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If you think broccoli only belongs on a dinner plate next to chicken or steak, it’s time to meet your new favorite salad! Of course those options are insanely delicious. This Broccoli Salad is bright, crunchy, and full of flavor — the kind of dish that makes you actually excited to eat your veggies. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, meal prep, or a light weekday lunch that keeps you feeling refreshed and satisfied.
There’s always something special about recipes that surprise you — the kind that make you raise an eyebrow and say, “Wait, this is broccoli?” That’s exactly how I felt the first time I tried this Broccoli Salad at a my aunt’s house years ago.
Of course, it wasn’t love at first sight, I’ll admit. The idea of eating raw broccoli in a salad sounded… suspicious. I was about 14 years old at the time. But one bite changed everything — the crunch of fresh florets, the sweetness of raisins, the saltiness of bacon, all wrapped in a creamy, tangy dressing. It was bright, fresh, and somehow comforting all at once. Since that day, this salad has been a staple at my table — from cookouts to quiet lunches at home.
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Why Broccoli Salad Works Every Time
The magic of this salad is in the balance. You get a mix of flavors and textures that just make sense together — crisp, creamy, savory, and sweet. It’s also ridiculously easy to make and gets even better after chilling for a bit.
Whether you’re trying to sneak in more veggies, impress guests at a gathering, or simply want something fresh and fun for lunch, this broccoli salad never disappoints. There have been many times, I needed a dish to serve guests in a pinch, and this always works.
My Little Salad Secret
The first time I made this salad from scratch, I doubled the dressing and added cheddar cheese. Big mistake — or was it? My family loved it so much they practically asked for spoons instead of forks! So if you’re a fan of extra-creamy salads, go ahead and make a bit more dressing. You won’t regret it. Plus no one likes a dry salad. Though this isn’t helpful if you are watching your weight.
A Salad That Feels Like Summer
Every time I make this broccoli salad, it reminds me of weekend barbecues and laughter in the backyard. My dad always barbecued and invited the family over. My aunt would always bring this broccoli salad and everyone kept coming back for more. She gave this recipe to my dad and when he passed way, I inherited it. For me this salad is more than just a side — it’s a memory on a plate.
Whether you serve it at a picnic, potluck, or weekday lunch, this salad brings a little sunshine to your table. So grab that broccoli, mix up the dressing, and get ready to fall in love with this crunchy, colorful, utterly delicious classic.
Ingredients and Tips
These are most of the ingredients you will need to make this healthy broccoli salad. You can find the full list of ingredients on the recipe card below.
Broccoli- Broccoli is the star of this recipe. It is packed with vitamins and nutrients. It also makes a great vegetable choice for many meals. However, raw broccoli can be too hard for some people. If you prefer a softer texture, blanch your broccoli for a minute and cool in ice water.
Raisins- Raisins add a sweet element to the salad. Funny enough, I am not that big of a fan of raisins in general. I usually prefer dried cranberries or apricots as a snack. However, for this broccoli salad, I find that raisins are the best tasting fruit and gives the best texture.
Mayonnaise- Mayonnaise is the creamy, tangy base that brings so many dishes to life. Made from simple ingredients like egg yolks, oil, and a touch of vinegar or lemon juice, it’s smooth, rich, and wonderfully versatile. Mayo is the base of this salad and perfectly pulls everything together. I usually use a combination of Kewpie Japanese mayo and American style.
How to make Broccoli Salad
I have written out the most important parts of this recipe in a step-by-step sequence of images along with the instructions for the Apricot Carrot Bread. You can find the full sequence of instruction in the recipe card below.
- To a large skillet on medium, add your favorite bacon slices. Cook until crispy. Allow to cool for 10 mins.
- Crumble bacon into bacon bits. To make this easier, you can use your food processor if you like.
3. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, raisins, bacon bits, sunflower seed kernals, and red onion. Set aside.
4. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Pour dressing all over the broccoli mixture. Toss, making sure all broccoli is coated in the dressing. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Serve and enjoy!!
Substitutions & Add-Ins
Broccoli salad is as flexible as it is flavorful — here are some fun swaps and additions to make it your own:
Veggie swaps: cauliflower florets, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, kale, or spinach.
Protein boosts: grilled chicken, chickpeas, tofu, tempeh, or toasted nuts.
Sweet extras: apples, pears, raisins, dates, or pomegranate seeds.
Crunchy toppings: sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or crushed almonds.
Dressing twists: try Greek yogurt, avocado, tahini, or vegan mayo.
Flavor enhancers: feta cheese, fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
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Healthy Easy Broccoli Salad
Equipment
- 1 skillet to fry bacon
- 1 food processor optional
Ingredients
- 5-6 cups fresh broccoli florets about 3 heads
- ½ cup dried raisins or cranberries
- 3-4 strips bacon turned into bacon bits or store bought
- ½ cup salted sunflower seed kernals
- ⅓ cup red onion diced
Salad Dressing
- ¾ cups mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 4 tbsp sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- To a skillet on medium heat, add bacon. Fry until crispy. Allow to cool for 10mins
- Crumble the bacon into bits and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, raisins, bacon bits, sunflower seed kernals, and red onion. Set aside
Salad dressing
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour dressing all over the broccoli mixture. Toss, making sure all broccoli is coated in the dressing. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve and enjoy!!
Nutrition
Delicious Ways to Serve Broccoli Salad
1. As a Cookout Side:
Broccoli salad is a superstar at barbecues and picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, or smoky ribs — its creamy crunch cuts through the richness of grilled meats perfectly.
2. With Sandwiches or Wraps:
Serve it alongside your favorite deli sandwich, turkey wrap, or veggie panini for a fresh, colorful contrast. It’s a great swap for chips or fries when you want something lighter.
3. In a Lunch Bowl:
Make it a meal by tossing in extra protein — think grilled shrimp, diced chicken, or chickpeas. Add a few cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and freshness.
4. At Holiday Gatherings:
Broccoli salad adds a bright, crisp note to heavier holiday spreads. It’s a wonderful addition to Thanksgiving, Easter, or potluck tables.
5. Meal Prep Magic:
This salad holds up beautifully in the fridge for a few days, making it perfect for quick weekday lunches or snack breaks. Store it in airtight containers and grab a serving whenever you need a veggie boost!
Storing & Freshness Tips
One of the best things about broccoli salad is how well it keeps! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day once all the flavors have had time to mingle.
- Storage: Keep your broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The broccoli stays crisp, and the dressing soaks in just enough to enhance the flavor.
- Avoid sogginess: If you’re making it ahead, store the dressing separately and toss everything together right before serving. This helps keep the texture fresh and crunchy.
- Make-ahead tip: You can chop the broccoli, onions, and other mix-ins a day early, then simply assemble and dress it when ready to serve.
- No freezer needed: Broccoli salad doesn’t freeze well — the creamy dressing and crisp veggies don’t hold up after thawing. Keep it chilled instead for the best taste and texture.
