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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My mom made this for us, we
loved it.
Second helpings are “guilt free” since she used Equal instead of sugar – that makes it a “diet food”, right?
This was very tasty, and a good way to get more dark green vegs into us. For us – and we normally are the family of “bland” – it needs just a bit more flavor. Might add some shredded sharp cheddar tomorrow to a portion to see if that helps. But for the ease of making, you can’t beat this. 🙂
THANK YOU for posting such a detailed recipe with the tantalizing photos; I could hardly wait to make it! I added green onions but other than that I stuck to the recipe and it was simply Marvellous! Thanks again! Looking forward to trying your other ones!
Took a little less than 30 minutes to make and it was super easy and it tastes delicious. I loved the dressing – perfect blend of sweet and sour and the bacon adds great savory flavors. Thanks for sharing a great recipe. I’m looking forward to making your artichoke dip this afternoon!
Could red wine vinegar be used instead of apple cider vinegar?
Sure!
I’ve made this salad before used honey instead of sugar and it was less sweet. I really enjoyed this salad, it pairs well with many dishes.
This is delicious! We omit the sugar all together and it’s still wonderful. Just wondering, is the nutritional info per serve or for the whole amount?
I made the recipe this morning and the dressing tasted well, but too sugary for my taste. Next time I will reduce the sugar to 2 Tab. I don’t eat bacon, but I could make it for others with the protein. Also I used 3 crowns of broccoli instead of two because I had so much dressing by changing the mayo to half mayo, half yogurt. All in all a great salad for anytime.
I love the salad make it for special occasions
Love the ease of this recipe and that it can be made ahead of time. So delicious!