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Watermelon, strawberries, corn and green beans get all the fresh produce love in the summer, but don’t forget broccoli as a warm-weather staple.

Instead of dunking in dressing or smothering with melted cheese, go for a lighter dish with this Broccoli salad — an ideal light lunch or simple summer side.

Broccoli salad

Recipe courtesy of Cookin’ Savvy

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients:

• 2 medium heads broccoli
• 2 apples
• lemon juice
• 1 carrot
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 cup pecans
• 1 package (2.5 ounces) real bacon pieces (optional)

Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Directions:

Coarsely chop broccoli and place in large bowl. Coarsely chop apples and brush with lemon juice to prevent browning; add to bowl. Shred carrot and add to bowl with blueberries, cranberries, sunflower seeds, pecans and optional bacon.

To make dressing: Mix mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar and poppy seeds. Pour over broccoli salad and mix well. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate.

Visit Culinary.net to find more veggie-inspired salad ideas.