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Crunchy Broccoli Grape Salad Recipe with Bacon and Sunflower Seeds for Easy Summer Sides

crunchy broccoli grape salad - featured image

A vibrant and crunchy broccoli grape salad featuring crispy bacon, toasted sunflower seeds, and a tangy creamy dressing. Perfect as a fresh, easy side dish for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • ½ cup sunflower seeds, toasted
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and drain 4 cups of broccoli florets. Chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Wash 1 cup of red seedless grapes and slice them in half. Add to the bowl with broccoli.
  3. Cook 6 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove, drain on paper towels, and crumble into small pieces. Reserve a tablespoon of bacon fat if desired.
  4. Toast ½ cup of sunflower seeds in the same skillet over medium heat, stirring often until golden and nutty, about 3 to 5 minutes. Let cool.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Pour the dressing over the broccoli and grapes. Add crumbled bacon, toasted sunflower seeds, and ¼ cup finely chopped red onion (if using). Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  7. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and broccoli to soften slightly.

Notes

Do not overcook the bacon; it should be crispy but not burnt. Toast sunflower seeds carefully to avoid burning. Chop broccoli uniformly for consistent texture. Adjust dressing thickness by adding more Greek yogurt or mayo as desired. For best flavor, chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Add bacon and sunflower seeds just before serving if making ahead to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli grape salad, bacon salad, sunflower seeds, summer side dish, crunchy salad, easy salad recipe, gluten-free salad