Broccoli Salad is one of those instant crowd-pleasers that practically disappears within minutes of hitting the table. Packed with crisp broccoli, sweet craisins, crunchy sunflower kernels, smoky bacon, and tossed in a creamy tangy dressing, it always manages to steal the spotlight—whether it’s at a backyard barbecue or a weekday lunch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Texture: Every bite bursts with a mix of crunchy broccoli, chewy cranberries, and crispy bacon—it’s just impossible to get bored.
- Sweet, Tangy, and Savory: The creamy dressing strikes the perfect balance with just the right hits of sweetness, tang, and saltiness.
- Super Make-Ahead Friendly: Broccoli Salad actually tastes better after a chill in the fridge, making it ideal for prepping in advance.
- Perfect for Any Meal: From picnics to holiday spreads, it fits in everywhere—and always draws compliments!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Broccoli Salad is that it requires only a handful of simple, every day ingredients, but each one is absolutely crucial for that irresistible flavor and crunch. Here’s how every component pulls its weight in this bold and vibrant dish.
- Broccoli florets: The star! Make sure they’re broken into bite-sized pieces for ultimate crunch and easy eating.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded if possible, this gives a punch of creamy richness that ties it all together.
- Craisins (dried cranberries): Their sweet-tart flavor lifts the whole salad—don’t skip them!
- Red onion: Adds a zippy bite and a lovely pop of color—dice it small for milder flavor.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon: Smoky, salty, and completely irresistible; it adds depth and crunch.
- Sunflower kernels: For nuttiness and even more satisfying texture—use roasted for extra flavor.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing, holding everything together in luscious style.
- Sour cream: Gives the dressing a little tang and a velvety smoothness.
- Apple cider vinegar: Essential for that balanced tangy zip; it brightens the whole salad.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch to mellow the vinegar and round out the flavors.
- Kosher salt & cracked black pepper: Don’t forget these—the right seasoning makes all the other flavors pop.
Variations
One of the best things about classic Broccoli Salad is just how endlessly customizable it can be! Feel free to get creative based on your pantry supplies, dietary needs, or simply personal cravings.
- Swap the cheese: Try smoked gouda or crumbled feta instead of cheddar for a whole new flavor profile.
- Go vegetarian: Leave out the bacon, or substitute with roasted chickpeas for satisfying crunch and plant-based protein.
- Add extra veggies: Toss in thinly sliced bell peppers or matchstick carrots for even more color and crunch.
- Switch up the nuts: Chopped almonds, pecans, or even pepitas are a fun change from sunflower kernels.
How to Make Broccoli Salad
Step 1: Mix up the salad base
Grab the biggest mixing bowl you own, and pile in those crunchy broccoli florets, shredded sharp cheddar, sweet craisins, diced red onion, crispy bacon, and sunflower kernels. Give everything a light toss so each bite will have that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Step 2: Whisk the creamy dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and luscious. You want it well combined, with no streaks of vinegar or lumps—think creamy and pourable!
Step 3: Bring it all together
Pour that dreamy dressing over the broccoli mixture, then stir and fold gently until everything is coated. Don’t be shy—you want all the veggies and add-ins cloaked in flavor.
Step 4: Chill and serve
Cover your Broccoli Salad tightly and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps all the flavors meld and gives the salad its signature cool, crisp bite. Give it a quick toss again just before serving and get ready for raves!
Pro Tips for Making Broccoli Salad
- Broccoli Prep Matters: For extra tenderness without losing crunch, give broccoli a quick rinse in hot water and dry thoroughly before mixing.
- Fresh-Cooked Bacon: Use freshly cooked bacon for the best flavor and texture—pre-cooked or packaged bacon bits just don’t deliver the same magic.
- Dress to Your Liking: Add the dressing gradually, tossing as you go, until you hit your perfect creamy-coating sweet spot.
- Flavor Meld: Don’t skip the chill time—letting the Broccoli Salad rest in the fridge really lets the flavors shine through.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad
Garnishes
A pretty sprinkle of extra sunflower seeds or a handful of finely chopped parsley right before serving makes Broccoli Salad look as inviting as it tastes. If you’re feeling fancy, add a twist of fresh cracked black pepper or a scattering of extra crispy bacon bits for bonus crunch and color.
Side Dishes
This vibrant salad is the ultimate partner for grilled meats, roast chicken, burgers, or anything coming off the barbecue. It also plays beautifully alongside classic potluck dishes like baked beans, corn on the cob, or a loaded potato salad for a hearty spread.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve your Broccoli Salad in a wide, shallow platter for a little extra “wow” factor, or scoop it into individual mason jars for picnic-perfect portions. It’s also adorable spooned into lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell peppers for a fresh, edible vessel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Broccoli Salad will stay crisp and flavorful for up to three days in an airtight container in the fridge. If it looks like it’s released a bit of moisture over time, just give it a quick toss to reincorporate the creamy dressing before serving.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing Broccoli Salad—the creamy dressing tends to separate and the broccoli loses its signature crunch once thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh (or prep just what you’ll need for the week ahead).
Reheating
No reheating needed! This salad is at its best served chilled or straight from the fridge. If it’s been sitting out for a while, just give it a gentle stir to revive the textures and dive in.
FAQs
-
Can I make Broccoli Salad the night before?
Absolutely—Broccoli Salad actually tastes even better after a night in the fridge as the flavors mingle. Just cover it tightly and toss before serving for maximum freshness.
-
Should I blanch the broccoli first?
It’s not required, but you can blanch for just 30 seconds if you prefer slightly softer broccoli. Make sure to dry it very well before adding it to the salad to avoid watery dressing.
-
How do I make this Broccoli Salad dairy-free?
Swap in your favorite dairy-free cheese, and use vegan mayonnaise and plant-based sour cream in the dressing. It’s still just as delicious and creamy!
-
Can this recipe be doubled for a large crowd?
Yes! Broccoli Salad is perfect for gatherings. Simply double all ingredients, and use an oversized mixing bowl to combine everything easily. The flavor lasts, and it’s always a hit at potlucks or picnics.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fresh new favorite, give this Broccoli Salad a try. It’s bursting with color, crunch, and the perfect balance of flavors—plus, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast. I just know your friends and family will be asking for the recipe!
Print
Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Salad is a delightful mix of fresh broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, craisins, red onion, crispy bacon, and sunflower kernels tossed in a creamy dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion!
Ingredients
Salad
- 6 cups broccoli florets broken into bite-size pieces
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2/3 cup chopped craisins (dried cranberries)
- 2/3 cup diced red onion
- 2/3 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup sunflower kernels
Dressing
- 1 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In an extra-large mixing bowl, mix broccoli, cheese, craisins, red onion, bacon, and sunflower kernels.
- Prepare Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad, mix well, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
