April 24 2025

Broccoli Salad Recipe With Cranberry Cheese

Khemit Easy Recipes 0

Alright, let’s talk about one of the most irresistible salads that feels just as refreshing as it does indulgent.

This is Broccoli Salad with Cranberry Cheese. It’s creamy, sweet, and tangy all at once. And ah, soo delicious!

How to Make this Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients

4 cups of fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or more, if you’re feeling cheesy)
1/3 cup of dried cranberries (sweet and tart, just like a good friendship)
1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup of mayonnaise (yep, the magic ingredient)
2 tablespoons of honey (for that sweet, sweet finish)
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (gives it a nice tang)
Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this, it makes all the difference)
Optional: A sprinkle of sunflower seeds or pecans.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Broccoli

Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly. Cut it into bite-sized florets, making sure they’re small enough to put right into your mouth without needing a knife (nobody wants to be sitting there cutting broccoli mid-eating). Set these aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a separate bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, and apple cider vinegar.

Keep mixing until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon juice for a little extra taste.

Step 3: Put it All Together

Now that your dressing is ready, put it over the broccoli. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, and red onion.

Put it all together. Make sure everything is coated in that luscious, creamy dressing.

Step 4: Let it Chill

Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid, and put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

The flavors will marry beautifully, and that chill time gives you a chance to relax, maybe even take a nap.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Now, get yourself a big ol’ portion of this salad, and get ready to enjoy a flavor taste!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

⒈ Overcooking the Broccoli – Don’t let your broccoli get mushy! We want that crisp texture, so just give it a quick rinse and chop it raw.

2. Not Chilling Enough – If you’re too eager to eat, I get it. But trust me, letting the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes makes a difference. Don’t skip it!

3. Too Much Dressing – It’s easy to go overboard, but you don’t want to drown your salad in dressing. A little goes a long way, and you can always add more if needed.

4. Skipping the Sweetness – The honey balances out the tangy and creamy elements. If you skip it, your salad might taste a little too sour.

Recipe Best Tips

Use Fresh Broccoli – Fresh broccoli really makes this salad great. Try to get it as crisp and vibrant as possible. Frozen broccoli just won’t give you the same.
Play with Cheese – While sharp cheddar is good, feel free to swap in some crumbled feta or a creamy goat cheese.
Sweeten to Taste – Not everyone likes the same level of sweetness, so taste the dressing before putting it with the salad. Add more honey if you like it sweet, or reduce it if you prefer a tangier.
Add Texture – Sunflower seeds, pecans, or even some crispy bacon bits on top add texture and extra flavor. It’s the little details that make all the difference.

Serving Suggestions

This broccoli salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, BBQ pork, or even a veggie burger. It’s also a great side dish for a summer cookout or a potluck with friends.

Honestly, it’s just as good on its own for a light lunch or snack, especially when you want something fresh and satisfying.

Storage and Freezing

① Storage

This salad stores really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors keep developing, so it’s even better the next day! Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container.

② Freezing

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad. The texture of the broccoli and cheese won’t hold up well once frozen and thawed.

But don’t worry, it’ll be gone before you even think about freezing any leftovers!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
A: Fresh broccoli is best for this salad, as it keeps it satisfying. Frozen broccoli tends to get mushy after thawing, so I’d skip it here.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, letting it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours (or overnight) really helps the flavors meld together.

Q: Can I swap out the mayo?
A: Yep, you can use a dairy-free mayo, or swap it out for Greek yogurt if you want it lighter. But keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly.

Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as you’re using gluten-free mayo, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Q: What if I don’t like cranberries?
A: No problem! You can use raisins, dried cherries, or even fresh fruit like apple chunks.

Q: Can I make this salad spicy?
A: If you’re into heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño. It’ll give the salad a nice spicy taste!

Q: Can I serve this salad warm?
A: While it’s best served chilled, you can eat it right away if you’re in a rush. Just know that the flavor won’t be as fully developed.

Conclusion

And there you have it, Broccoli Salad with Cranberry Cheese that’s both easy to make and totally delicious.

Whether you’re having a BBQ, a casual dinner, or just need a snack, this salad is your new go-to.

I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so drop a comment and share your own twist on the recipe.

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