The best Broccoli Salad recipe is creamy, crunchy, and flavorful with bacon, craisins, almonds, and a simple dressing. It's an easy and quick side dish everyone loves!
Want more easy side dishes? Try Potatoes Au Gratin, Corn Casserole, Quinoa Salad, or Roasted Vegetables!
I've found Broccoli Salad is the unexpected star of dinner.
I've found Broccoli Salad is the unexpected star of dinner.Even my youngest kids enjoy eating broccoli when served in this salad. It has a delicious creamy dressing and is loaded with the best mix-ins like almonds, Craisins, bacon, and onions. The flavor combo is “bussin'”, as my tweenager would say. Plus it's easy to make ahead of time and keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve it any time of year, like during the summer with grilled chicken and grilled corn on the cob, or as a side with something fancy, like Prime Rib or King Crab Legs.
How to make Broccoli Salad:
Prep Broccoli: Blanch chopped broccoli, and whisk the dressing ingredients together in a bowl. Cook the bacon bits and chop almonds and onion.
Combine: Place all ingredients in the bowl then pour dressing on top. Toss until everything is combined then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions:
To Make Ahead: This recipe can be made a few hours or a day ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator.
Store leftovers covered and in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Recipe Variations:
This salad is so customizable! Add whatever add-ins you have on hand! Here are some of my favorites:
- Cheese: add a handful of chopped cheddar cheese or manchego.
- Add-Ins: Toss in some sunflower seeds, pine nuts, pomegranate, or pecans.
- Raisins: Swap the Craisins for regular raisins if you prefer.
- Vegan: Use vegan mayonnaise and omit the bacon or use coconut bacon.
More Recipes with Broccoli:
- Broccoli Apple Salad
- Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Broccoli Casserole
- Broccoli Cheese Quiche
- Tahini Chicken Bowls
- Pasta Primavera
- Teriyaki Chicken
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Recipe
Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 7-8 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 500 grams/1lb)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (I often use half plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 8 slices bacon , cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion , chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
- 1/2 cup almonds , chopped (*see note below)
Instructions
- Blanch broccoli (optional, or keep raw) in boiling water for 1 minute. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside to drain completely.
- Mix sauce in a large bowl: mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar. Stir well.
- Add broccoli, bacon, onion, cranberries or raisins and almonds to a large bowl. Drizzle with desired amount of sauce (you may not want to use it all).
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Toss again to coat before serving. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Notes
Nutrition
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*I first shared this recipe in March 2015. Updated December 2020 and November 2024.
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Made this for a Thanksgiving side. Turned out great! I used finely chopped green onions & sliced almonds but followed the recipe otherwise. All of the different flavors go together really well. Thanks! =]
We also toasted sliced almonds, sliced green onions.
It for Thanksgiving but can I put it all together today?
Yes, you can! Happy Thanksgiving!
perfect
I used this recipe more as a guideline: I left out the sugar. I used raisins instead of dried cranberries. I used raw broccoli and did not cook it at all. I am not a fan of ACV and so I used white vinegar, and I used sunflower seeds instead of almonds. I also added shredded carrots. It came out delicious!! Thanks.
I was wondering how it would taste without the sugar. I do like the dried cranberries, so I’ll use those. I’ll leave the broccoli raw as well. Thanks for posting 🙂
Hi! Your recipe looks great! Broccoli is so good for us, and raw even better. Anytime you can add flavors like this together, it makes healthy eating all the more easier. I use sweet and spice pecans with my salads and I will try them in this one! Thanks!
Thanks so much for the great feedback!
I just made this over the weekend and my mom loved it. I skipped the craisins but I’ll add them next time along with less dressing and I think it will improve.
Thank you for the recipe. Reminds me of Sweet Tomatoes restaurant. I used low-fat mayo, a little extra sugar, cashews, and raisins with a few Craisins thrown in. It’s addictive! My broccoli heads must have been smaller as I only needed to use half the dressing. Next time I’ll use more broccoli.
Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayo?
I wouldn’t use miracle whip here. Sorry!
SO tasty! I’ve made this twice in the past week, and everyone gives rave reviews. I didn’t have any bacon, so I skipped it, and it’s still delish.
Thank you for sharing this. It has always been my favorite dish at every family gathering. My great aunt is the one who always makes it. Unfortunately, my great uncle is in his last days & they aren’t able to join us this Thanksgiving. I wanted to make it to commemorate them & also because I just love it so much. Your way is just how she makes it. I just couldn’t remember all the ingredients. So thanks again ? Happy holidays, from my family to yours❤️?
What a sweet gesture! I’m so happy you found me and I hope everyone enjoys the broccoli salad <3 Happy Thanksgiving