Modern Broccoli Salad is an updated version of the classic with shallots, bacon, cranberries, sunflower seeds and Pecorino cheese.
A modern take on classic broccoli salad keeps everything people love while refining the flavors into something more sophisticated. Crisp, vibrant broccoli florets form the base, offering a fresh crunch that pairs beautifully with a lighter, tangy dressing. Instead of red onion, finely sliced shallot brings a softer, slightly sweet flavor that blends more seamlessly into each bite.
The traditional cheddar is replaced with shaved Pecorino, adding a nutty, salty depth that elevates the salad without overwhelming it. Chewy dried cranberries remain for their pop of sweetness, while crispy bacon delivers smoky richness and savory contrast. Toasted sunflower seeds round it all out, adding a subtle nuttiness and extra crunch.
Ingredients in Modern Broccoli Salad
- Broccoli – One large head of fresh broccoli.
- Bacon – Good smoky bacon, cut into lardons (strips).
- Sunflower Seeds – Shelled salted sunflower seeds.
- Craisins – Craisins or dried cranberries.
- Pecorino – Pecorino cheese, similar to Parmesan but sharper and nuttier.
- Mayonnaise – Best Foods mayonnaise.
- Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar.
- Sugar – White granulated sugar.
- Milk – Splash of whole milk to thin dressing.
- Salt / Pepper – To taste.
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Modern Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Blanch broccoli florets: Bring a pot of water to a boil, drop in broccoli, blanch for 1 minute, remove to an ice water bath until cooled through. Pat dry.
- Place bacon lardons in a pan over medium high heat, cook until fat is rendered and lardons are crispy and cooked through. Remove to a paper towel to drain fat.
- Combine blanched broccoli florets, cooked bacon lardons, sunflower seeds, craisins, Pecorino cheese and 1/2 cup dressing in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place mayonnaise in a small bowl, stir in apple cider vinegar until combined. Stir in sugar, salt and pepper. Thin with a splash of milk to desired thickness.
