Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe

You’ve got to try this Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe — it’s truly a showstopper in my kitchen! There’s something about the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory that makes it stand out from any other broccoli salad. I love bringing this to potlucks or summer barbecues because it always gets rave reviews and disappears fast.

What makes this Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe so special is how effortlessly it comes together in just 15 minutes, yet the flavors deepen after it chills. It’s that sweet tang from the raisins and vinegar dressing with the smokiness of bacon that makes me come back for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a quick side or a dish to impress guests, this salad is sure to become a favorite.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe plays a key role in combining texture and flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more. I always pay attention to fresh broccoli and the balance of sweet and savory elements when shopping.

• Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base that ties all the flavors together smoothly.
• White Sugar: Offers subtle sweetness to balance the vinegar’s tang.
• White Vinegar: Adds bright acidity, cutting through the richness and waking up the salad.
• Fresh Broccoli: The star ingredient, giving crunchy texture and vibrant taste.
• Raisins: Bring juicy sweetness and chewiness, a classic in broccoli salads.
• Salted Sunflower Kernels: For that extra nutty crunch and salty pop.
• Cooked Crumbled Bacon: Smoky, crisp bits that add depth and savory goodness.
• Diced Red Onion: Offers a sharp bite and color contrast without overwhelming the palate.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love encouraging you to play around with this salad since everyone has their own favorite flavor combos. I often swap out or add ingredients based on what’s in season or what I’m craving — it’s all about making the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe your own.

• Variation: Sometimes I like to stir in chopped apples or dried cranberries for a fruity twist that adds extra freshness.
• Make it dairy-free: Skip the mayo or substitute with a vegan mayo to suit dietary needs without losing creaminess.
• Nut alternatives: If sunflower kernels aren’t your thing, toasted slivered almonds or chopped pecans work beautifully.
• Less sweet: Decrease sugar or swap raisins for dried cherries for a more tart salad.

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

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing

I start by combining the mayonnaise, white sugar, and white vinegar in a large bowl. Whisk it really well so the sugar dissolves completely — that’s the foundation of our dressing. Trust me, a smooth dressing makes all the difference. If you don’t fully mix it at this stage, you might get uneven sweetness and tang in the final salad.

Step 2: Prep the Broccoli and Mix Ingredients

While I whisk the dressing, I chop fresh broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform pieces so every forkful has that satisfying crunch. Then, add in the raisins, salted sunflower kernels, cooked bacon crumbles, and diced red onion directly into the dressing bowl. Stir everything gently but thoroughly — you want each piece well-coated without bruising the broccoli.

Step 3: Chill and Let the Flavors Meld

Cover the bowl tightly and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is REALLY important! It lets the dressing soak in and the flavors to mingle, making the salad taste next-level good. I often prepare it a few hours in advance or even the night before a party for the best results.

How to Serve Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a few extra salted sunflower kernels and a handful of bacon crumbles on top just before serving — it adds a pretty finishing touch and boosts that crunchy, savory pop you want in every bite. Sometimes, a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley lifts the salad’s flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this salad alongside grilled chicken or baked fish for a simple, well-rounded meal. It also complements classic barbecue spreads, like pulled pork sandwiches or grilled sausages, making it perfect for outdoor summer parties.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at gatherings, I’ve served the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe in mini mason jars — it’s a charming, portable way to enjoy it. Another favorite is layering it on leafy greens in a large clear bowl so the colors and texture layers shine through for eye-catching presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover salad goes straight into an airtight container in my fridge where it stays fresh for about 2 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, but I do notice the broccoli softens a bit if stored longer, so it’s best to enjoy it sooner rather than later.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the mayo dressing and fresh broccoli don’t hold up well frozen—they turn watery and mushy, ruining that perfect texture we’re after.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so I don’t reheat it. If you want a warm dish, I suggest saving it as a side and pairing with a warm main instead.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe, it brings a little sunshine to my day—and I’m confident it will do the same for you. It’s that kind of recipe that’s both simple and special, easy to whip up but always impressing guests. So go ahead, try it out like you’re making it for a close friend, and I’m sure you’ll find it become a broccoli salad staple in your home like it has in mine.

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