This Broccoli Salad is crisp, creamy, colorful, and loaded with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a tangy homemade dressing. It's one of those recipes that's always the first bowl to empty, so don't be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe before they head home.
The creamy broccoli salad dressing perfectly balances the fresh broccoli with just the right amount of sweetness and tang, while the mix of textures makes every bite irresistible. After an hour in the refrigerator, the flavors come together beautifully, making this creamy broccoli salad even better.
Whether you're planning a summer barbecue, heading to a potluck, or looking for the perfect BBQ side dish, this broccoli salad recipe is the kind of side dish you'll find yourself making on repeat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with flavor and texture. Every bite is filled with crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, sweet cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and sharp cheddar cheese tossed in a creamy homemade dressing.
- Perfect for making ahead. The flavors only get better as the broccoli bacon salad chills, making it an excellent choice for potlucks, picnics, and meal prep.
- Simple everyday ingredients. Everything can be found at your local grocery store, and the recipe comes together in about 20 minutes.
- Always a crowd favorite. This classic broccoli salad is a guaranteed hit at barbecues, holiday dinners, and family gatherings.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
To make this delicious Broccoli Salad, you will need the following ingredients (see recipe card below for quantities):
- broccoli florets - Fresh broccoli works best. Remove the large stems and cut the florets into very small bite-sized pieces so they're easy to eat and evenly coated with dressing. Dry the broccoli thoroughly after washing to prevent a watery salad.
- red onion - Adds a little crunch and sharp flavor. Dice it finely so it blends evenly throughout the salad. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes before draining well.
- dried cranberries - Add sweetness and a chewy texture that balances the savory ingredients. Raisins can be substituted if preferred.
- sunflower seeds - Add delicious crunch. Pepitas, chopped pecans, sliced almonds, or walnuts are all great alternatives.
- bacon - Cook until very crispy so it stays crunchy after being crumbled into bacon bits and mixed into the salad.
- cheddar cheese - Adds richness and bold flavor. Mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or even smoked cheddar all work well.
- mayonnaise - The base of the creamy dressing. Use your favorite full-fat or light mayonnaise. You can also use miracle whip for a slightly different flavor.
- sour cream - Adds a little tang and helps balance the richness of the mayonnaise. Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted.
- apple cider vinegar - Brightens the dressing and balances the sweetness.
- sugar - Just enough to create the classic sweet and tangy broccoli salad dressing.
- salt and pepper - Enhance all the flavors in the salad.
Equipment
You will need measuring cups and spoons, a sharp knife, a cutting board, a large mixing bowl, a medium mixing bowl, a whisk, and a rubber spatula or large spoon for tossing everything together.
Instructions
- Prep the broccoli. Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli, then cut the florets into very small bite-sized pieces.
- Combine the salad ingredients. Transfer the broccoli to a large mixing bowl and add the red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss gently to combine.
- Make the dressing. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Toss. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This gives the broccoli time to soften slightly and allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve. Give the salad one final toss before serving. Garnish with extra bacon, sunflower seeds, or shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
Expert Tip: Cut the broccoli small
The secret to the best broccoli salad recipe is cutting the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Smaller pieces are easier to eat, absorb more of the creamy dressing, and create the perfect balance of broccoli, bacon, cheese, and dressing in every bite.
More Tips and Tricks
- Dry the broccoli well. Excess moisture will water down the dressing, so be sure the broccoli is completely dry after washing.
- Cut everything small. Finely diced onion, small broccoli florets, and crumbled bacon make the salad easier to eat and ensure every bite has a little bit of everything.
- Cook the bacon until crispy. Crispy bacon holds its texture much better after being mixed into the dressing.
- Chill before serving. An hour in the refrigerator makes a big difference. The dressing coats the broccoli more evenly and the flavors have time to develop.
- Taste before serving. After chilling, give the salad a taste and add a pinch of salt or a splash of vinegar if needed to brighten the flavors.
- Add delicate ingredients last. If making the salad well in advance, stir in the bacon just before serving to keep it as crispy as possible.
- Double the recipe for a crowd. This salad disappears quickly at potlucks and barbecues, so it's always worth making a little extra.
Recipe Variations
- Make it vegetarian. Simply omit the bacon or use your favorite plant-based bacon.
- Swap the cheese. Try Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, smoked cheddar, or feta cheese for a different flavor.
- Add more crunch. Chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or pepitas are delicious additions.
- Use raisins instead. Raisins are a classic substitute for dried cranberries if that's what you have on hand.
- Lighten the dressing. Replace some or all of the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
- Add more vegetables. Chopped cauliflower, shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or celery all work well in this salad.
- Give it extra sweetness. Add diced apples or grapes for a fresh, fruity twist.
- Make it vegan. Use vegan mayonnaise, dairy-free cheese, and vegan bacon for an easy plant-based version.
Storage
Make Ahead
This is the perfect make ahead broccoli salad because the flavors improve as it chills. You can prepare the salad up to 1 day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. For the crispiest texture, consider stirring in the bacon just before serving.
How to Store
Store leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as some of the dressing may settle on the bottom. The broccoli will soften slightly over time but will still be delicious.
How to Freeze
I don't recommend freezing broccoli salad. The creamy dressing can separate after thawing, and the fresh broccoli and bacon will lose their crisp texture.
How to Serve
This creamy broccoli salad is one of my favorite summer salad recipes because it pairs well with almost anything. Whether you're serving it as a BBQ side dish, bringing it to a potluck, or adding it to a holiday table, it's always a crowd-pleaser.
These are my favorite dishes to serve with broccoli salad:
Summer Dinners
For more recipe ideas, check out our collection of summer dinners, featuring refreshing salads, grilled vegetables, light sides, and vibrant dishes that make the perfect accompaniment to any warm-weather meal.
FAQ
Traditional broccoli salad includes fresh broccoli, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, dried cranberries or raisins, sunflower seeds, and a creamy homemade dressing. Many recipes can also be customized with nuts, apples, or other crunchy vegetables.
Yes! Raw broccoli is the traditional choice for broccoli salad. Cutting it into small bite-sized florets makes it easier to eat, and chilling the salad softens it slightly while keeping a delicious crunch.
A classic broccoli salad dressing is made with mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. It's creamy, tangy, and perfectly balances the fresh broccoli and savory toppings.
No. Raw broccoli gives this salad its signature crisp texture. Cutting the florets into small pieces and allowing the salad to chill before serving helps soften them just enough while keeping plenty of crunch.
The secret is using fresh, dry broccoli, cooking the bacon until it's crispy, and letting the salad chill for at least an hour before serving. That gives the creamy dressing time to coat the broccoli and allows all the flavors to come together for the best texture and taste.
Watery broccoli salad is usually caused by excess moisture on the broccoli. Be sure to wash and thoroughly dry the florets before assembling the salad so the dressing stays thick and creamy.
A creamy coleslaw dressing or poppy seed dressing both work well if you're short on time. Ranch dressing is another popular option, although a homemade broccoli salad dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar gives the most classic flavor.
More Summer Salad Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Recipe
Broccoli Salad
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Broccoli Salad is a creamy, crunchy side dish made with fresh broccoli, bacon, cheddar cheese, cranberries, and a tangy homemade dressing.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 8 cups (1.5 pounds) broccoli florets, cut into small bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup (115 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
For the dressing:
- ¾ cup (180 grams) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) sour cream
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli, then cut the florets into very small bite-sized pieces.
- Transfer them to a large mixing bowl and add the red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss gently to combine.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This gives the broccoli time to soften slightly and allows the flavors to meld together.
- Give the salad one final toss before serving. Garnish with extra bacon, sunflower seeds, or shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No Cook, Toss
- Cuisine: American
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