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    Home » Recipes » Salad » Broccoli Salad

    Broccoli Salad

    Published: Apr 4, 2023 by Tonia Larson

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

    ↓ JUMP TO RECIPE ↓ JUMP TO VIDEO

    This simple Broccoli Salad recipe with fresh broccoli, onions, bacon, and craisins has a creamy broccoli salad dressing. Enjoy it year-round!

    a bowl of salad next to a spoon, fork and sunflower seeds

    A broccoli salad is a must-have dish for every occasion, from a summer barbecue to a holiday dinner! It goes well with so many main dishes, and there are never any leftovers.

    Table of contents

    • Broccoli Salad Ingredients
    • How To Make Broccoli Salad
    • Variations
      • Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad
      • Broccoli Pasta Salad
    • Make Ahead and Leftovers
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Want more salad recipes? Try these next:
    ingredients in bowls on a white marble countertop.

    Broccoli Salad Ingredients

    Here are the basic ingredients needed to make this broccoli salad recipe. This salad is easily customizable so feel free to add or subtract ingredients as you see fit! Be sure to check the recipe card for the ingredient measurements.

    • Broccoli: You’ll need about five cups of broccoli florets to make one batch of this broccoli salad.
    • Craisins: We used dried cranberries (aka Craisins) in this salad because of the flavor and pop of color they provide. Raisins are another popular choice.
    • Onion: This recipe calls for red onion, but you can use any onions you want. Or, if you prefer, you can substitute the chopped onion with one teaspoon of onion powder added to the dressing.
    • Mayonnaise: The mayonnaise is the base of the dressing. We used full-fat mayo for this recipe, but you can choose a light mayo or substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, but keep in mind that any substitutions may change the flavor and texture of the dressing.
    • Sugar: The granulated sugar brings a little sweetness to the salad to balance out the other flavors.
    • Apple Cider Vinegar: A little apple cider vinegar adds tartness to the dressing and helps thin out the mayonnaise.
    • Salt/Pepper: We added salt and pepper to the dressing for extra flavor.
    • Bacon: The bacon brings so much flavor to this salad! I highly recommend using bacon you’ve fried rather than store-bought bacon bits. We love cooking our baking in the oven while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
    • Sunflower Seeds: Roasted, salted sunflower seeds add flavor and crunch to the salad. Other popular choices include toasted pecans, sliced almonds, and chopped walnuts.
    steps for preparing the recipe.

    How To Make Broccoli Salad

    This broccoli salad is easy to make, and the best part is that you can prepare it ahead of time!

    • Broccoli Salad Dressing: Make the dressing by mixing together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
    • Salad: Put the broccoli, onions, and craisins in a bowl and stir in the dressing. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.
    • Serving: Remove the salad from the fridge and stir in the bacon bits and sunflower seeds before serving.
    broccoli salad in a white bowl

    Variations

    Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

    To make a broccoli cauliflower salad, simply replace half of the broccoli with cauliflower! All of the other ingredients and instructions remain the same. It’s a delicious variation of this simple recipe.

    Broccoli Pasta Salad

    You can also add cooked pasta to make a broccoli pasta salad. Replace about half of the broccoli florets with cooked pasta such as rotini. Pasta tends to soak up the dressing, so you may want to stir the pasta in closer to serving time or make additional dressing to add later.

    salad in a bowl

    Make Ahead and Leftovers

    Make Ahead: If you make this salad ahead of time, keep the bacon bits and sunflower seeds in a separate container. Then, add them before serving the salad so that they are crunchy.

    Leftovers: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can broccoli salad be made ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Wait to add the bacon bits and sunflower seeds until serving time so that they stay crunchy.

    How do you make broccoli salad taste better?

    The dressing is the key to the best-tasting broccoli salad. Allow the salad coated with the dressing to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Another option is to briefly blanch and then immediately cool the broccoli in ice water to help reduce the bitterness.

    What goes with broccoli salad?

    Serve with grilled meats such as burgers, chicken, steak, and hot dogs. It is also popular as a holiday side dish alongside turkey or ham. It can also be served as a side for sandwiches, sloppy joes, and subs.

    a spoonful of broccoli salad

    Want more salad recipes? Try these next:

    Our Cobb Salad recipe includes deiced chicken, hard-boiled eggs, bacon bits, tomatoes, sliced avocado, cheese, homemade croutons, and ranch dressing!

    Every summer celebration includes a Macaroni Salad! We love that it can be prepared ahead of time.

    An easy Tomato Cucumber Salad is a quick summer salad that you can make with fresh veggies.

    This Corn Salad recipe is made with fresh sweet corn, diced bell peppers, and ripe tomatoes!

    a bowl of brocolli salad on a counter

    Broccoli Salad

    This simple Broccoli Salad recipe with fresh broccoli, onions, bacon, and craisins has a creamy broccoli salad dressing. Enjoy it year-round!
    5 from 1 vote
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    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10
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    Ingredients

    • 5 cups broccoli florets
    • ¾ cup craisins dried cranberries
    • ¼ cup chopped red onion
    • ¾ cup bacon bits about ½ pound cooked and crumbled
    • ½ cup roasted sunflower seeds

    Broccoli Salad Dressing

    • 1 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions

    • Place the broccoli in a bowl and add the craisins and chopped onion.
    • To make the dressing, mix together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
    • Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine. Cover and chill in the refrigerator.
    • Stir in crumbled bacon and sunflower seeds before serving.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1/2 cup | Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 466mg | Potassium: 236mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 302IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Author: The Gunny Sack

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    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 12+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

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    Tonia Larson and Brian LarsonHi, We are Brian and Tonia Larson! We hope you enjoy our family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and tasty desserts!
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