First, wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under cold running water. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial to ensure the broccoli is clean and perfectly sized for easy eating.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, finely chopped red onion, and shredded carrots. These colorful veggies form the base of our Broccoli Crunch Salad.

Next, add the dried cranberries and sunflower seeds to the vegetable mix. The cranberries provide a sweet contrast, while the sunflower seeds add a delightful crunch.

If you’re including bacon in your salad, make sure it’s cooked and crumbled. Add it to the bowl along with the shredded cheddar cheese. This step is optional, but it adds a deliciously savory flavor to the salad.

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. This dressing is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet.

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Use a large spoon or salad tongs to toss everything together until well-coated. Make sure the dressing is evenly distributed throughout the salad.

Before serving, cover the salad and let it sit in the fridge for at least half an hour for the greatest flavor. This enables the flavors to harmoniously blend together.