Broccoli Salad

Published: June 30, 2025

by Olivia

A Broccoli Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines crunchy vegetables, savory bacon, and sweet cranberries. This salad is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as a side for your family dinners. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice for any occasion, ensuring that everyone will love it!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This broccoli salad comes together in just 10 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Flavorful Combination: The mix of sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and sweet cranberries creates a delightful taste that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy this salad on its own or as a side dish to your favorite main courses. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and sandwiches.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious broccoli and sunflower seeds, this salad not only tastes great but also provides essential vitamins and minerals.
Make Ahead Option: For best flavor, refrigerate the salad before serving. It’s ideal for meal prep or potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

To make your broccoli salad preparation seamless, having the right tools is essential. Here are some items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Small mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all the ingredients without spilling.
Whisk: Ensures your dressing is well-mixed and smooth.
Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping broccoli, onion, and other ingredients quick and easy.

Ingredients

A simple broccoli salad recipe made with bacon, cranberries, and other simple add-ins! Be sure to check out the recipe tutorial video!

For the Salad

5-6 cups broccoli florets¹ (1 lb, this was about 2 ½ heads of broccoli for me (450g))
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (thicker, not finely shredded (115g))
⅔ cup dried cranberries ((85g))
½ cup crumbled bacon² ((60g))
½ cup salted sunflower seeds ((60g))
⅓ cup red onion (diced into small pieces (50g))

For the Dressing

¾ cup mayo (I use olive oil mayo (175g))
¼ cup sour cream³ ((70g))
1 ½ Tablespoon white wine vinegar⁴
3 Tablespoons sugar ((40g))
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

How to Make Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the following:
Broccoli florets
Sharp cheddar cheese
Dried cranberries
Crumbled bacon
Salted sunflower seeds
Diced red onion

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together:
Mayo
Sour cream
White wine vinegar
Sugar
Salt
Pepper
Mix until smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture.
Toss or stir well until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Broccoli salad may be served immediately; however, for best flavor, refrigerate it for at least one hour before serving. Remember to toss it thoroughly again before serving. Keep refrigerated if not consuming right away.

This recipe yields about 8 cups of delicious broccoli salad that everyone will enjoy!

How to Serve Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or as a light lunch, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your broccoli salad experience.

As a Standalone Dish

This makes for a refreshing and filling meal on its own, perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.

On a Bed of Greens

Serve the broccoli salad atop mixed greens like spinach or arugula for added textures and flavors.

With Grilled Proteins

Pair broccoli salad with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal that balances protein with fresh veggies.

In Lettuce Wraps

Spoon the broccoli salad into large lettuce leaves for a crunchy, low-carb option.

As a Picnic Treat

Pack the broccoli salad in individual containers for easy outdoor lunches or picnics.

Topped with Nuts

Add some toasted almonds or walnuts on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Perfect Broccoli Salad

To ensure your broccoli salad is always a hit, consider these simple tips. They will enhance the flavors and textures of your dish.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and other crisp vegetables will provide the best texture and flavor in your salad.
Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for at least one hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Mix Dressings: Experiment with different dressings like Greek yogurt-based dressings for a healthier twist.
Add Seasonal Fruits: Incorporate seasonal fruits like apples or grapes for added sweetness and variety.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your preference.
Make Ahead: You can prepare this salad in advance; just add nuts or crispy toppings right before serving to keep them crunchy.

Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad pairs well with various side dishes that can complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Juicy corn adds sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the crunch of broccoli salad.
Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky aroma of garlic bread makes it an inviting side that everyone loves.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad brings additional protein and fiber while keeping things healthy.
Baked Potatoes: Simple baked potatoes topped with sour cream make for a comforting dish alongside broccoli salad.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables enhances their natural sweetness, creating an appealing contrast.
Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad can refresh your palate and add a sweet touch to your meal.
Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with Italian dressing provides another layer of flavor and texture.
Deviled Eggs: Creamy deviled eggs offer richness that balances well with the fresh crunch of broccoli salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your broccoli salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Skipping the chilling step – Not refrigerating the salad before serving can lead to a less flavorful dish. For best results, chill it for at least one hour.
Using finely shredded cheese – Finely shredded cheese can melt into the salad rather than providing texture. Opt for thicker cuts of sharp cheddar instead.
Overdressing the salad – Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the flavors. Start with less and add more gradually until you reach your desired taste.
Ignoring ingredient freshness – Using wilted or old broccoli can ruin your salad’s appeal. Always use fresh florets for a crisp and vibrant dish.
Not adjusting seasoning – Every ingredient varies in saltiness, especially bacon and cheese. Taste the salad before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Broccoli Salad

Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in ingredients like mayo and sour cream.
If you must freeze it, do so without dressing and consume within a month.

Reheating Broccoli Salad

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave – Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
Stovetop – Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about broccoli salad that many people ask.

What is a Broccoli Salad?

Broccoli salad is a cold dish made primarily from fresh broccoli florets mixed with various ingredients like cheese, bacon, nuts, and a creamy dressing.

Can I make Broccoli Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare broccoli salad a day in advance. Just be sure to refrigerate it and add any crunchy elements right before serving.

What variations can I try with my Broccoli Salad?

You can customize your broccoli salad by adding ingredients like apples, grapes, or different nuts. Experimenting with dressings can also change its flavor profile!

Is Broccoli Salad healthy?

Broccoli salad is nutritious as it includes vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals. However, keep an eye on added sugars and fats from dressings.

How long does Broccoli Salad last?

When stored properly in the fridge, broccoli salad lasts up to 3 days. After that, it’s best to discard any leftovers for safety.

Final Thoughts

This broccoli salad recipe is not only delicious but also versatile! It’s perfect as a side dish for gatherings or as a light lunch option. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch!