This Broccoli Salad is fresh, crunchy, creamy, and packed with flavor! Made with crisp broccoli, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, red onion, and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s the perfect side dish for potlucks, BBQs, and family dinners.
With simple ingredients and no cooking required, this easy broccoli salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 10 minutes!
Ingredients for The Best Broccoli Salad
For the Salad:
- 5 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds (or chopped almonds)
- ½ cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Small whisk or spoon
- Knife & cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- Chop broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the red onion and crumble the cooked bacon.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries.
2. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Toss & Chill
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Give the salad a quick stir before serving.
- Garnish with extra bacon or cheese if desired.
Expert Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad
Use fresh, raw broccoli – It adds the best crunch and absorbs the dressing beautifully.
Let it chill – A minimum of 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld.
Customize the mix-ins – Add nuts, seeds, or even grapes for extra texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overdressing the salad – Start with half the dressing and add more as needed.
Skipping the chilling time – This step enhances the flavor.
Using too large broccoli pieces – Chop them small for easier eating.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve cold or at room temperature for the best flavor.
- Garnish with extra sunflower seeds or fresh herbs for a decorative touch.
- Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or sandwiches for a complete meal.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
- Not recommended, as mayonnaise-based dressings do not freeze well.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it healthier – Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Make it vegetarian – Skip the bacon or use coconut bacon.
- Try different nuts – Swap sunflower seeds for pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds.
What to Serve with Broccoli Salad
- BBQ chicken, steak, or grilled shrimp
- Burgers or sandwiches for a picnic-style meal
- Cornbread or garlic bread for a Southern-style pairing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Make it up to 24 hours in advance for the best flavor.
Can I blanch the broccoli?
Yes! If you prefer a softer texture, blanch the broccoli for 30 seconds, then quickly cool in ice water before assembling.
How do I make the dressing lighter?
Use half Greek yogurt and half mayonnaise for a lower-calorie option.
Conclusion
This Broccoli Salad is fresh, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect side dish for any occasion! With cheese, bacon, dried cranberries, and a creamy dressing, it’s a simple yet delicious salad that everyone will love.
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy side dish recipes!
Calories Per Serving
Approximate Calories: 250 kcal per serving (based on 6 servings).
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6
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The Best Broccoli Salad – Crunchy, Creamy & Flavorful!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
This Broccoli Salad is creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor! A perfect side dish for BBQs, potlucks, and holiday meals.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 5 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds (or chopped almonds)
- ½ cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- Chop broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the red onion and crumble the cooked bacon.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries.
2. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Toss & Chill
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Give the salad a quick stir before serving.
- Garnish with extra bacon or cheese if desired.
Notes
✔ Use fresh, raw broccoli – It adds the best crunch and absorbs the dressing beautifully.
✔ Let it chill – A minimum of 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld.
✔ Customize the mix-ins – Add nuts, seeds, or even grapes for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: DINNER
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250