Broccoli Salad
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This Easy Broccoli Salad recipe is the kind of side dish that sneaks up and steals the show. You know the one. Crunchy, creamy, slightly sweet, and the first bowl to disappear at the BBQ. Whether you’re trying to convince your family that veggies aren’t boring or just need a go-to dish that never fails, this recipe is your new secret weapon.
This easy side dish recipe pairs so well with almost anything! Make it a meal and serve with Grilled Chicken, Ribs, Steak or Burgers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Broccoli salad can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together and making it convenient for meal prep or entertaining.
- Great for Potlucks and Picnics: It’s a sturdy salad that holds up well, making it an ideal dish to bring to gatherings.
This Easy Broccoli Salad is the kind of recipe that sneaks onto your plate as a side and ends up stealing the spotlight. It’s crunchy, creamy, a little sweet, and packed with flavor from smoky bacon, tangy red onion, and chewy craisins—all tossed in a simple homemade dressing.
The best part? No cooking required. Just chop, mix, chill, and you’re done. Whether you’re prepping for a summer BBQ, a weeknight dinner, or a holiday table, this is one of those recipes that everyone asks for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple broccoli salad keeps things simple but flavorful, using everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each one plays a key role in giving this salad its signature crunch and creamy, slightly tangy-sweet bite.
- Mayonnaise – The creamy base of the dressing. Use full-fat for the richest flavor, or swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Granulated Sugar – Just a touch to balance the vinegar. You can reduce it slightly if you prefer less sweetness.
- White Wine Vinegar – Adds the perfect amount of tang without overpowering. Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets – The star of the show. Cut into small, bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
- Crispy Bacon – Adds smoky crunch. Cook it fresh or use pre-cooked to save time (no judgment).
- Red Onion – Thinly sliced for a mild kick. Soak in water for a few minutes if you want to tone down the bite.
- Craisins – A chewy, sweet contrast to the savory flavors. Raisins or chopped dried cherries work too.
- Sliced Almonds (optional) – For added crunch and a little nutty flair. Toast them lightly to really bring out the flavor.
This ingredient combo creates that irresistible sweet-savory balance we all love. Once everything is tossed together, you’ll wonder why you don’t make this more often.
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
I’ve been making this Easy Broccoli Salad for years, and it never fails to impress. It’s the perfect mix of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and tangy, aka the side dish people didn’t know they needed until they’ve had three servings. It’s quick, no-fuss, and somehow always ends up being the most talked-about dish at the table.
Tip from Jesseca:
Make a double batch. You’ll want leftovers, and it tastes even better the next day!
Variations and Substitutions
This broccoli salad recipe with bacon is a total chameleon. Perfect as-is, but super easy to tweak based on what you’ve got on hand (or what your picky eater will actually tolerate). Here are a few ways to mix things up:
- Swap the mayo: Lighten things up with half mayo and half Greek yogurt, or use all yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed version.
- Try a different vinegar: Apple cider vinegar gives a slightly sweeter finish, while red wine vinegar adds a deeper zing.
- Use a different dried fruit: No craisins? No problem. Raisins, golden raisins, or chopped dried cherries all work.
- Add cheese: A handful of shredded cheddar or crumbled feta takes this to another level of yum.
- Go nut-free: Skip the almonds if you’re avoiding nuts or sub in sunflower seeds or pepitas for a similar crunch.
- Make it vegetarian: Ditch the bacon and add roasted chickpeas or smoked tempeh for a meatless crunch.
This recipe is forgiving and flexible. Perfect for using up what’s already in your kitchen while still delivering serious flavor.
Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe
This broccoli salad with bacon comes together in just a few simple steps and tastes even better after a little chill time. Here’s a fast overview to show you how it’s done:
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayo, sugar, and vinegar until smooth.
- Prep the broccoli: Chop your florets into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the goods: Toss in bacon, red onion, cranberries, and almonds.
- Mix it up: Stir everything gently until well coated.
- Chill time: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve cold: Give it one final toss before digging in.
That’s it! A crunchy, creamy, crowd-pleasing salad that holds up great in the fridge and only gets better with time.
Helpful Tools
- Cutting Board: (affiliate) A sturdy surface for chopping the broccoli, onions, and other ingredients.
- Chef’s Knife: (affiliate) Essential for cutting the broccoli into bite-sized pieces and slicing the red onion.
- Mixing Bowls: (affiliate) Various sizes for mixing the dressing, salad, and other components.
- Salad Spinner: (affiliate) Useful for thoroughly drying the washed broccoli to ensure the dressing adheres well.
Recipe FAQs
Nope! This recipe uses raw broccoli for that signature crunch. If you prefer it a little softer, you can blanch it for 30 seconds and then cool it in an ice bath.
Absolutely. It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance—just give it a quick stir before serving.
Raisins, chopped dried cherries, or even diced apples work great. You just want something sweet to balance the savory and tangy flavors.
Yes, but fresh cooked bacon gives better flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, good-quality real bacon bits are a solid shortcut.
It stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Just note that the bacon and nuts may soften over time.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best things about this salad? It gets better as it sits. That means it’s perfect for making ahead, and storing leftovers is a breeze.
- Make-Ahead: You can prep this salad up to 24 hours in advance. Just mix everything together, cover tightly, and keep it in the fridge. In fact, letting it chill overnight gives the flavors time to really come together.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, as some of the dressing may settle at the bottom.
Tip: If you’re adding almonds or other crunchy toppings, you can wait to stir them in just before serving to keep that crunch intact.
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Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 6 cups broccoli (washed)
- 1½ cups bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1/2 cup red onion (diced)
- 1/2 cup craisins
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, and white wine vinegar. Use a whisk or spoon to mix until smooth and well combined. The sugar should fully dissolve, and the dressing should be creamy and cohesive.
- Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. You can also peel and chop the stalks if you like extra crunch.
- Add the chopped broccoli to the bowl with the dressing. Then stir in the cooked, crumbled bacon, thinly sliced red onion, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds (if using).
- Use a large spoon or spatula to gently mix everything together. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together and soften the broccoli slightly.
- After chilling, give the salad a final toss. Serve it cold and enjoy fresh from the fridge. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days.
Video
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
Super simple summer side. We like it without the almonds