Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe

If you’ve ever had a broccoli salad that just sings with a harmony of sweet, tangy, and crunchy, you’ll totally want to try this Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that seems simple but ends up stealing the show at every potluck or family gathering I bring it to. The combination of fresh broccoli, sweet raisins, salty bacon, and sunflower kernels makes every bite an absolute delight.

I particularly love how this Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe is so easy to throw together in about 15 minutes, yet it’s packed with flavor that feels like you spent hours crafting it. It works perfectly as a light lunch, a picnic side, or a refreshing addition to any barbecue spread. Trust me, once you make it for the first time, it’s going to become your go-to salad all year round.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe lies in how each ingredient brings its unique texture and flavor, working together to create a luscious and layered salad. Choosing fresh broccoli and crisp bacon makes all the difference here.

• Mayonnaise: Acts as a creamy, tangy base that binds all the flavors without overpowering the freshness of broccoli.
• White Sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the tang of vinegar and the saltiness of bacon.
• White Vinegar: Brings acidity to brighten the salad and cut through the richness of mayo and bacon.
• Fresh Broccoli: Use firm, bright green stalks for crunch and vibrant color—freshness is key!
• Raisins: These little bursts of sweetness provide chewy texture and natural sugar that complement the savory elements.
• Salted Sunflower Kernels: They add nutty flavor and an extra crunch that keeps this salad exciting bite after bite.
• Cooked Crumbled Bacon: Crisp bacon bits provide smoky, salty depth that makes this salad feel indulgent yet fresh.
• Diced Red Onion: Adds a mild pungency and crunch that brightens the dish and balances the creamy dressing.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe is such a flexible canvas—you can easily adjust it based on what you have or like best. Sometimes, I swap out raisins for dried cranberries for a bit of tartness or add a handful of chopped apples for extra crunch and freshness.

• Variation: I like adding shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the mix for a creamy, cheesy layer that pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon.
• Dietary swap: For a lighter version, you can try substituting mayonnaise with Greek yogurt—this adds tang and reduces calories without losing creaminess.
• Seasonal twist: In fall, tossing in some chopped walnuts takes this salad to another level and adds a lovely autumn vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing

Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, white sugar, and white vinegar until everything is perfectly blended and smooth. This dressing is the heart of the salad, so take a minute to make sure it’s creamy and the sugar is fully dissolved. It helps if you use room-temperature mayo for easier mixing.

Step 2: Prep Broccoli and Other Ingredients

While making the dressing, chop your broccoli into bite-sized florets—no need for them to be too tiny, as you want a satisfying crunch in every bite. Dice the red onion finely so it blends instead of overpowering the salad. If your bacon isn’t cooked yet, crisp it up in a skillet, then crumble into small pieces. I always toast the sunflower kernels just for a minute to enhance their nuttiness, but you can use them raw too.

Step 3: Combine Everything and Chill

Add the broccoli, raisins, sunflower kernels, bacon, and diced onion to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently but thoroughly to make sure every piece is coated with that luscious sauce. Once mixed, cover the salad and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. I’ve found that chilling really helps flavors meld together, making the salad taste even better the next day.

How to Serve Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a few extra sunflower kernels and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving. Sometimes, a few finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a fresh pop of color and flavor that livens up the salad even more.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a refreshing side on a warm day. It’s also a delight alongside classic BBQ staples like ribs or burgers—its bright flavors cut through heavier dishes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at a party, I’ve served this salad in individual mini mason jars layered with extra bacon on top—it’s both cute and mess-free! Another time, I spooned it inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful, nature-inspired presentation that guests loved.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge and try to eat it within 1-2 days for the best texture and flavor. I find the broccoli stays crisp and the dressing doesn’t separate if kept chilled properly.

Freezing

Just a heads up from personal experience: freezing Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe isn’t a great idea. The mayo-based dressing tends to break down when thawed, turning the salad watery and mushy, which kind of defeats the purpose of a crunchy fresh salad.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t something I recommend. If you want to enjoy leftovers, just let it sit out for a few minutes after taking it from the fridge to come to room temp—it really brings out the flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe has genuinely become one of my favorite go-to sides when I want something bright, easy, and full of texture. I love how it feels homey yet a little special at the same time. If you’re looking for a fresh salad that’s as straightforward to make as it is impressive to serve, please give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite salad too!

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