If you’re looking for a craveable, colorful, and crowd-pleasing side, look no further than Broccoli Salad Supreme. This isn’t your typical potluck salad—it’s a gloriously fresh mix of crisp-tender broccoli, sweet cranberries, smoky bacon, crunchy sunflower seeds, and tangy cheddar, all tossed in a creamy, zingy dressing. Every bite bursts with bold flavor, inviting texture, and an irresistible balance of salty, sweet, and savory, making Broccoli Salad Supreme the ultimate dish for picnics, family dinners, or any time you want your veggies to seriously shine.

Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Broccoli Salad Supreme recipe plays a unique role in flavor, freshness, and crunch. With a handful of pantry staples and a couple of fresh produce picks, you’ll have a showstopper salad you’ll want to make on repeat.

Broccoli florets: Go for fresh, vibrant green florets—these are the star of Broccoli Salad Supreme and give it unbeatable crunch and color.
Shredded carrots: Bring sweetness and eye-popping orange streaks to the mix for a naturally beautiful salad.
Dried cranberries: Add a tart, chewy contrast that perfectly offsets the savory ingredients and makes the flavors pop.
Sunflower seeds: Offer that signature nutty crunch, plus a toasty depth that sets this salad apart.
Finely chopped red onion: Delivers a welcome zippy kick and a touch of color—just enough to wake up your taste buds.
Bacon, cooked and crumbled: Smoky, salty, and totally irresistible—make it crispy for the best texture in your Broccoli Salad Supreme.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty bits of sharp or mild cheddar lend creamy richness and round out every forkful.
Mayonnaise: The base for our velvety dressing—feel free to swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter take.
Apple cider vinegar: This gives your salad that lively tang and brightens all the flavors.
Honey: Balances out the zing of the vinegar with just a hint of natural sweetness.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Just a touch for a subtle bite and spice in the creamy dressing.

How to Make Broccoli Salad Supreme

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Goodies

Start by gathering all the vibrant ingredients for your Broccoli Salad Supreme. Rinse and pat dry your broccoli florets, then chop them into bite-size pieces for easy eating. Shred the carrots, finely chop the red onion, crumble the crisp cooked bacon, and measure out your sunflower seeds and cranberries. Laying everything out ahead makes mixing a breeze!

Step 2: Toss Together the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, red onion, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Give everything a quick toss so you get some of each in every bite. The colors and textures should already be making you hungry.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper together until silky smooth. This simple combo creates the dreamy, tangy-sweet dressing that’s at the heart of every Broccoli Salad Supreme. For a lighter touch, swap some or all of the mayo for Greek yogurt—you’ll keep the creamy vibe while getting a little extra protein.

Step 4: Dress It Up

Pour the luscious dressing over your broccoli mixture. Use tongs or a big spoon to gently toss until everything is well coated—the goal is to make sure every floret and crumb is glossed with flavor. Take a moment to admire all the colors before you cover and chill!

Step 5: Chill and Meld

Pop your salad in the fridge for at least one hour. This brief nap lets the flavors meld, the veggies slightly soften, and the dressing become even more irresistible. If you’re prepping ahead, wait to add the bacon until right before serving so it stays perfectly crisp.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

Just before serving, give your Broccoli Salad Supreme one final gentle toss to redistribute any dressing that may have settled. Spoon it into your favorite bowl and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

How to Serve Broccoli Salad Supreme

Garnishes

A handful of extra sunflower seeds, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, or a final flourish of crumbled bacon makes Broccoli Salad Supreme pop visually and adds a last-minute burst of crunch. A few fresh chopped chives or parsley also elevate the dish with a touch of green freshness.

Side Dishes

Broccoli Salad Supreme pairs well with a whole host of mains—think grilled chicken, burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, or a classic Sunday roast. It also fits right in at holiday spreads and summer barbecues, especially when set alongside other cold salads and fresh breads.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Broccoli Salad Supreme in mason jars for adorable grab-and-go portions at picnics, or arrange on a bed of leafy greens for an extra dramatic tableside moment. For potlucks, try a wide, shallow platter to show off all those brilliant colors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Broccoli Salad Supreme into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. The salad will keep its crunch for 2–3 days, though the bacon softens as it sits—if you like it really crisp, keep extra bacon separate and sprinkle more in before enjoying.

Freezing

Freezing Broccoli Salad Supreme isn’t recommended. The creamy dressing can separate and the veggies lose their snap, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.

Reheating

Broccoli Salad Supreme is made to be served cold, but if you accidentally left it out a bit too long, just give it a chill in the fridge before serving. Warm salad isn’t the goal here—the creamy dressing really shines when cool and refreshing.

FAQs

Can I make Broccoli Salad Supreme vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply leave out the bacon or swap in roasted chickpeas or chopped smoked almonds for a satisfying crunch and smoky hint without the meat.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

You can use Greek yogurt, a veganaise alternative, or even half sour cream to achieve a creamy dressing that’s just as luscious. Just adjust any seasonings as needed to taste.

How far in advance can I make Broccoli Salad Supreme?

You can prepare this salad up to one day ahead for maximum flavor mingling. For extra crunch, wait to stir in the bacon right before serving.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Fresh broccoli is highly recommended for Broccoli Salad Supreme because it holds its crunch and bright flavor. Frozen broccoli tends to get too soft and watery when thawed, which changes the texture of the salad.

Is Broccoli Salad Supreme gluten-free?

Yes! All the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check your bacon and any add-ins to make sure they don’t have hidden gluten if you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Broccoli Salad Supreme shows up at every celebration in my home—its flavors and textures never get old, and it’s always a hit with guests. If you love a crunchy, creamy, unforgettable side, give this recipe a try and see just how supreme broccoli salad can be!

Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and colorful broccoli salad that combines crunchy broccoli florets with sweet cranberries, savory bacon, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Broccoli Salad:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Creamy Dressing:

3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, mix broccoli, carrots, cranberries, sunflower seeds, red onion, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine: Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. Chill for 1 hour before serving.
Enjoy: Stir well before serving.