Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe
If you’re craving a salad that bursts with sunshine in every bite, the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe is a true gem to have in your kitchen repertoire. I absolutely love how this salad brightens up any meal with its perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, a family dinner, or just want a fresh side for your own table, this salad has a way of stealing the spotlight.
What makes the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe so special is how effortlessly it combines simple ingredients into a vibrant and refreshing dish that everyone seems to enjoy. It’s quick to whip up, yet the flavors really meld after a bit of chill time, making it an easy recipe that fits well with busy schedules but doesn’t skimp on taste.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The creamy mayo meets the tangy vinegar and sugar, creating a dressing that clings perfectly to the broccoli and other mix-ins.
- Texture Contrast: Crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, chewy raisins, and sunflower kernels add delightful mouthfeel and variety.
- Easy to Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better after chilling, making it ideal for prepping in advance for gatherings or busy weekdays.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its combination of familiar ingredients makes it a hit with adults and kids alike.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe plays a unique role, blending textures and flavors that make this salad a standout. When shopping, opt for fresh broccoli and quality bacon for the best results.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds everything, adding a smooth richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- White Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the tang of the vinegar and the savoriness of bacon.
- White Vinegar: Brings brightness and a touch of acidity that cuts through the creaminess.
- Fresh Broccoli: Provides a crisp, vibrant base loaded with nutrients; make sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces for an even bite.
- Raisins: Juicy bursts of sweetness that complement the crunch and savory elements perfectly.
- Salted Sunflower Kernels: Add a nutty crunch and a salty hit that makes the texture exciting.
- Cooked Crumbled Bacon: Smoky and crispy, it delivers that irresistible savory chunk that elevates the whole dish.
- Diced Red Onion: Provides a mild sharpness and color contrast that brightens the salad visually and flavor-wise.
Tweak to Your Taste
I’ve found that the beauty of the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can easily swap or add ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Variation: I sometimes swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped apples for a different kind of sweetness and crunch—both work wonderfully!
- Diet-Friendly: To lighten it up, use Greek yogurt mixed with a little mayo for the dressing, which still keeps that creamy vibe with less fat.
- Extra Protein: Adding cooked chicken or turkey bacon can turn this salad into a more filling main dish.
- Seasonal Swap: In winter, roasted Brussels sprouts can be a nice broccoli alternative that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Start by combining the mayonnaise, white sugar, and white vinegar in a large bowl. Whisk them together until the dressing is smooth and the sugar has dissolved. This creates the perfect base that’s creamy yet tangy—a combo that turns every bite into sunshine on your palate.
Step 2: Prep Your Ingredients
While your dressing waits patiently, chop the fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. Dice the red onion finely so it spreads its mild punch in every forkful. Cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy, then crumble it—don’t rush this, crispy bacon makes all the difference.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Now toss the broccoli, raisins, sunflower kernels, diced onions, and bacon into the bowl with your dressing. Mix everything so that each piece is lightly coated. Then cover your masterpiece and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors marry beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the flavors mellow and the dressing to thicken a bit, making the salad more cohesive.
- Use Crisp Broccoli: Fresh, firm broccoli is essential to avoid a mushy salad; if it’s a bit older, a quick ice water soak can revive its crunch.
- Cook Bacon Well: Crispy bacon crumbles add texture and flavor, so take your time cooking it until nicely browned but not burnt.
- Don’t Freeze: This salad doesn’t freeze well—the broccoli and dressing tend to become watery when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge.
How to Serve Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle some extra sunflower kernels or fresh chopped parsley on top before serving—it adds a little pop of color and crunch that makes the salad even more inviting. Sometimes a tiny dusting of freshly cracked black pepper rounds it nicely as well.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light, summery meal. I also love serving it alongside baked potatoes or a simple pasta dish for a comforting family dinner that feels fresh and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, I’ve served the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers at gatherings, which doubles as both a colorful bowl and a tasty edible garnish. It’s a fun way to impress guests while keeping things simple.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it typically stays fresh and flavorful for about 2 days. Make sure to give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Freezing this salad isn’t something I recommend because the broccoli and creamy dressing don’t hold up well after thawing — it becomes watery and mushy, losing the charm that makes this recipe so great.
Reheating
This salad is definitely best served cold, so I don’t heat it up. If you want a warm salad, I suggest preparing a fresh one or trying a different recipe geared toward warm servings.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli for the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh broccoli because frozen broccoli tends to be softer and may release too much water, making the salad soggy. If all you have is frozen, thaw and drain it thoroughly and consider patting it dry before mixing.
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What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this salad?
You can swap half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option that keeps the creaminess but adds a slight tang and protein boost.
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How far ahead can I make the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe?
It can be prepared up to two days in advance and kept refrigerated. Letting it chill helps flavors meld, but I don’t recommend making it much earlier because the textures will degrade.
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Can I add other nuts or seeds instead of sunflower kernels?
Absolutely! Toasted almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds can make excellent substitutes, each adding their own unique texture and flavor to the salad.
Final Thoughts
The Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe has become one of those comfort dishes I reach for whenever I want something that feels both homey and fresh. It’s charmingly simple but packs so much flavor and texture, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser that you can count on. I highly recommend giving it a try—you’ll love how it brightens up your meals just like it did mine.
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Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A vibrant and creamy Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad combining fresh broccoli, sweet raisins, crunchy sunflower kernels, and smoky bacon with a tangy mayonnaise dressing, perfect as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
Salad
- 1 pound fresh broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3/4 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup salted sunflower kernels
- 1/2 pound cooked crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white sugar, and white vinegar until smooth and well combined to create a tangy and creamy dressing.
- Add salad ingredients: Add the chopped broccoli, raisins, salted sunflower kernels, cooked crumbled bacon, and diced red onion into the bowl with the dressing.
- Mix the salad: Stir all ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the dressing evenly coats all components of the salad.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
- Serve and enjoy: After chilling, serve the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad cold as a delicious side dish or light meal.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared up to 2 days in advance for convenience.
- Freezing is not recommended as it will cause the salad to become watery and mushy.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon or substitute with smoky tempeh bits.
- Use salted sunflower kernels for flavor; if using unsalted, add a pinch of salt if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
