Best Broccoli Salad Recipe – A Fresh and Flavorful Favorite

If you’re searching for the best broccoli salad recipe that’s bursting with flavor, crunch, and vibrant color, you’ve just found it. This irresistible dish is not only quick to make but also perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a healthy weeknight side. Ready to discover the secret ingredients that take this classic to the next level? Keep reading!

Best Broccoli Salad Recipe

Description

Crisp, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this broccoli salad tastes like summer sunshine in a bowl. Each bite brings together tender-crunchy broccoli florets, smoky bacon, sweet red onion, juicy raisins, and the creamy tang of a homemade dressing. It’s the kind of dish that makes you linger at the picnic table just a little longer, savoring the way the sweet and savory elements dance together like old friends at a backyard barbecue.

The first time I tasted this salad, I was transported to a perfect summer potluck — laughter in the background, iced tea in hand, and the sun dipping just behind the trees. Its satisfying crunch contrasts with the silky dressing, and the bursts of sweetness from the raisins and sugar balance everything out beautifully. This broccoli salad may look simple, but its flavor is anything but.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to throw together, even on the busiest weeknight. With no cooking required except for crisping the bacon, it’s a breeze to prepare ahead of time. The creamy dressing comes together with pantry staples and brings just the right amount of tangy richness.

It’s also wonderfully versatile. You can mix and match add-ins based on what you have at home — swap the raisins for dried cranberries or sunflower seeds for nuts. And with fresh vegetables at its heart, it packs a nutritious punch while still being a crowd pleaser.

Serving and Storage Tips

This broccoli salad is best served chilled. After mixing the ingredients, refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. It can be made up to 24 hours in advance, which makes it ideal for meal prep or party planning.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the mayonnaise in the dressing, this salad does not freeze well. If prepping ahead, you can keep the dressing separate from the salad and combine just before serving to maintain maximum crunch.

Course, Cuisine, Keywords

Salad, American, broccoli salad, picnic salad, potluck, BBQ side

Servings, Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Serving Size

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 small red onion finely diced
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula or large spoon

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until perfectly crisp. I recommend not rushing this step — low and slow gives you that golden crunch without burnt spots. Let the bacon cool on a paper towel-lined plate, then crumble it into pieces.
2. Prep the vegetables and mix-ins: Add the broccoli florets, shredded cheddar, red onion, raisins, and sunflower seeds to a large mixing bowl. If your broccoli stems are thick, trim and split them to ensure even crunch throughout.
3. Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl, blend the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Taste the dressing — it should be tangy with a subtle sweetness. Adjust to suit your preference. Some folks cut back the sugar or add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
4. Combine the salad: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently toss with a spatula or large spoon until all ingredients are nicely coated.
5. Add the bacon: Mix in the crumbled bacon last to help retain its crispness. You want it to add a contrast of texture with every bite.
6. Chill before serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. This rest time makes a big difference as the dressing softens the broccoli slightly and all the flavors come together beautifully.
7. Serve and enjoy: Just before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute any dressing that may have settled. Serve chilled and savor each crunchy and creamy spoonful.

Nutrition per serving

Recipe Notes

For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.

FAQ

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Best Broccoli Salad Recipe

Crisp, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this broccoli salad combines tender-crunchy broccoli florets, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, sweet red onion, juicy raisins, sunflower seeds, and a creamy tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or summer BBQs, it’s fresh, satisfying, and so easy to make ahead.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 small red onion finely diced
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, raisins, and sunflower seeds.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
• Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
• Gently fold in the crumbled bacon.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving for best flavor.
• Give it one final stir before serving and enjoy chilled.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 10gFat: 31gSodium: 470mgFiber: 3gSugar: 14g

Keyword broccoli salad, picnic salad, potluck, BBQ side, American salad, summer salad, easy salad, party food

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!