Many a high school deli shift wasn’t complete without making broccoli salad behind the counter. This famous salad didn’t make its rotation into my home until I worked at Piggly Wiggly in high school and learned all about it. Of course, in our Puerto Rican house, we always had potato salad or coditos (elbow pasta salad) but never this bright green beauty. The extent of our vegetables were just as side dishes and never in salad form.

I love the freshness of the raw broccoli that pairs with the creamy dressing here. Lots of great crunch from the onion, bacon, and sunflower kernels. It’s so delicious, honestly. I made a small batch for the photos here since I was cooking for myself but I wrote the recipe out to make more for a larger crowd. This salad also holds up really well in the fridge for meal prep or workdays. Just make sure to keep the dressing separate so the salad doesn’t get soggy and dress it a little bit before you plan on eating. We get some good balance of flavors and textures here, so let’s get going on this easy dish!

Broccoli Salad

Cook time: 15 minute prep, 1 hour fridge time

Serves: 4-6

2 large broccoli crowns, top cut into small pieces and the stem thinly sliced

1/2 sweet yellow onion, finely diced

4 slices bacon, cooked and diced

2 tbsp salted sunflower kernels

2 tbsp dried cranberries

Broccoli Salad Dressing

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp cracked black pepper

3 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1/2 large lemon, juiced

3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

In a medium mixing bowl, toss together the cut broccoli, onion, cooked bacon, sunflower kernel, and dried cranberries. Set aside.

In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, vinegar, lemon juice, and parmesan. Make sure to get all the lumps out of the mayonnaise and whisk until smooth and creamy. The dressing should be thin enough to pour easily. Start with pouring half of the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently. Let the salad marinate in the fridge for at least one hour before serving.

If you need to add more dressing based on your preference, add more and adjust seasoning after it chills in the fridge. Enjoy with your favorite protein or solo!

¡Buen provecho!