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Fresh Broccoli Cranberry Salad with Honey Poppy Seed Dressing

Fresh Broccoli Cranberry Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy salad combining crisp broccoli florets, tart dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and a creamy honey poppy seed dressing. Perfect for potlucks, lunches, or light dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head), chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup sliced or slivered toasted almonds
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon whole poppy seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash one large head of fresh broccoli and chop into small, bite-sized florets (about 4 cups). Place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Finely dice ¼ cup red onion. If desired, soak chopped onion in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the sharpness, then drain well.
  3. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add ½ cup sliced almonds and toast, stirring frequently, for 3–4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons honey, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon whole poppy seeds, ¼ teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness or tang as desired.
  5. Add dried cranberries, chopped red onion, toasted almonds, and optional crumbled feta cheese to the broccoli bowl. Pour the dressing over the top.
  6. Gently toss everything together until broccoli is evenly coated and ingredients are well mixed. Serve immediately for freshest crunch or chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes to let flavors meld and broccoli soften slightly.

Notes

Keep dressing separate until just before serving to keep broccoli crisp. Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning. Soaking onion reduces sharpness. Adjust honey and vinegar to taste. For vegan version, use vegan mayo and maple syrup instead of honey.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, cranberry salad, honey poppy seed dressing, easy salad, potluck salad, healthy side dish

Find it online: https://milacook.com/fresh-broccoli-cranberry-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-honey-poppy-seed-dressing/