Broccoli salad recipe
Hey y’all! Looking for a fresh, crunchy, and absolutely irresistible side dish? This broccoli salad recipe is a total crowd-pleaser featuring crisp veggies, creamy dressing, and a satisfying mix of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or even meal prep, it comes together in just minutes and always gets rave reviews. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Ready in under 20 minutes for the ultimate quick side dish.
- Packed with vitamins, fiber, and delicious crunch in every bite.
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins and protein add-ins.
- Perfect make-ahead salad that gets even tastier after chilling.
- Keeps well for days—ideal for lunches and gatherings alike!
Broccoli Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds or chopped toasted almonds
- 6 strips bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions: Step-by-Step Broccoli Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Wash and thoroughly dry your broccoli. Cut into small, bite-sized florets. Dice the red onion, shred the cheddar cheese, and cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble once cool.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Broccoli Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, diced onion, shredded cheese, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon. Pour over the dressing and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled for best texture and taste.
Notes & Helpful Tips
- For extra tender broccoli, blanch florets in boiling water for 1 minute, then plunge into ice water before using. Learn more about blanching broccoli here.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Make the salad a day ahead—flavors improve as it sits in the fridge.
Broccoli Salad Recipe Variations
- Vegan Broccoli Salad: Use vegan mayo and maple syrup, omit bacon, and add roasted chickpeas for crunch.
- Keto Broccoli Salad: Skip the cranberries and honey, use a sugar-free sweetener, and add extra bacon or nuts.
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad: Replace half the broccoli with cauliflower florets for extra color and texture.
Required Equipment for Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Broccoli Salad Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
Store your broccoli salad recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle. For optimal freshness, wait to add the nuts/seeds until right before serving.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, burgers, or veggie sandwiches.
- Great as a light lunch with crusty bread or as a colorful potluck side.
- Try it alongside classic BBQ dishes or as a zesty topping for baked potatoes!
Pro Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Cut broccoli into small, uniform pieces for the best flavor and easy eating. See tips on how to chop broccoli like a pro.
- Letting your salad chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors and texture.
- If you love extra crunch, add more seeds or nuts just before serving.
Broccoli Salad Recipe FAQ
- Can I make broccoli salad ahead of time?
- Yes! In fact, broccoli salad tastes even better when made a few hours or a day ahead so the flavors meld.
- Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Fresh broccoli is best for crispness, but you can use thawed frozen broccoli if you blanch and drain it well.
- Is this broccoli salad recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, just double-check bacon and other add-ins for cross-contamination.
For more nutrition information about broccoli, check out the Healthline broccoli guide.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and sunflower seeds.
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2In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
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3Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
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4Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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5Serve chilled and enjoy as a side dish or light meal.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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