This cranberry broccoli salad is crisp, creamy, sweet, and tangy the perfect make-ahead side dish for potlucks, holidays, or weeknight dinners. Packed with fresh broccoli, dried cranberries, and crunchy add-ins, it’s a guaranteed favorite.
👉 Prep Time: 15 minutes
👉 Chill Time: 30 minutes
👉 Difficulty: Easy
👉 Servings: 6-8
🔽 Jump to Recipe
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Broccoli Salad
- Fresh, crunchy texture in every bite
- Sweet + savory balance
- Easy to make ahead
- Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and holidays
- No cooking required
This salad gets even better as it chills, making it ideal for busy days.
🥦 Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients List
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Dried cranberries
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Sunflower seeds or chopped nuts
- Bacon bits (optional)
- Cheddar cheese (optional)
Creamy Dressing
- Mayonnaise
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar or honey
- Salt & black pepper
👉 Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.
💡 Ingredient Tips
- Cut broccoli into small, bite-size pieces
- Use dried cranberries (not fresh) for sweetness
- Red onion adds bite soak briefly to mellow flavor
- Add bacon just before serving for max crunch
👩🍳 How to Make Cranberry Broccoli Salad (Step by Step)
Step 1: Prep the Broccoli
Wash and dry broccoli thoroughly.
Cut into small florets.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Mayo
- Vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt & pepper
Adjust sweetness to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine:
- Broccoli
- Cranberries
- Onion
- Seeds / nuts
- Cheese (if using)
Pour dressing over and toss well.
Step 4: Chill
Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.
➡️ Stir once before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This cranberry broccoli salad pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- BBQ ribs
- Holiday turkey or ham
- Sandwiches and wraps
A fresh contrast to rich main dishes.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Store in the fridge up to 3 days
- Stir before serving leftovers
- Best enjoyed cold
- Not freezer-friendly
🔄 Variations You Can Try
- Use Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing
- Add diced apples for extra crunch
- Swap cranberries for raisins
- Make it vegan with plant-based mayo
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling.
Is broccoli salad healthy?
Broccoli is nutrient-rich adjust dressing for lighter options.
Can I skip the bacon?
Absolutely. It’s delicious with or without.
🥗🍒 Recipe Card
PrintCranberry Broccoli Salad Recipe: Your New Favorite Lunch?
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and flavorful salad featuring broccoli, cranberries, bacon, and a creamy dressing, perfect as a side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, crumbled bacon, and chopped red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon.
- You can substitute the sunflower seeds with chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Adjust the sugar in the dressing to your preference.
- The salad is best served after chilling for at least an hour, but can be made up to a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon)
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook (except bacon)
- Cuisine: American
✨ Final Thoughts
This cranberry broccoli salad is a simple, refreshing side dish that fits any occasion. Creamy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
📌 Save this recipe on Pinterest it’s a potluck winner!
