Loaded Broccoli Salad
This Loaded Broccoli Salad is crunchy, sweet, savory, and packed with cheddar, apples, cranberries, and bacon—perfect for any potluck or picnic!
Hey there! Got a craving for a crunchy, sweet, and savory side dish that’s totally irresistible? Let me tell you about my Loaded Broccoli Salad—it’s got everything you love in one bowl: crispy broccoli, juicy apples, crunchy sunflower seeds, and that perfect touch of bacon. Plus, the dressing? Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet. This salad is your new go-to for potlucks, picnics, or just when you want a fresh, satisfying dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Broccoli Salad:
- Broccoli – The crunchy base.
- Red onion – Adds a nice bite and color.
- Apples – I love using a sweet variety like Fuji or Gala. They balance the other flavors beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – The creamy, cheesy element that ties everything together.
- Dried cranberries – For that pop of sweetness!
- Sunflower seeds – Adds a nutty crunch to every bite.
- Bacon – Because bacon makes everything better, right?
- Mayonnaise – Keeps the dressing super creamy.
- Apple cider vinegar – A little tang to brighten the whole dish.
- Monk fruit sweetener – Or your fave sweetener to cut through the richness.
How to Make This Amazing Salad:
- Chop it all up: Add 2 heads of broccoli, ½ a red onion, and 2 apples to your food processor. Pulse them until they’re about the size of peas. (You might need to do this in batches if your food processor is small.)
- Mix-ins galore: Transfer that chopped goodness into a big bowl, then stir in the ½ cup of dried cranberries, ½ cup of cheddar cheese, ¼ cup of sunflower seeds, and the crumbled bacon. Give it a good mix!
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayo, 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar, and 3 tbsp of monk fruit sweetener.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad, and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve or chill: You can serve it right away, or let it chill in the fridge to let the flavors really meld together. Either way, it’s best eaten within a week (if it lasts that long!).
Why You’ll Love This:
This Loaded Broccoli Salad is a flavor explosion! You’ve got that balance of textures—crunchy, creamy, chewy—all while keeping it light and fresh. It’s also perfect for making ahead and bringing to any gathering. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in more veggies without sacrificing flavor. The combination of sweet apples, tangy cranberries, sharp cheddar, and smoky bacon with the slightly sweet dressing is just irresistible.
Pair it with grilled chicken or a juicy steak for a complete meal. It’s the perfect side dish that steals the show every time!
Let me know how you like it!
More Salads for Potlucks
🌟 Love this recipe? Spread the love by leaving a star review or dropping a comment below! I’d really love to hear what you think. If this recipe hit the spot for you, you’d be helping me out big time by sharing it on Pinterest or Facebook! 💬✨
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them (It won’t cost you extra, promise). This helps support my work and allows me to continue creating content—thank you for your support! Rest assured, I only recommend products I personally use and love.
The Best Loaded Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Chopped Heads of Broccoli
- ½ Large Red Onion
- 2 Peeled Apples
- ½ cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- ½ cup Dried Cranberries
- ¼ cup Sunflower Seeds
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 3 tablespoon Monk Fruit Sweetener (or sweetener of your choice)
- 3 Slices Crumbled Bacon
Instructions
- Add 2 Chopped Heads of Broccoli, ½ Large Red Onion and 2 Peeled Apples to a food processor and pulse until pea-sized. Add this mixture to a large bowl. You may have to do this in batches if your food processor is not large enough.
- Stir in ½ cup Dried Cranberries, ½ cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese, ¼ cup Sunflower Seeds and 3 Slices Crumbled Bacon and stir well.
- To a small bowl, add 1 cup Mayonnaise, 2 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar and 3 tablespoon Monk Fruit Sweetener
- Add dressing to the slaw and stir until combined. Serve immediately or place in fridge. Consume within a week.