Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a fresh, flavorful side dish that hits all the right notes, you’re in for a treat with this Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe. It’s one of those salads that feels like a celebration in every bite—crunchy, sweet, tangy, and just a little smoky thanks to the bacon. I love making it for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight dinner where you want something bright and satisfying without a ton of fuss.

What makes this Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe truly special is how effortlessly it combines textures and flavors. The crisp broccoli florets mix beautifully with the sweetness of raisins, the nuttiness of sunflower kernels, and that savory bacon crunch. It’s easy to prep, holds up well in the fridge, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day once all those flavors have mingled. Trust me, you’ll want to make this your go-to broccoli salad!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe lies in the careful combo of each ingredient’s texture and flavor. Fresh broccoli adds crunch and vibrancy, while raisins bring that subtle, chewy sweetness. The sunflower kernels add a satisfying nutty bite, and the bacon rounds it all out with smoky saltiness. Picking fresh broccoli and good quality bacon definitely makes a noticeable difference here!

• Mayonnaise: Serves as a creamy, tangy base that binds all ingredients together without overpowering the flavors.
• White Sugar: Balances acidity and adds just the right touch of sweetness to brighten the dressing.
• White Vinegar: Gives that mild tang that cuts through the richness of mayo and bacon.
• Fresh Broccoli: The star of the salad—go for firm heads with tight florets for best crunch.
• Raisins: Provide natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory elements.
• Salted Sunflower Kernels: Add a lovely bite and extra texture contrast.
• Cooked Crumbled Bacon: Infuses the salad with smoky, salty depth that elevates the whole dish.
• Diced Red Onion: Offers a mild sharpness and color that brighten the salad.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love encouraging people to make this salad their own. Over time, I’ve played around with the recipe by swapping ingredients or boosting certain flavors to suit different occasions or diets. Feel free to experiment—this Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe is forgiving and easy to personalize.

• Vegetarian Variation: Skip the bacon and add roasted chickpeas or toasted pumpkin seeds for a smoky crunch.
• Less Sweet: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly or swap raisins for dried cranberries.
• Extra Tangy: Add a splash more vinegar or swap white vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a fruitier note.
• Nut-Free: Substitute the sunflower kernels with toasted pumpkin seeds or omit them if needed.

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

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing

I start by stirring together the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar in a large mixing bowl. You want to whisk it well until the sugar dissolves and the dressing feels smooth. This foundation is what makes every bite creamy and balanced, so don’t skip this step or rush it—it’s quick but important!

Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Mix

While you whisk the dressing, chop fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets and dice the red onion. Add the broccoli, raisins, sunflower kernels, bacon, and onion directly into the bowl with the dressing. Using a sturdy spoon, mix everything together gently but thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated.

Step 3: Chill and Let Flavors Marry

Cover the salad and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes—trust me, this step is a game changer. Chilling lets all those flavors blend and the salad develops that “supreme” taste it’s famous for. If you can, make it a few hours ahead or even the day before; it really shines after some time to rest.

How to Serve Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra sunflower kernels or crispy bacon bits on top just before serving—it adds a fresh crunch and makes the salad look extra inviting. Sometimes I toss in a handful of chopped fresh parsley or chives to brighten up the colors and add a little herbal freshness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making your meal feel light and balanced. I often serve it alongside classic summer dishes like burgers, ribs, or even a simple pasta for a picnic. It’s also fantastic as part of a buffet table where people can customize their plates.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try serving the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or even colorful lettuce cups for pretty individual bites. I’ve also layered it into a glass trifle dish with alternating layers of shredded cheese or cherry tomatoes for a festive touch. Sometimes, just placing it in a beautiful bowl with vibrant garnishes makes all the difference.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad keeps great in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I always make a little extra because it tastes even better after a day. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

Freezing this salad isn’t the best idea since mayo-based and fresh vegetable salads tend to get watery and mushy when thawed. I recommend enjoying it fresh or within a couple days of making it for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

You don’t typically want to reheat this salad because it’s designed to be served cold or at room temperature. If you serve it alongside a warm main dish, the contrast works perfectly—just bring it out of the fridge a bit ahead of time so it’s not ice cold when served.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to bring to gatherings and enjoy with family because it combines bright, comforting flavors with easy prep. I love that it’s adaptable enough for all kinds of tweaks but always delivers that perfect mix of crunch, sweetness, and savoriness. Give it a try—you’ll see why it’s a staple in my kitchen and maybe soon in yours too!

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