Refreshing Broccoli Salad Recipe: A Family Table Winner

Summer potlucks demand a crowd-pleasing broccoli salad that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

This tangy, crisp side dish combines fresh broccoli florets with a creamy dressing that elevates every bite.

Crunchy bacon bits and sunflower seeds add irresistible texture to the mix.

Chopped red onions bring a sharp, zesty punch that complements the vegetables perfectly.

Sweet and tangy elements merge in this simple yet sophisticated salad that goes beyond ordinary green dishes.

Prepared in just minutes, this recipe transforms humble broccoli into a star side that everyone will request.

Dive into a summer classic that promises to become your new favorite cookout companion.

Why Broccoli Salad Gets Requested Often

• Packed with broccoli's incredible vitamins, minerals, and fiber, this salad delivers a healthy punch without sacrificing delicious flavor.
• Swap ingredients like swapping almonds for sunflower seeds or using turkey bacon makes this recipe super flexible for different dietary needs and preferences.
• Minimal cooking steps and basic ingredients mean anyone can whip up this crowd-pleasing salad without complicated techniques or expensive components.
• Crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, soft cranberries, and nutty almonds create an irresistible combination of textures that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.

Ingredients in the Best Broccoli Salad

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that provides the base and crunch for this delightful salad.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that adds a savory and smoky flavor to the salad.

• Red Onion, Almonds: Ingredients that bring extra texture and sharp flavor to the dish.

• Dried Cranberries, Apple Cider Vinegar: Components that introduce a balanced sweet and tangy element to the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Granulated Sugar, Black Pepper: Creamy and seasoning ingredients that create a smooth and flavorful dressing that ties all the elements together.

How to Prepare Broccoli Salad Quickly

Step 1: Whip Up Magical Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Granulated sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Black pepper

Whisk everything in a small bowl until silky smooth.

Let the mixture rest and develop rich flavors while preparing other components.

Step 2: Transform Broccoli Into Bite-Sized Gems

Skillfully break down broccoli florets into small, delectable pieces.

Consider peeling and chopping stems for extra texture and crunch.

Step 3: Prepare Flavor-Packed Mix-Ins

Cook bacon until perfectly crispy using oven-baking technique for consistent results.

Chop bacon into delightful small bits.

Dice red onion with precision.

Gather cranberries and almonds for a flavor explosion.

Step 4: Create Salad Symphony

• Chopped broccoli
• Crispy bacon bits
• Diced red onion
• Cranberries
• Almonds

Pour dressing over ingredients and mix thoroughly, ensuring every morsel gets coated with deliciousness.

Step 5: Chill and Elevate

Cover salad and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, allowing flavors to dance and mingle.

Give a final toss before serving to redistribute the scrumptious dressing.

Tips for Crunchy, Flavor-Packed Results

• Bake bacon on a wire rack over a baking sheet for extra crunchiness and even cooking, preventing soggy texture.
• Blanch broccoli florets quickly in boiling water for 30 seconds, then shock in ice water to maintain vibrant color and slightly soften without losing crunch.
• Swap apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy twist, and adjust sugar levels to match your preferred sweetness.
• Replace bacon with roasted sunflower seeds or crispy chickpeas to maintain protein and crunch while keeping the dish meat-free.
• Keep dressing separate from salad until serving to prevent soggy ingredients, storing components individually in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keep Broccoli Salad Fresh Longer

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Skip freezing this salad, as mayonnaise-based dressings and crispy ingredients like bacon and almonds will lose texture and become soggy.
• Stir the salad thoroughly before serving to redistribute the dressing and restore its original consistency. Add a sprinkle of fresh almonds for extra crunch if needed.
• For best results, enjoy the broccoli salad cold. If you prefer it slightly warm, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

Pairings to Serve with Broccoli Salad

• Perfectly Pair Broccoli Salad With
• Complement Crisp White Wines: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work brilliantly with the salad's tangy dressing and fresh broccoli, cutting through the richness of bacon and mayonnaise while enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Match Grilled Protein Partners: Serve alongside herb-roasted chicken or grilled salmon to create a balanced meal where the salad's crunch and brightness elevate the main protein's robust character.
• Enhance Sandwich Sidekick: Transform this broccoli salad into an amazing accompaniment for classic deli sandwiches like turkey club or roast beef, adding texture and zesty contrast to the sandwich's core ingredients.
• Boost Picnic Performance: Pack this salad for outdoor gatherings, where its make-ahead nature and hearty components shine as a crowd-pleasing side dish that travels well and tastes delicious at room temperature.

Broccoli Salad Ideas You Can Try

• Vegan Veggie Fusion: Replace bacon with crispy tempeh or smoked tofu bits, swap mayonnaise for vegan cashew cream, and use maple syrup instead of sugar for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Green Crunch: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, remove cranberries, and add extra nuts like pumpkin seeds for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Protein Power Boost: Mix in grilled chicken chunks or hard-boiled eggs, increase almond quantity, and use Greek yogurt as a partial mayonnaise replacement for higher protein content.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Add fresh chopped herbs like parsley and mint, replace vinegar with lemon juice, and sprinkle feta cheese crumbles for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

FAQs

• Why should I massage the broccoli before adding dressing?

Massaging broccoli helps break down its tough fibers, making it more tender and easier to chew. This technique also helps the dressing penetrate the vegetables more effectively, enhancing the overall flavor and texture of the salad.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This broccoli salad actually tastes better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours. The flavors meld together, and the broccoli softens slightly, creating a more delicious dish. Just keep it covered and give it a quick stir before serving.

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes, this broccoli salad is packed with nutrients. Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. The almonds provide healthy fats and protein, while the cranberries add a boost of vitamins. Just be mindful of the bacon and dressing if you’re watching calories.

• What can I do if I don't like raw onions?

If raw onions are too strong for you, try soaking diced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This helps mellow their sharp flavor. Alternatively, you can lightly sauté the onions or simply reduce the amount used.

The Best Broccoli Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crisp and zesty broccoli salad brings summer picnic vibes with its crunchy texture and tangy dressing. Packed with fresh ingredients and irresistible flavor, this salad will become your new go-to side dish for gatherings and weeknight meals.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (453 grams) broccoli florets, finely chopped into bite-size pieces
• 8 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1.5 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft the creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper in a small bowl until silky smooth. Allow the mixture to rest and develop flavor intensity while preparing other components.
2. Transform broccoli by trimming florets into precise, bite-sized morsels. Consider utilizing stems by carefully peeling and chopping for additional textural intrigue.
3. Render bacon until crisp and golden, preferably using oven method for uniform browning. Crumble into delicate fragments after cooling completely.
4. Finely dice red onion to provide sharp, aromatic undertones throughout the salad mixture.
5. Assemble ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, combining broccoli pieces, crumbled bacon, red onion fragments, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds.
6. Drench the assembled ingredients with prepared dressing, thoroughly coating each component to ensure balanced flavor distribution.
7. Refrigerate the salad for 1-2 hours, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify. Before serving, gently toss to reawaken the dressing’s coating and refresh the salad’s appearance.

Notes

• Choose fresh, crisp broccoli with tight, green florets to ensure the best texture and flavor in your salad.
• Blanch broccoli briefly in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately plunge into ice water to maintain a vibrant color and slightly soften without losing crunch.
• Toast almonds in a dry skillet for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crispness before adding to the salad.
• Swap mayo with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a lighter, healthier version that still provides creamy richness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg