Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Broccoli Salad with Carrots Grapes and Sunflower Seeds Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 252 reviews
  • Author: Aiko
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

This Broccoli Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful dish packed with nutritious ingredients like broccoli, carrots, grapes, and red onion. Creamy mayonnaise-based dressing with apple cider vinegar and a hint of sugar balances the flavors perfectly. Optional crumbled bacon adds a savory touch, while sunflower seeds provide a delightful crunch. It’s a perfect healthy side or light meal that is easy to prepare and ideal for meal prep or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Fruits

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup red grapes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)

Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and Prepare Broccoli: Wash the broccoli thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or pesticides.
  2. Cut Broccoli: Using a sharp knife, cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets for easy eating and even dressing coverage.
  3. Prepare Carrots: Peel the carrots and shred them using a box grater or a food processor to add sweetness and texture to the salad.
  4. Chop Onion: Finely chop the red onion. If you find the flavor too pungent, soak the onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the taste.
  5. Slice Grapes: Wash the red grapes and slice them in half to bring juicy sweetness to the salad.
  6. Make Dressing: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add 1 cup of mayonnaise.
  7. Add Vinegar: Pour in 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to add acidity and brightness to the dressing.
  8. Add Sugar: Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the acids and enhance the flavor.
  9. Combine Dressing: Whisk the mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar until well combined and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Mix Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, shredded carrots, halved grapes, and chopped red onion. Add crumbled bacon if using for a smoky flavor boost.
  11. Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture.
  12. Toss Salad: Gently toss the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
  13. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
  14. Chill: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  15. Serve: Transfer the salad to a large serving bowl or individual plates.
  16. Add Crunch: For extra crunch and texture, sprinkle sunflower seeds on top just before serving.

Notes

  • You can omit the bacon to make this salad vegetarian.
  • Adjust sugar quantity in dressing if you prefer less sweetness.
  • Chilling the salad enhances the flavor, so don’t skip the refrigeration step.
  • Sunflower seeds add extra texture; substitute with toasted nuts if preferred.
  • Make the salad a few hours ahead for an even better flavor but add the sunflower seeds just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://mydelicioushome.com/broccoli-salad-with-carrots-grapes-and-sunflower-seeds-recipe/