Bright & Tangy Broccoli Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Summer picnics spark excitement when you whip up this creamy broccoli salad recipe that everyone craves.

Fresh crisp broccoli florets mingle with smoky bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese.

Crunchy red onions add a vibrant punch to the mix.

Sweet and tangy dressing coats each ingredient with zesty flavor.

Chopped nuts provide an unexpected textural contrast that keeps people coming back for more.

This crowd-pleasing side dish brings serious deliciousness to any gathering.

Pack this salad for your next outdoor meal and watch it disappear in minutes.

FAQs

• Is broccoli salad healthy?

Yes, broccoli salad is packed with nutrients. Broccoli provides vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, while almonds offer healthy fats and protein. The recipe balances nutrition with flavor, making it a wholesome side dish.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the broccoli salad up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the flavors and ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.

• How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?

To maintain crispness, add crunchy ingredients like bacon and almonds just before serving. You can also keep the dressing separate and mix it in shortly before eating to preserve the texture of the vegetables.

• Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon or replace it with crispy vegetarian bacon alternatives, roasted sunflower seeds, or additional nuts to maintain the crunch and protein content of the original recipe.

What Makes Broccoli Salad a Go-To Side

• Discover why this broccoli salad is a total game-changer for busy food lovers.
• Pack incredible nutrients into one delicious dish without complicated cooking techniques. Fresh broccoli delivers powerful vitamins while bacon adds protein, creating a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet healthy.
• Swap ingredients seamlessly to match personal preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to replace bacon with turkey bacon, use different nuts, or add alternative dried fruits for endless delicious variations. Simple whisking and chopping steps mean anyone can create a restaurant-worthy side dish without stress, making it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or quick weeknight dinners.
• Experience a delightful mix of crunchy almonds, crispy bacon, and tender broccoli that keeps every bite interesting. The creamy dressing ties everything together, ensuring a flavor explosion that'll have everyone asking for the recipe.

What You Need for Broccoli Salad

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that serves as the base of the salad and provides a crunchy texture.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that adds a savory and salty flavor to the salad.
• Red Onion: Sharp ingredient that brings a zesty bite to the overall dish.

• Dried Cranberries: Sweet and tangy fruit that provides a burst of flavor and color.
• Sliced Almonds: Nutty ingredient that adds crunch and additional texture to the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Apple Cider Vinegar, Granulated Sugar, Black Pepper: Creamy and tangy mixture that binds the salad together with a sweet and zesty flavor profile.

Simple Steps to Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Granulated sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Fresh ground black pepper

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes silky smooth and the sugar completely dissolves.

The resulting dressing will provide a tangy kick that elevates the entire salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggie and Protein Mix

• Finely chopped broccoli florets
• Crispy crumbled bacon
• Diced red onion
• Sweetened dried cranberries
• Sliced almonds

Chop and mix these ingredients to ensure a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.

Step 3: Coat and Blend the Salad

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture.

Gently toss the ingredients, making sure each piece gets thoroughly coated.

Take your time to ensure an even distribution of the tangy dressing.

Step 4: Chill and Marinate

Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap.

Refrigerate the salad for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.

This resting period helps the dressing penetrate the ingredients, creating a more robust taste profile.

Step 5: Final Toss and Serve

Give the salad a final gentle mix just before serving to redistribute the ingredients.

Plate the broccoli salad and get ready to enjoy a crunchy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick side dish.

Tips to Elevate Broccoli Salad

• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo to create a lighter, healthier version that accommodates different dietary preferences without compromising flavor.
• Blanch broccoli florets briefly in boiling water for 30-60 seconds, then immediately cool in ice water to maintain a vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture that prevents soggy salad.
• Cook bacon until extra crispy, then drain and cool completely on paper towels to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy bits in your broccoli salad.
• Adjust dressing sweetness by gradually adding sugar and tasting, allowing you to create a personalized flavor profile that suits your palate perfectly.
• Chop vegetables and cook bacon in advance, storing separately in refrigerator to streamline assembly and save time when ready to make the salad.

How to Keep Broccoli Salad Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the salad cool to maintain its crisp texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Before storing, gently pat excess moisture from the salad using paper towels. This prevents soggy ingredients and helps preserve the crunch of bacon and almonds.
• Do not freeze this salad, as mayonnaise-based dressings and fresh vegetables will separate and lose their texture when thawed. Freezing will ruin the salad's delightful crispness.
• When ready to eat, stir the salad thoroughly to redistribute the dressing. If needed, add a small splash of apple cider vinegar or a sprinkle of fresh almonds to revive the flavors and texture.

Best Sides to Pair with Broccoli Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the tangy dressing and cut through the richness of bacon and mayonnaise.
• Match with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or lean pork tenderloin to create a balanced meal that highlights the salad's vibrant flavors.
• Enhance with Rustic Bread: Add a slice of hearty sourdough or whole grain bread to provide a crunchy texture contrast and soak up the delicious dressing.
• Boost with Light Beer: Choose a wheat beer or pilsner that offers a refreshing counterpoint to the salad's creamy and savory elements, cleansing the palate between bites.

Fun Add-Ins for Broccoli Salad

• Vegan Broccoli Salad: Replace bacon with roasted sunflower seeds, use vegan mayonnaise, and maple syrup instead of sugar for a plant-based version that maintains the original recipe's crunch and flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Broccoli Salad: Swap granulated sugar with stevia or erythritol, omit dried cranberries, and add extra nuts for a keto-friendly alternative that keeps the salad's nutritional value and taste intact.
• Greek Yogurt Lighter Salad: Substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt to reduce calories, add fresh dill for extra herbaceous notes, and keep the original texture and zesty dressing essence.
• Herb-Infused Broccoli Salad: Mix in fresh chopped parsley, chives, and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the dressing, creating a more complex and refreshing version of the classic recipe.

Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crisp broccoli salad dazzles with a tangy mayo dressing, crunchy bacon bits, and sharp cheddar cheese. Zesty flavors and textural contrasts make you crave each refreshing bite of this simple summer side dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.13 pounds (513 grams) broccoli florets, finely chopped into bite-size pieces
• 8 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped

Salad Mix-Ins:

• 1/3 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds

Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1.12 tablespoons (16.8 grams) granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Craft a silky dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth and sugar completely dissolves, creating a tangy-sweet base.
2. Finely chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces in a large mixing bowl, ensuring uniform texture and easy eating.
3. Add crispy bacon pieces, diced red onion, sweetened dried cranberries, and sliced almonds to the broccoli, creating a complex flavor and textural landscape.
4. Drizzle prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated and flavor-saturated.
5. Refrigerate the salad for 1-2 hours, allowing ingredients to marinate and flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste profile.
6. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute ingredients and reinvigorate the dressing, ensuring a consistent and delicious experience in every bite.

Notes

• Prep Broccoli Carefully chop broccoli into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even dressing coverage and optimal texture.
• Bacon Crispiness Select high-quality bacon and cook until extra crispy for maximum crunch and flavor enhancement.
• Dietary Modifications Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, and use turkey bacon for a healthier alternative that maintains the salad’s savory profile.
• Make-Ahead Strategy Prepare salad components separately and combine just before serving to prevent soggy texture and maintain ingredient freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 10mg