Looking for a fresh, colorful, and crowd-pleasing dish? This broccoli salad recipe is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Packed with crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, creamy dressing, and a touch of sweetness from dried fruit, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Originally popular at potlucks and summer cookouts, this salad has become a favorite for its simplicity, nutrition, and versatility. Whether you’re preparing a quick side for dinner or a make-ahead dish for gatherings, this broccoli salad recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Quick & Easy – No cooking required, just chop, mix, and serve.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Loaded with fresh broccoli, vitamins, and fiber.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great as a side dish, picnic favorite, or holiday potluck staple.
- Customizable – Easily adjust the mix-ins to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better after chilling, letting the flavors meld.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Broccoli Florets – The crunchy, fresh base of the salad.
- Cheddar Cheese – Adds a sharp, creamy flavor contrast.
- Red Onion – Provides a zesty bite and color.
- Crispy Bacon – Brings a smoky, savory crunch.
- Dried Cranberries – Add sweetness and balance to the flavors.
- Seeds (Sunflower or Pumpkin) – Deliver nutty crunch and extra texture.
- Creamy Dressing – A mayo-based dressing with vinegar and sugar ties everything together.
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Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Prep the broccoli – Wash and chop fresh broccoli into small bite-sized florets.
- Crisp the bacon – Cook until golden and crunchy, then crumble into small pieces.
- Mix the dressing – In a bowl, whisk mayo, vinegar, and a touch of sugar until smooth.
- Combine ingredients – Add broccoli, red onion, cheddar, dried cranberries, and seeds into a large bowl.
- Add the dressing – Pour over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill before serving – Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Expert Tip: Blanching broccoli for 30 seconds in boiling water (then cooling in ice water) gives it a bright green color and slightly softer texture without losing crunch.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it lighter – Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Add sweetness – Use raisins, grapes, or apples instead of cranberries.
- Boost the protein – Mix in cooked chicken or turkey for a complete meal.
- Vegan option – Use vegan mayo and omit bacon, or substitute with smoky tempeh.
How to Store & Reheat
- Storage: Keep broccoli salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: No need to reheat! Just give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the dressing.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare a few hours in advance to let the flavors blend beautifully.
Similar Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoy this fresh and crunchy broccoli salad recipe, you’ll also love trying other comforting dishes featuring broccoli. Warm up with a creamy bowl of Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup, enjoy the hearty flavors of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Stuffed Shells, or whip up a quick and savory Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry for a satisfying dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make broccoli salad recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! In fact, making it a few hours before serving enhances the flavor as the dressing soaks into the broccoli.
Q: Do I need to cook the broccoli for this salad?
A: No, it’s traditionally served raw for crunch. But blanching for 30 seconds is a great option if you prefer it softer.
Q: What dressing is best for broccoli salad recipe?
A: A simple mix of mayo, vinegar, and sugar is classic, but you can swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
This broccoli salad recipe is the ultimate combination of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory in one bowl. Perfect for family dinners, BBQs, or holiday spreads, it’s a versatile side dish you’ll love making again and again. Try it out, share it with friends, and don’t forget to let me know how you made it your own! For more fresh and delicious ideas, explore other healthy side dish recipes on the blog.
Broccoli Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Cheddar cheese shredded
- Red onion finely chopped
- Crispy cooked bacon crumbled
- Dried cranberries
- Sunflower or pumpkin seeds
- Mayonnaise
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and chop broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cheddar, onion, cranberries, seeds, and bacon.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.