A delightful salad combining fresh broccoli, dried cranberries, and a creamy dressing for a perfect balance of flavors.
Chop the broccoli into small florets and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces for easier eating and better presentation.
Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl with the broccoli.
Soak the onion slices in cold water for a few minutes to reduce their sharpness if desired.
Add the toasted sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and crumbled crispy bacon to the bowl.
Toast the sunflower seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less sugar to taste.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Ensure all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing for the best flavor.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Chilling the salad enhances the flavor and makes it more refreshing.
Serve the salad chilled as a side dish or light meal.
Garnish with extra sunflower seeds or cranberries for a decorative touch.