Fresh & Crunchy Broccoli Salad (Gluten-Free)

Here's your summer hit - the perfected picnic, potluck, or cookout salad recipe you've been searching for. This naturally gluten-free broccoli crunch salad combines all the essentials - crisp bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, apple, and sunflower seeds, tossed in a creamy tangy mayo dressing with a hint of honey and dijon mustard to balance it all out.

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings

Author Melissa Erdelac

Ingredients

⅓ cup red onion finely chopped
1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons honey divided
1 tablespoon water
¾ teaspoon salt divided
1½ - 2 pounds broccoli crowns about 2 heads, 6-7 cups cut into bite-sized pieces
1 apple cored and diced
1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
⅓ cup dried cranberries
5 slices cooked and chopped bacon
⅓ cup sunflower seeds or toasted almonds
¾ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
⅛ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Place the red onion in a small bowl. Add the vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, ½ teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon of water, and stir to combine. Leave to sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the salad.
⅓ cup red onion, 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons honey, ¾ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon water
To prep the broccoli, cut into small bite-sized florets, discarding stems. Rinse in a colander and then pour onto a lint-free dish towel to absorb excess water to avoid making the salad watery. Set aside while prepping rest of salad.
1½ - 2 pounds broccoli crowns
After 10 minutes, finish the dressing. In the red onion / vinegar / honey bowl add the mayo, remaining 2 tablespoons honey, dijon, remaining 1/4 tsp salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
¾ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Transfer the broccoli to a large bowl and combine with apple, cheddar cheese, cranberries, bacon, and sunflower seeds. Pour dressing over everything and stir together. Serve immediately at room temperature or refrigerate until ready to serve. Let it sit out 30-45 minutes before serving, if chilled.
1 apple, 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, ⅓ cup dried cranberries, 5 slices cooked and chopped bacon, ⅓ cup sunflower seeds

Nutrition