The Best Broccoli Salad Recipe: Crunchy, Fresh & Flavor-Packed

Crunchy and vibrant broccoli salad bursts with fresh flavors that surprise even picky eaters.

Sharp cheddar and crisp bacon pieces create an irresistible combination.

Tender broccoli florets mingle with sweet red onions and tangy dressing.

Childhood memories of side dishes fade when you taste this modern twist.

Unexpected ingredients like sunflower seeds add delightful texture and crunch.

Nutritious greens meet indulgent toppings in a perfect balance of comfort and health.

Prepare to experience a salad that transforms your dinner table with every delicious bite.

Why Broccoli Salad Is Crunchy, Creamy, And Totally Craveable

• Craft Colorful Nutrition: Packed with vibrant vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and red onion, this salad delivers a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in every delightful bite.
• Build Texture-Rich Experience: Crispy bacon bits, crunchy sunflower seeds, and tender vegetables create a complex mouthfeel that keeps every forkful interesting and satisfying.
• Transform Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples and fresh produce, you can create a restaurant-worthy side dish that looks and tastes incredibly impressive without complex cooking techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using turkey bacon, adding different nuts, or adjusting the dressing to suit personal preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile for various dietary needs and tastes.

What You’ll Need To Make Fresh Broccoli Salad

• Broccoli Florets: Crisp green vegetable that provides the main body and nutritional base for the salad.
• Red Onion: Sharp and flavorful allium that adds a zesty bite to the overall dish.
• Carrots: Sweet root vegetable that introduces color and subtle crunch to the salad.

• Bacon Bits: Crispy pork pieces that contribute a smoky and salty flavor profile.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Tangy dairy element that melts slightly and enhances the salad's richness.

• Mayonnaise, Apple Cider Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Black Pepper: Creamy and tangy sauce ingredients that balance and elevate the salad's flavor.
• Sunflower Seeds: Crunchy nutty garnish that provides additional texture and subtle earthy notes.

How To Toss Together Broccoli Salad In No Time

Step 1: Prep Fresh Veggies

Rinse broccoli, red onion, and carrots under cool water. Pat everything dry with clean kitchen towels to keep the salad crisp and prevent unwanted moisture.

Step 2: Chop and Slice Ingredients

Break broccoli into small florets, slice red onion into delicate rings, and shred carrots using a grater or sharp knife. Aim for bite-sized pieces that are easy to eat and visually appealing.

Step 3: Crisp Up Bacon

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease, ensuring maximum crispiness.

Step 4: Build Veggie Base

• Broccoli florets
• Sliced red onion
• Shredded carrots

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

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

Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Extras

• Sunflower seeds
• Crispy bacon bits

Step 7: Dress the Salad

Pour the creamy dressing over the vegetables. Gently fold to coat everything evenly without crushing the delicate ingredients.

Step 8: Sprinkle Cheese

Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the top, allowing it to slightly melt and blend with the other components.

Step 9: Chill and Marinate

Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes. This resting time allows flavors to mingle and develop a more complex taste profile.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator and serve chilled. Perfect as a side dish or light meal that’s sure to impress at picnics, potlucks, or family dinners.

Tips For Making Broccoli Salad Even Better

• Prep Like a Pro: Pat vegetables completely dry to prevent soggy salad and maintain crisp texture.
• Chop with Care: Cut broccoli into uniform bite-sized pieces for consistent texture and easier eating experience.
• Bacon Brilliance: Drain crispy bacon thoroughly on paper towels to keep maximum crunchiness and reduce excess grease.
• Chill and Marinate: Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor depth and allow ingredients to blend harmoniously.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Sprinkle shredded cheddar while salad is slightly cool so cheese gently softens and integrates with other ingredients.

Unique Twists On Classic Broccoli Salad

• Vegan Broccoli Delight: Replace bacon with crispy tempeh bits and use vegan mayonnaise for a plant-based version. Swap cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Add chopped fresh parsley, mint, and crumbled feta cheese. Replace apple cider vinegar with lemon juice for a bright, zesty profile.
• Spicy Southwest Crunch: Mix in diced jalapeños, black beans, and swap sunflower seeds with roasted pepitas. Incorporate chipotle powder into the dressing for a smoky heat.
• Asian-Inspired Broccoli Bowl: Include sliced almonds, mandarin orange segments, and season with sesame oil and rice vinegar. Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an elevated taste.

What To Serve With Broccoli Salad For A Balanced Bite

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the salad's tangy and creamy profile with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, cutting through the richness of bacon and cheese.
• Match with Grilled Protein: Complement the salad's crunch and flavor by serving alongside grilled chicken breast, pork tenderloin, or salmon for a balanced meal.
• Select Hearty Bread Companion: Serve with rustic sourdough or whole grain bread to soak up the creamy dressing and provide additional texture contrast.
• Recommend Refreshing Beverage: Cool down the salad's smoky elements with an ice-cold craft beer like a light pilsner or wheat ale that cleanses the palate.

How To Keep Broccoli Salad Fresh And Crisp

• Transfer leftover broccoli salad to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture, as mayonnaise-based dressings can degrade quickly and vegetables may lose crispness.
• Keep salad ingredients slightly separate if possible, adding dressing just before serving to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain crunchiness.
• Store consistently in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, to preserve ingredient quality and prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs For Broccoli Salad Lovers

• Is broccoli salad a healthy dish?

Yes, it’s packed with nutrients. Broccoli provides vitamins C and K, while carrots offer beta-carotene. The added sunflower seeds contribute healthy fats and protein.

• Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with crispy roasted chickpeas or tempeh bits for a protein-rich alternative that maintains a similar crunch.

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

The salad stays fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container. The vegetables might soften slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.

• What can I use instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing?

Greek yogurt works perfectly as a healthier substitute.

Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crisp and zesty broccoli salad brings summer picnic memories to life with crunchy bacon bits and tangy dressing. Cool flavors merge perfectly, inviting you to savor each refreshing bite of this classic side dish.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup red onion
• 1/2 cup carrots

Protein and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup bacon bits
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dressing and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Wash and thoroughly dry broccoli florets, red onion, and carrots to ensure crisp texture and prevent watery salad.
2. Chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces, thinly slice red onion, and grate or julienne carrots for uniform size and easy eating.
3. Cook bacon bits until crispy and golden, then drain on paper towels to remove excess grease and maintain crunchiness.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine prepared broccoli, red onion, and carrots to create a vibrant vegetable base.
5. Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a separate small bowl to create a creamy, tangy dressing.
6. Add sunflower seeds and crispy bacon bits to the vegetable mixture, providing textural contrast and nutty, smoky flavors.
7. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure even coating without bruising delicate vegetables.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the salad, allowing it to slightly melt and integrate with the other ingredients.
9. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and dressing to slightly marinate the vegetables.
10. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch option, perfect for summer gatherings or quick meals.

Notes

• Ensure broccoli and vegetables are completely dry to prevent a soggy salad texture that can dilute the dressing’s flavor.
• Cut broccoli into uniform small pieces so every bite includes a perfect mix of ingredients and dressing.
• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich dressing that reduces calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
• Swap bacon with roasted chickpeas or coconut bacon for vegetarian guests, maintaining the crunchy and smoky flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg