If you’re looking for a quick, fresh, and flavorful side dish, this Easy Broccoli Salad is a must-try! Made with crispy broccoli, crunchy bacon, sweet cranberries, and a creamy dressing, it’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
This salad is perfect for summer BBQs, holiday gatherings, or meal prep because it’s easy to make ahead and gets even better as it sits. It’s crisp, tangy, slightly sweet, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Why This Recipe Works
- No cooking required – just chop, mix, and serve!
- Crunchy, creamy, and sweet flavors blend perfectly.
- Easy to make ahead – it tastes even better after a few hours.
- Customizable with different nuts, cheese, or mix-ins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes)
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds (or chopped almonds)
- 1/4 small red onion, finely diced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Easy Broccoli Salad (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep the Ingredients
Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Dice the red onion and cook and crumble the bacon.
2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, cheese, cranberries, sunflower seeds, red onion, and bacon. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
4. Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve cold and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad
- Chop the broccoli small – this makes it easier to eat and absorbs more dressing.
- Let it chill for at least 30 minutes – the flavors get better as they sit!
- Want it lighter? Use light mayo or swap with plain Greek yogurt.
- For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts.
What to Serve With Broccoli Salad
This salad pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled chicken or steak – a great BBQ side.
- Burgers or sandwiches – adds a fresh, crunchy contrast.
- Roasted or baked potatoes – a hearty side to complete the meal.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! It tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: It’s best to use fresh, but if using frozen, thaw and drain completely before mixing.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Just leave out the bacon or use crispy chickpeas for crunch.
Q: What’s a good mayo substitute?
A: You can use plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a mix of yogurt and mayo for a healthier option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Broccoli Salad is fresh, crunchy, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you serve it at a summer picnic, holiday table, or just as a healthy side, it’s quick to make and always a hit!
Try it out and let me know how you like it! Did you add any special twists? However you make it, this refreshing salad is sure to become a go-to favorite. Happy cooking! 🥦🥗
The Best Easy Broccoli Salad – Crunchy, Creamy, and Delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups dried cranberries (or raisins)
- 3 cups sunflower seeds (or chopped almonds)
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 teaspoons black pepper
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and crumbled bacon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your crunchy, creamy broccoli salad!
Leave a Reply