My Favorite Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe for Fresh, Crunchy Flavor

Name: My Favorite Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe for Fresh, Crunchy Flavor
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1/2 cup red onion, diced; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup raisins; 1/4 cup sunflower seeds; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons sugar; Salt and pepper to taste

March 24, 2025

Recipes

Broccoli salad is one of those side dishes that never goes out of style. It’s fresh, crunchy, and covered in a sweet, tangy dressing that keeps people coming back for seconds. I love how simple it is to throw together, and it pairs with just about any main dish — from grilled meats to sandwiches or holiday roasts.

I first made this broccoli salad for a family BBQ, and it was the first bowl to be emptied. Since then, it’s become one of my go-to recipes for potlucks, picnics, and quick side dishes. It’s got that perfect mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy that makes every bite interesting.

Why I Love This Broccoli Salad

It’s super easy to make and doesn’t require cooking the broccoli.
The creamy, sweet, and tangy dressing ties everything together.
It’s packed with textures — crisp broccoli, crunchy bacon, chewy dried cranberries, and nutty sunflower seeds.
Perfect for making ahead and letting the flavors develop in the fridge.
A great way to get everyone to love eating broccoli!

Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6–8 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour)

For the salad:

5 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
½ cup dried cranberries
⅓ cup sunflower seeds (or chopped pecans for a twist)

For the dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste

How I Make Broccoli Salad (Step-by-Step)

Prep the Broccoli
I wash and chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces. The smaller, the better — it makes it easier to mix and eat.
Cook and Crumble the Bacon
I cook the bacon until crisp, let it cool, and crumble it into small pieces. You can also use pre-cooked bacon bits in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Combine All Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, I add the chopped broccoli, bacon crumbles, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
Toss with Dressing
I pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss everything until well coated.
Chill and Serve
I cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to let all the flavors meld together. Before serving, I give it one more gentle toss and sometimes add a sprinkle of extra bacon or cheese on top.

My Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad

Don’t over-chop the broccoli; you want small pieces, but not so small that they lose crunch.
Let the salad chill for at least an hour — the flavor gets even better.
For a lighter version, you can use half mayonnaise and half plain Greek yogurt.
Add diced apples for a fresh, fruity crunch if you like a little extra sweetness.

Fun Variations I’ve Tried

Swapping dried cranberries for raisins or chopped dried apricots.
Using crumbled feta cheese instead of cheddar for a tangier bite.
Adding roasted pepitas or slivered almonds for extra crunch.
Mixing in a splash of lemon juice for bright, citrusy flavor.

What I Serve with Broccoli Salad

Grilled chicken or steak for easy summer dinners.
Pulled pork sandwiches at BBQs.
Alongside burgers, hot dogs, and grilled veggies for cookouts.
As a side to roasted turkey or ham at holiday gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make broccoli salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! In fact, it’s better after it sits for at least an hour or even overnight. Just give it a stir before serving.

Q: Should I cook the broccoli first?
A: No need — I love using raw broccoli for the crunch. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, blanch the broccoli quickly and cool it in ice water.

Q: How long does broccoli salad last in the fridge?
A: It will stay fresh for up to three days in an airtight container.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: You can skip the cheese and use dairy-free mayo to make it dairy-free.

Why This Broccoli Salad Belongs at Every Gathering

This broccoli salad is the perfect mix of fresh, creamy, tangy, and crunchy. It’s easy to make, holds up well in the fridge, and goes with just about everything. Whether you’re heading to a potluck, hosting a summer BBQ, or just need a quick, satisfying side dish, this recipe always delivers.

I hope you give it a try and make it part of your go-to side dishes. And if you add your own twists — different cheeses, nuts, or fun mix-ins — I’d love to hear how you make it your own!