based on what you like or have on hand. It’s highly adaptable to different dietary needs and tastes!

5. **Make Ahead**: This broccoli salad can be made in advance, which makes it great for meal prep or potlucks. The flavors only get better after sitting in the fridge for a while, so it’s an ideal dish to prepare ahead of time.

### **Ingredients for Easy Broccoli Salad**

Making Easy Broccoli Salad requires just a handful of ingredients. You can keep it basic, or if you want to take it to the next level, feel free to add your own twists.

#### **For the Salad:**
– **4 cups fresh broccoli florets** (about 1 large head of broccoli)
– **1/2 cup red onion**, finely chopped
– **1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese**, shredded (optional, for extra flavor)
– **1/4 cup sunflower seeds** or **pumpkin seeds** (for crunch)
– **1/4 cup raisins** or **dried cranberries** (for sweetness)
– **1/4 cup bacon bits** (optional, for a savory touch)
– **1/2 cup sliced almonds** or **walnuts** (optional, for added texture and flavor)

#### **For the Dressing:**
– **1/2 cup mayonnaise**
– **2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar**
– **2 tablespoons honey** or **sugar** (for a touch of sweetness)
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste

### **How to Make Easy Broccoli Salad**

This broccoli salad comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how you can make it:

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli**
Start by washing your broccoli thoroughly and cutting it into bite-sized florets. If you prefer smaller pieces, you can chop the florets into smaller, more manageable chunks. It’s important to remove the thick stems, though you can save them for another use, such as in soups or smoothies.

#### **Step 2: Assemble the Salad Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets with the red onion, cheese (if using), seeds, dried fruit, and bacon bits (if using). You can also add nuts for extra crunch—sliced almonds or chopped walnuts are great options, depending on your preference.

#### **Step 3: Prepare the Dressing**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey (or sugar). Season with salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be creamy with a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors. If you want a slightly lighter dressing, you can use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise, which will add creaminess and protein.

**Step 4: Toss and Combine**
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated. Make sure the dressing is well distributed so every bite is full of flavor.

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