Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe

There’s something truly joyful about making a salad that’s as vibrant and cheerful as a sunny day, and that’s exactly what the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe brings to your table. This salad is a perfect blend of fresh crunch, a touch of sweetness, and a savory bacon punch that gets everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re packing it for a picnic, bringing it to a family potluck, or just craving a refreshing side dish, it’s one of those recipes that feels both homey and special.

I first stumbled across this Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe years ago at a friend’s summer cookout, and honestly, it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. The best part? It’s so simple to whip up and you can make it ahead of time, which means less stress and more time soaking in the sunshine (or whatever your summer vibe is). Trust me, once you try this sweet and savory broccoli salad, it’ll be your go-to for adding a little sunshine to any meal.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe plays its own starring role, coming together in a way that’s more than the sum of its parts. When you pick fresh broccoli and balance it with sweet, salty, and tangy elements, you get that classic, crave-worthy combo.

• Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base for the dressing, helping everything stick together and adding richness without overpowering.
• White Sugar: Just enough sweetness to offset the tartness and bring balance to the salad.
• White Vinegar: Adds a light tang that cuts through the creaminess, brightening the flavors.
• Fresh Broccoli: The star veggie, fresh and crisp for that satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Raisins: Little nuggets of natural sweetness that surprise you with each mouthful.
• Salted Sunflower Kernels: Bring a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the broccoli and raisins.
• Cooked Crumbled Bacon: Smoky and savory, bacon adds depth and a meaty contrast to the fresh veggies.
• Diced Red Onion: Provides a mild sharpness and a bit of color pop that rounds out the salad nicely.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your taste or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients or add a few extras to make it feel just right for your kitchen.

• Variation: I like adding a handful of chopped apples or dried cranberries sometimes for an extra fruity twist—great for fall picnics.
• Dietary Change: For a lighter version, try swapping half the mayo for Greek yogurt. It keeps the creaminess but adds protein and tang.
• Nut-Free: If sunflower kernels aren’t your thing, toasted pumpkin seeds work wonderfully and keep the crunch.

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

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing

Start by grabbing a large bowl and whisk the mayonnaise, white sugar, and white vinegar together until smooth and creamy. This simple dressing sets the tone for all the flavors to come, so mix well to dissolve the sugar fully — no grainy surprises here!

Step 2: Prep and Add the Veggies and Mix-Ins

Chop your fresh broccoli into bite-sized pieces—don’t be shy about breaking it down well so it’s easy to scoop later. Dice the red onion, crumble the cooked bacon, and measure out your raisins and salted sunflower kernels. Toss all these into the bowl with the dressing and mix gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.

Step 3: Chill and Let the Flavors Marry

Cover the salad with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. I usually make it a couple hours ahead, or even the night before—this resting time deepens the flavors and softens the onions just enough without losing that fresh crunch.

How to Serve Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this salad with a sprinkle of extra sunflower kernels on top for an added crunch and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper to lift the flavors right before serving. Sometimes a few fresh parsley leaves or chives brighten the color and add a subtle herbaceous note that pairs well with the tangy dressing.

Side Dishes

This Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or even as a crisp side to your favorite burger. I also enjoy it alongside corn on the cob or a simple rice pilaf for a complete meal that feels like summer on a plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday potlucks, I’ve served this salad in hollowed-out fresh tomatoes or mini bell peppers, turning it into individual colorful cups. It’s a cute way to dress things up and offers just the right portion size for entertaining. If you’re bringing it as a picnic dish, packing it in a clear glass bowl makes it visually inviting and lets the vibrant colors shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. I’ve found that the salad holds its texture beautifully when properly chilled, though the broccoli softens a bit over time but still tastes delicious. Always give it a gentle stir before serving leftovers.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t the way to go with this salad — from my experience, it becomes watery and mushy after thawing because of the mayo and fresh veggies. If you want to batch prep, I recommend making the dressing separately and combining everything fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s really no need to reheat it. Just take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and let those flavors shine.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to when I want something easy, flavorful, and nostalgic. It’s such a crowd-pleaser that I often end up bringing it to gatherings and hearing back about it weeks later. If you want a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate with fresh textures and a balance of tastes, give this salad a try—I promise it’ll brighten your next meal just like it did mine.

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