Print

Honey Mustard Broccoli Salad Recipe Easy with Cranberries and Bacon

honey mustard broccoli salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy broccoli salad featuring a sweet-tangy honey mustard dressing, dried cranberries, and crispy bacon for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 300 grams)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (about 70 grams)
  • 6–8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion (about 40 grams)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts
  • Optional: 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Rinse 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets under cold water and pat dry. Chop into bite-sized pieces if needed.
  2. Cook 6-8 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces. Alternatively, microwave on a paper towel-lined plate for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Finely dice 1/4 cup of red onion. Soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you want to mellow the sharpness.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste until smooth.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, dried cranberries, and optional sunflower seeds or nuts. Pour dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.
  6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and soften the broccoli slightly while keeping crunch.

Notes

For best texture, use fresh, firm broccoli crowns. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. To prep ahead, keep dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain crunch. Watch bacon carefully to avoid burning. For vegetarian or vegan versions, substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon and mayonnaise with dairy-free mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, honey mustard dressing, cranberry salad, bacon salad, easy salad recipe, quick side dish, potluck salad

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/honey-mustard-broccoli-salad-recipe-easy-with-cranberries-and-bacon/