Broccoli Salad Recipe (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Simple Broccoli Salad is tasty and hearty topped with a delicious homemade dressing. It’s perfect for BBQs and get-togethers.

This summery salad is a classic side dish – especially for any summer BBQ. I can never decide between taking this version, Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, or Broccoli Strawberry Salad to potlucks, because all are equally delicious!

Broccoli Salad Recipe (1)

Broccoli + Bacon = DELISH

We have enjoyed broccoli bacon salad for as long as I can remember. I think we first had it at a BBQ restaurant years ago and have tried numerous recipes since then.

I’ve posted a few broccoli salads here on the site (Strawberry Broccoli Salad and this Broccoli Slaw), and both are delicious, but this broccoli salad is my all-time favorite. It comes from my sister-in-law (on the hubby’s side).

As mentioned, we have tried lots of versions of this recipe, but today’s version has all the ingredients that I love. The combination of broccoli, sunflower seeds, bacon, and craisins is absolutely amazing.

With summer get-togethers and BBQs every week, you need a good salad recipe on hand, and this one is a winner!

Broccoli Salad Recipe (2)

How to Make Broccoli Salad

This simple recipe of broccoli salad is quick, easy, and SO tasty.

DRESSING. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar and mix well.

COMBINE. Add broccoli and Craisins and stir to coat.

CHILL + SERVE. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. Before serving, stir in sunflower seeds and crisp bacon.

Variations

Customize this best broccoli salad recipe by either swapping or adding ingredients.Here are some ideas for ways to tailor this recipe:

  • Swap out the sunflower seeds for pine nuts, chopped pecans, cashews, or almonds.
  • Add cubed or shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Use raisins or fresh red grapes instead of dried cranberries.
  • Add other fruits and veggies: cauliflower florets, chopped kale, shredded carrots, chopped celery, apple chunks, or chopped red onion.
  • Use lemon juice in place of the vinegar.
Broccoli Salad Recipe (3)

Recipe Tips

Broccoli Salad Dressing. This super simple dressing is just the right amount of creamy without being too heavy. It consists of only three ingredients: mayo, vinegar, and sugar.

  • For a punch of flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of Creole or other coarse-grain mustard (2 tablespoons is strong, so for a more mild flavor, stick with 1 tablespoon).
  • Make it a little bit “healthier” by using miracle whip (dairy-free), or plain greek yogurt (less fat), but it will change the flavor slightly.
  • Use honey or an alternative sweetener in place of the sugar.

Prepare the broccoli. Buy a bag of broccoli florets or cut your own. Wash the broccoli under running water and then pat dry. Remove the leaves, if any.

Use a paring knife to cut the crown from the larger stalk. Finally, cut each floret off the crown, leaving about an inch of the stem. If the florets are larger, cut them in half.Do not cook the broccoli, it’s used raw!

Vinegar. I usually use white wine vinegar, but apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar works great too!

Broccoli Salad Recipe (4)

Making Ahead and Serving

Make ahead of time. Broccoli salad can be prepared a day ahead of time without losing its texture. Leave out the bacon and nuts until ready to serve or they might get a little soggy.

If preparing it 2-3 days in advance, combine all of the salad ingredients and leave the dressing out until ready to serve. Once the dressing has been added to the broccoli salad with bacon, it will only last 1-2 more days in the fridge.

Serving outdoors. Since this broccoli salad recipe contains mayo I recommend adding ice to a bowl and then nestling the bowl of broccoli salad inside. The ice will help in keeping the salad cool.

Still be cautious about leaving it out for longer than a couple of hours, or less if the temperature is on the higher side.

Broccoli Salad Recipe (5)

Recipe FAQ

Should I use fresh or frozen broccoli?

For this salad I feel like fresh is best to maintain the right crunch, but if you’re in a pinch and only have frozen that will work just fine, but you may want to blanch the frozen broccoli first.

What should I serve with broccoli salad?

This salad is the perfect compliment to you summer barbecue so we love serving it alongside Hamburgers, Dr. Pepper Ribs, and Baked Beans.

For more salad recipes, try:

  • Summer Corn Salad
  • Greek Pasta Salad
  • Quick Caprese Salad
  • Easy Coleslaw
  • Broccoli Strawberry Salad
  • Pea Salad

Broccoli Salad Recipe (6)

Broccoli Salad Recipe (7)

4.98 from 82 votes

Broccoli Salad Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna

Simple Broccoli Salad is tasty and hearty topped with a delicious homemade dressing. It's perfect for BBQs and get-togethers.

Servings: 9

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Chill Time: 2 hours hrs

Total: 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 7 cups chopped broccoli florets
  • ½ cup Craisins
  • ½ cup shelled sunflower seeds
  • 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar and mix well.

  • Add broccoli and Craisins and stir to coat.

  • Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

  • Before serving, stir in sunflower seeds and bacon.

Video

Notes

Make Ahead: Broccoli salad can be prepared a day ahead of time without losing its texture. Just be sure to leave out the bacon and sunflower seeds until you are ready to serve, or they might get a little soggy. If you need to prepare it 2–3 days in advance, combine all the salad ingredients except the dressing; wait to add the dressing until you are ready to serve. Once the dressing has been added to the salad, it will only last 1–2 more days in the refrigerator.

Variations: Swap out the sunflower seeds for pine nuts, chopped pecans, cashews or almonds. Use raisins or fresh red grapes instead of Craisins.

Additions: Add cubed cheddar cheese or other fruits and veggies, like cauliflower florets, chopped kale, shredded carrots, chopped celery or apple chunks.

CAULIFLOWER BROCCOLI SALAD: Make the same dressing above and substitute half the broccoli for cauliflower florets. Add 1 cup cubed cheese along with sunflower seeds and crumbled bacon.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 245kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 17mg, Sodium: 360mg, Potassium: 323mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 469IU, Vitamin C: 63mg, Calcium: 42mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Making this recipe? Tag us!

Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!

Categorized as: American Recipes, Cuisines, Recipes, Salads, Seasonal Recipes, Sides, Summer

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

More About Kristyn

Related Posts

Easy Salad Recipes

15 mins

Waldorf Salad

10 mins

Recipe Video

Pasta Salad Recipes

2 hrs 15 mins

Spring Salad Ideas

15 mins

Broccoli Salad Recipe (13)

So Easy & So Yummy

Get my cookbook!

My new cookbook is the ultimate resource for feeding your friends and family with 200+ simple recipes including videos, tips & more!

Order Today

Broccoli Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is broccoli salad made of? ›

Broccoli Salad
  • 8 cups broccoli florets (about 1¼ pounds), cut into bite size pieces.
  • 12 ounces bacon, cooked, chopped.
  • ½ cup finely chopped red onions.
  • ½ cup sunflower seeds.
  • 1 cup raisins.
May 21, 2024

Can you eat broccoli raw in a salad? ›

The bottom line. Broccoli is a nutrient-packed vegetable that can be eaten safely either raw or cooked. Cooking may enhance the antioxidant activity of broccoli, but it may also reduce its content of certain heat-sensitive nutrients, such as vitamin C and sulforaphane.

How do you make broccoli taste good without adding calories? ›

Healthiest Way to Cook Broccoli

Lightly sauteed with garlic and a splash of water. It's that simple. Cooking broccoli in this way retains most of its colour, nutritional value along with that crunch that results in a delicious side dish that even my youngest and pickiest eater enjoys.

How do you make broccoli not soggy? ›

A steamer basket will lift your broccoli out of the liquid and off the bottom of the pan, preventing it from becoming soggy.

How to make brocoli salad? ›

Whisk together mayonnaise, cider vinegar and honey. Toss salad ingredients with dressing: Combine broccoli florets, almonds, crumbled bacon, chopped onion, and peas in a large serving bowl. Add dressing to the salad and toss to mix well.

What is the healthiest way to eat broccoli? ›

Moreover, too much exposure to high temperatures destroys the enzyme that converts the inactive glucosinolates to active compounds. Serving broccoli raw is an excellent option, since it retains these nutrients and the enzyme that forms isothiocyanate compounds.

Is it okay to eat broccoli every day? ›

Introducing broccoli into your daily dietary routine can yield various health benefits. Its fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants contribute to improved digestion, bone health, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.

How to eat broccoli for weight loss? ›

Easy broccoli recipes for weight loss
  1. Broccoli and chickpea stir-fry. Ingredients: – 2 cups broccoli florets. ...
  2. Broccoli and avocado salad. Ingredients: – 3 cups broccoli florets, blanched. ...
  3. Broccoli and Spinach Detox Soup. (serves) Ingredients: ...
  4. Broccoli and Red Lentil Patties. Ingredients:
Feb 6, 2024

What seasoning is good for broccoli? ›

It's definitely hard to find a spice or herb that doesn't work with broccoli or broccolini. Any combination of garlic, salt, pepper and any classic herbs, (basil, rosemary, sage, parsley, tarragon, thyme, etc.,) is a surefire way to treat these veggies right.

Why does restaurant broccoli taste so good? ›

Many restaurants roast or pan-fry their vegetable side dishes in bacon, butter, or other animal fat – or a mixture of these. Why? Because it makes veggies taste richer, more flavorful, and saltier than they would if you cooked them at home, which encourages you and other customers to keep coming back for more.

Can dogs have broccoli? ›

In small quantities, yes, dogs can eat broccoli. Cooked, green veggies such as broccoli can make a reasonably healthy dog treat, but owners should only offer it in moderation. This is because broccoli contains isothiocyanate, a substance that can cause digestive issues if ingested in large quantities.

Why do you soak broccoli in salt water? ›

Immediatley before cooking, soak your broccoli, head down, in cold, salted water (1 tsp salt to 8 cups water) for 5 minutes. Any critters will float to the top where you can rescue them or allow them to suffer a salty death.

How long should you boil broccoli? ›

Break apart the florets. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook, uncovered, until tender, 2 to 3 minutes depending on the size of the florets. Drain into a colander, transfer to a plate, sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve with lemon wedges.

Is it better to steam or boil broccoli? ›

While boiled broccoli is often soggy, steamed broccoli is characteristically crisp-tender. Plus, when you boil broccoli, some of the nutrients leach into the boiling water. You don't have to worry about that with steaming. Your steamed broccoli will be a great meal-prep building block because it's like a blank canvas.

What is the active ingredient in broccoli? ›

Broccoli and its active ingredient, sulforaphane were reported to possess tremendous pharmacological activities such as anticancer, antimicrobial, antidepressant, antihypertensive and antidiabetic to mention but few.

What is broccoli pasta made of? ›

Its ingredients, broccoli, garlic, and olive oil, sound simple, but when brought together with pasta and pasta water to form a creamy sauce, something magical happens. Even the pickiest of eaters love it!

Is broccoli slaw made from stems? ›

The next time you cut into a head of fresh broccoli, don't toss the stems—use them to make this crunchy broccoli slaw. Broccoli stems are not only edible, they're healthy too—they offer essential nutrients, like fiber and vitamin C, just like the rest of the head.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Prof. An Powlowski

Last Updated:

Views: 5523

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. An Powlowski

Birthday: 1992-09-29

Address: Apt. 994 8891 Orval Hill, Brittnyburgh, AZ 41023-0398

Phone: +26417467956738

Job: District Marketing Strategist

Hobby: Embroidery, Bodybuilding, Motor sports, Amateur radio, Wood carving, Whittling, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Prof. An Powlowski, I am a charming, helpful, attractive, good, graceful, thoughtful, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.