Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe: A Fresh Twist on a Classic Side

Crafting a delightful broccoli salad brings unexpected joy to your weeknight dinner routine.

Fresh ingredients transform an ordinary side dish into something spectacular.

Crunchy florets mingle with crisp bacon bits, creating a textural symphony.

Zesty dressing coats each morsel with tangy goodness.

Sweet and savory flavors dance together in perfect harmony.

Simple steps make this recipe approachable for home cooks of all skill levels.

Jump into this culinary adventure and watch your meal become unforgettable.

What Makes Easy Broccoli Salad So Tasty

• Quick Prep Magic: Whip up this delicious broccoli salad in just 10 minutes with minimal chopping and simple ingredients anyone can handle.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Burst: Combines sweet, tangy, and savory elements that appeal to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with fresh broccoli, protein-rich bacon, and antioxidant-rich cranberries, delivering a healthy side dish that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Versatile Make-Ahead Wonder: Can be prepared hours in advance, allowing flavors to meld together and saving precious time when entertaining or meal prepping for the week.

Broccoli Salad Ingredient Lineup

• Broccoli Florets: Crisp and nutritious base of the salad, best when fresh and bright green.
• Red Onion: Sharp flavor that adds zesty bite and color contrast.

• Bacon, Cheddar Cheese: Savory elements that provide rich, salty depth to the salad.

• Sunflower Seeds, Sliced Almonds: Crunchy texture enhancers, great for adding nutty flavor.
• Dried Cranberries, Raisins: Sweet bursts that balance the savory ingredients, can mix and match based on preference.

Easy Broccoli Salad – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Chop and Prep Fresh Ingredients

Carefully dice the broccoli into bite-sized florets.

Finely mince the red onion to distribute a subtle sharp flavor throughout the salad.

Crumble crispy bacon into small pieces.

Shred or crumble the cheese into small bits.

Roughly chop the seeds or nuts for added crunch.

Sprinkle dried cranberries for a sweet burst of flavor.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Tangy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing reaches a consistent, creamy texture.

Step 3: Combine and Coat

Pour the freshly prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture.

Gently toss all ingredients using a large spoon or salad tongs, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the delicious dressing.

Step 4: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more complex and delightful taste experience.

Broccoli Salad With Crunch and Dressing Balance Tips

• Choose crisp, bright green broccoli florets for the most vibrant and crunchy salad texture.
• Swap bacon with turkey bacon, tempeh, or plant-based bacon bits for different dietary preferences.
• Adjust vinegar and honey proportions to create a tangy-sweet dressing that complements the broccoli's natural flavor.
• Chop ingredients and store separately to maintain crispness, mixing dressing and components just before serving.
• Keep salad refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture freshness.

Chill Broccoli Salad For Crunch And Cream

• Store leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping it cold to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Before storing, gently pat the salad with paper towels to remove extra moisture that might make the vegetables soggy.
• Skip freezing this salad since mayonnaise-based dressings and crisp vegetables break down and lose texture when thawed.
• Stir the chilled salad and add a quick splash of apple cider vinegar or a sprinkle of fresh seeds to revive the crunch and flavor before enjoying leftovers.

Fresh Sides for Easy Broccoli Salad

• Crisp Wine Complement: Select a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the salad's rich, tangy flavors and cut through the creamy dressing.
• Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a light, hoppy pale ale or wheat beer that offers refreshing citrus notes to contrast the salad's savory bacon and sweet dried cranberries.
• Herbal Iced Tea Match: Brew a cool mint or lemon-infused iced tea that provides a clean, light accompaniment to the broccoli salad's complex taste profile.
• Sparkling Water Twist: Opt for a sparkling water with a hint of lime or cucumber to cleanse the palate and enhance the salad's fresh, crunchy texture.

Broccoli Salad with Crunchy Add-In Ideas

• Vegan Broccoli Bliss: Replace bacon with crispy tempeh strips, swap mayonnaise for vegan cashew cream, and use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Low-Carb Broccoli Crunch: Omit dried cranberries, add extra sunflower seeds, use sugar-free honey substitute, and increase cheese proportion.
• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Swap bacon for grilled chicken, add feta cheese, include chopped fresh herbs like parsley and mint, and use Greek yogurt in dressing.
• Gluten-Free Garden Mix: Verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free, replace traditional cheese with dairy-free alternative, and add roasted pumpkin seeds for extra texture.

FAQs

• Is this broccoli salad healthy?

Yes, it contains nutrient-rich broccoli, protein from bacon, and antioxidants from dried cranberries, making it a balanced side dish with vegetables and moderate protein.

• Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits, sunflower seeds, or roasted tempeh for added protein and crunch.

• How long can I keep this broccoli salad in the refrigerator?

The salad stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind the texture might slightly change after the first day.

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Shredded cheddar or crumbled feta cheese are excellent choices that complement the broccoli’s flavor and add a creamy texture to the salad.

Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Summer’s favorite “easy broccoli salad” blends crisp vegetables with tangy dressing for a refreshing side dish. Crunchy florets and sweet surprises create a delightful medley you’ll crave at every picnic and potluck.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) fresh broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) red onion, finely chopped

Garnishes and Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sunflower seeds or sliced almonds (optional)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) dried cranberries or raisins

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Finely chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform texture for even distribution.
2. Slice red onion into delicate, thin rings to provide a sharp, crisp counterpoint to the broccoli’s robust flavor.
3. Render bacon until perfectly crisp, then crumble into small, crunchy fragments that will add smoky depth to the salad.
4. Grate cheese into light, airy shreds that will melt subtly throughout the mixture.
5. Sprinkle seeds or chopped nuts across the salad for an unexpected textural crunch and nutty undertone.
6. Scatter dried cranberries to introduce a sweet-tart dimension that complements the savory elements.
7. Craft the dressing by vigorously whisking mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth and glossy.
8. Season dressing with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper to heighten the overall flavor profile.
9. Drizzle dressing over the broccoli mixture, gently folding to ensure each ingredient is luxuriously coated.
10. Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop a more complex taste.

Notes

• Customize the salad by swapping bacon for crispy chickpeas or tempeh to make it vegetarian-friendly.
• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo to reduce calories and accommodate dietary preferences.
• Toast the sunflower seeds or almonds beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the salad.
• Make the salad ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg