Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a salad that truly brightens up your meal, you have to try my Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe. It’s exactly what you want on a sunny afternoon picnic or as a lively side for weekday dinners. This salad combines crunchy fresh broccoli with sweet raisins and salty bacon, all dressed in a creamy, tangy dressing that just makes you smile with every bite.

I first made this salad for a family reunion, and it was a total hit — everyone wanted the recipe! What makes this Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe so special is that it’s easy to throw together but full of contrasting textures and flavors that keep you coming back. Plus, it chills beautifully, so it’s even better when made ahead, giving you extra time to relax and enjoy your company.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe plays a role, contributing either texture or flavor contrast. I always pick fresh, firm broccoli heads and don’t skimp on the bacon for that savory pop.

• Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base that carries all the flavors and adds lusciousness.
• White Sugar: Balances the acidity with a gentle sweetness without overpowering.
• White Vinegar: Gives the dressing a tangy kick that brightens the whole salad.
• Fresh Broccoli: Choose crisp, vibrant florets for crunch and nutrition.
• Raisins: Adds natural sweetness and a chewy texture that contrasts wonderfully with broccoli.
• Salted Sunflower Kernels: Provides a nutty crunch that elevates the texture profile.
• Cooked Crumbled Bacon: The smoky saltiness here is a total game-changer, don’t skip it!
• Diced Red Onion: Adds sharpness and a subtle zing, rounding out the flavor complexity.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love personalizing this Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe depending on the occasion. You can easily amp up the sweetness, add crunch, or make it heartier just by swapping or adding a few ingredients.

• Variation: I sometimes swap sunflower kernels for toasted almonds to bring a richer nutty flavor that my family enjoys.
• Dietary Twist: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise—still creamy, but with a fresh tang.
• Seasonal Change: Adding chopped apples or cranberries during fall gives it a festive vibe that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

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

Step 1: Whisk the Perfect Dressing

Start by mixing mayonnaise, white sugar, and white vinegar in a large bowl. Whisk them together until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture looks smooth and creamy. This step is key because a well-emulsified dressing coats the broccoli and other ingredients evenly, giving you that consistent mouthwatering flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Add the Mix-Ins

Once your dressing is ready, toss in the broccoli florets, raisins, salted sunflower kernels, cooked crumbled bacon, and diced red onion. Use a big spoon or your hands to mix everything super well so each piece gets touched by the creamy dressing. This not only blends the flavors but also makes the salad visually appealing with all the colors popping.

Step 3: Chill and Let Flavors Marry

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Trust me, this waiting period is magic; it lets the flavors meld, and the broccoli softens just a touch without losing its crunch. If possible, make this salad a few hours or even a day ahead for the best taste experience.

How to Serve Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top this salad with a sprinkle of extra bacon bits and a few sunflower seeds for added texture and visual appeal. Sometimes, a few fresh parsley leaves add a pop of color and fresh herby note that brightens the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs fantastically with grilled chicken or fish and is a favorite alongside BBQ ribs or sandwiches. It also makes a perfect potluck dish to bring because it stands up well next to heavy mains and keeps the meal feeling light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this in a hollowed-out bread bowl or shaping it into individual lettuce cups. It adds that “wow” factor and makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy. Another fun tip is layering it in clear jars for a vibrant, portable salad on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store this Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps well for up to two days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing, and it’s fresh and tasty like the first time.

Freezing

Honestly, I don’t recommend freezing this salad. From my experience, freezing changes the texture of the broccoli and makes the creamy dressing separate, leaving you with a watery, mushy result that’s just not enjoyable.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, it’s best enjoyed straight from the fridge. However, if you want to serve it at room temperature, just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes. Avoid heating it in the microwave as it breaks down the textures and flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe has become a personal favorite for casual get-togethers and weeknight dinners alike. It’s that kind of dish you make once and keep coming back to because it’s fresh, fun, and absolutely delicious every single time. Trust me, once you make it and share it with friends, it’ll quickly earn a spot in your recipe rotation. Give it a try—you’ll love how it adds a burst of sunshine to your table.

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