Chop up the red onion and then place it in a small bowl of cold water for 5 minutes.
While the red onion is soaking, combine the ingredients to make the dressing and stir using a whisk, then set it aside.
In a larger bowl, combine the ingredients for the salad, including the broccoli florets, toasted slivered almonds, dried cranberries, unsalted sunflower seeds, and crumbled bacon.
Drain the onion and add it to the salad ingredients. Pour the dressing on top.
Cover and chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving, although overnight is best for the flavors to meld.
