Name: Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Mayonnaise; 1/2 cup White Sugar; 2 tablespoons White Vinegar; 1 lb Fresh Broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces; 3/4 cup Raisins; 1/2 cup Salted Sunflower Kernels; 1/2 lb Cooked Crumbled Bacon; 1/2 cup Diced Red Onion

There s just something about a great salad that makes any meal feel like a celebration, and the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe is a shining example. This salad isn t your everyday side dish – it s packed with crunchy broccoli, a touch of sweetness from raisins, and that irresistible bacon crumbled right in. It s the kind of salad you ll want to bring to potlucks, BBQs, or just serve up as a refreshing lunch because it hits all the right notes: creamy, crunchy, tangy, and a little bit sweet.

I first discovered this Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe at a family picnic, and it instantly became a staple in my kitchen. What makes it a winner, in my opinion, is not only how easy it comes together but how versatile it is. You can whip it up ahead of time and let those flavors meld while you take care of other dishes – trust me, it tastes even better the next day!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of creamy mayo, sweet raisins, tangy vinegar, and smoky bacon creates a salad bursting with taste in every bite.
Quick and Easy to Make: You ll be surprised how fast this salad comes together, making it great for last-minute gatherings or weeknight meals.
Make Ahead Friendly: It s one of those rare salads that actually tastes better after chilling for a while, saving you prep time on busy days.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you re bringing it to a party or serving family dinner, everyone will ask for seconds.

A close-up of a fork holding a mix of fresh broccoli florets, light green celery pieces, small chunks of red onion, brown bacon bits, and pale sunflower seeds, all coated with a shiny dressing. The background shows a white marbled surface with more of the same salad blurred out. The textures vary from crunchy broccoli and celery to the smooth, glossy dressing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe come together to create that special crunch and flavor harmony. Each one plays a role, so let s talk about the best tips for picking them out.

Mayonnaise: Go for a good-quality mayo; it really dresses the salad and ties all the ingredients together.
White Sugar: This balances the tang of the vinegar perfectly-make sure it s just white granulated sugar for that classic flavor.
White Vinegar: Adds a mild tang; you can substitute with apple cider vinegar, but I find white vinegar keeps it light and bright.
Fresh Broccoli: Choose firm heads with vibrant green color; chopping into bite-sized pieces helps the dressing soak in evenly.
Raisins: Look for plump, sweet raisins to add that lovely burst of natural sweetness.
Salted Sunflower Kernels: Adds a nutty crunch; salted ones punch up the flavor, but unsalted works if you prefer less salt.
Cooked Crumbled Bacon: The smoky, savory bacon is a must-have-you can use store-bought cooked bacon or fry your own fresh.
Diced Red Onion: Adds a little sharpness and color; soak in cold water if you want to mellow the pungency.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe my own by tweaking a few ingredients here and there – it s all about making it work for your taste buds and lifestyle.

Make It Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for a satisfying crunch.
Swap the Dressing: Try a Greek yogurt-based dressing for a lighter, tangier twist that still keeps the creaminess.
Add Fresh Fruits: A handful of diced apples or pineapple chunks work beautifully if you want another sweet touch.
Nut-Free Option: Omit sunflower kernels and substitute with crunchy pumpkin seeds or extra bacon for texture.

How to Make Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing Magic

Start by combining the mayonnaise, white sugar, and white vinegar in a large bowl. Whisk them together until you get a smooth, creamy dressing-this mix is the backbone of your salad s flavor. No lumps here, so take your time to get it well blended; that way, every bite will be perfectly coated.

Step 2: Toss in the Star Ingredients

Once your dressing is ready, add the chopped fresh broccoli, raisins, salted sunflower kernels, crumbled cooked bacon, and diced red onion. Give everything a good toss so that all those tasty bits are evenly covered with your creamy dressing. I like to use my hands for mixing sometimes-it helps me feel the texture and ensures nothing gets left out!

Step 3: Chill and Let the Flavors Meld

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. If you can, leave it a few hours or overnight-the chill time really lets those flavors blend and soften the broccoli just enough without losing crunch. Trust me, it s worth the wait!

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Pro Tips for Making Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe

Chop Broccoli Uniformly: Cutting broccoli into similar-sized pieces ensures an even dressing coat and perfect bite every time.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Mixing mayo and sugar when the mayo isn t cold helps the dressing blend more smoothly.
Add Bacon Last Minute: If you want bacon to stay crispy, add it right before serving rather than mixing it hours ahead.
Avoid Over-Chilling: Too long in the fridge can waterlog the salad; keep it within 2 days to maintain a fresh crunch.

How to Serve Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe

Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra sunflower kernels on top right before serving-it adds that fresh, inviting crunch. Sometimes a few fresh parsley leaves or a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper also brighten up the presentation and give a little herbal lift that pairs beautifully with the salad s flavor profile.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light, balanced meal. It s also fantastic alongside classic BBQ fare like ribs or burgers, because its fresh flavor cuts through the richness. For a vegetarian feast, try it with some warm baked potatoes or a veggie sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe in small mason jars or clear cups – it looks so pretty with the layers of broccoli, raisins, and bacon peeking through. You can even serve it atop a bed of baby greens for a colorful, elegant twist that s sure to impress guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe tightly covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. From my experience, it keeps well for up to two days, and the flavors actually deepen wonderfully after a day. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

Freezing this salad isn t the best idea since the mayonnaise and fresh ingredients don t freeze well – it tends to become watery and lose its crunch. If you want to prep ahead, I recommend making the dressing separately and mixing the salad fresh.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn t necessary. Just take it out of the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off for better flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe?

While you can technically use frozen broccoli, I recommend fresh broccoli for this salad because it holds up better and keeps that satisfying crunch. If you use frozen, be sure to thaw and drain it very well to avoid sogginess.
Is there a dairy-free way to make the dressing?

Yes! You can swap mayonnaise with a dairy-free or vegan mayo alternative to keep that creamy texture without dairy. Just check the ingredients to ensure it fits your dietary needs.
How long can I prepare the Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe in advance?

This salad can be made up to 2 days ahead and actually tastes better after resting in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container and stir before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Sunshine Broccoli Supreme Salad Recipe has secured a permanent spot in my recipe box because it strikes that perfect balance of flavors and textures while being so easy to prep. It s one of those dishes that feels like sunshine on the plate, brightening up everything from family dinners to festive potlucks. I really hope you give it a try-it s a dependable crowd-pleaser that never disappoints, and I m sure it ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!