Broccoli Salad is one of my favorite go-to salad recipes. It features fresh broccoli, crisp smoked bacon, sweet red onion, and crunchy sliced almonds in a slightly sweet mayo base. It is always one of the first side dishes to disappear at parties, potlucks, family reunions, and neighborhood BBQs.
Crunchy Broccoli Salad
You will love the crunchy texture of this broccoli salad with crisp fresh broccoli, crunchy sliced almonds, and bacon crumbles, and the sweet, creamy taste of the mayonnaise-based dressing. This dish comes together quickly and easily, especially if you precook the bacon or purchase it cooked. It is a great side dish for grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, buffalo chicken, or country style ribs.
Broccoli Salad Ingredients
For the dressing, you need mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, and black pepper. For the broccoli salad, you need broccoli, cooked bacon, red onion, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds.
How to Make Broccoli Salad
Start by mixing the mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, and fresh ground black pepper in a small bowl. Set that aside for a little bit.
Next, cut your vegetables fairly fine so the dressing is distributed well around all the ingredients. Then, cook the bacon crispy. Chop it fairly fine as well. I like to cook my bacon on a baking sheet at 375 degrees for about 15-17 minutes, flipping the bacon halfway through the cooking process. You can also use this candied bacon recipe to add a hint of sweetness to this broccoli salad.
Now, in a large bowl, combine the broccoli, onions, bacon, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. Drizzle the dressing over the top and stir to coat. Cover and chill for about 1 hour before serving. Toss again right before serving.
Helpful Tips
- For optimal taste, cover and refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
- This salad uses raw broccoli for its ease, health benefits, and crunch. Although unnecessary, if more tender broccoli is desired, blanch it by bringing a large pot of water to boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 1-2 minutes. Drain in a colander in the sink, rinsing with cold water to stop the cooking process. Dry well with paper towels.
- The broccoli stem is edible, but I prefer sticking with the florets for this recipe. Cut the florets into bite-size pieces.
Recipe Variations for Broccoli Salad
- Substitute sunflower seeds, pine nuts, or chopped pecans for the sliced almonds.
- Add 2/3 cup shredded or very small cubed sharp cheddar cheese
- If you like things really sweet, add another tablespoon of sugar to the dressing.
- Substitute raisins for the sweetened dried cranberries.
- Skip the mayonnaise dressing and make a Honey Mustard Vinaigrette.
- Add 1 cup of seedless grapes sliced in half, or use them instead of the dried cranberries.
- Add 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor, or go bold and add 1/3 cup bleu cheese crumbles.
- Reduce the amount of broccoli by half and substitute finely chopped cauliflower.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to stir the salad well before enjoying the leftovers.
More Salad Recipe
Best Broccoli Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 1/3 lbs broccoli florets finely chopped into bite-size pieces
- 8 slices crispy cooked bacon chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, and pepper in a small bowl.
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon, onions, cranberries, and almonds. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss to coat. Cover and chill for 1-2 hours before serving. Toss again right before serving.
Notes
- Substitute sunflower seeds, pine nuts, or chopped pecans for the sliced almonds.
- Add 2/3 cup shredded or very small cubed sharp cheddar cheese
- If you like things really sweet, add another tablespoon of sugar to the dressing.
- Substitute raisins for the sweetened dried cranberries.
- Skip the mayonnaise dressing and make a Honey Mustard Vinaigrette.
- Add 1 cup of seedless grapes sliced in half, or use them in place of the dried cranberries.
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, or go really bold and add 1/3 cup bleu cheese crumbles.
- Reduce the amount the broccoli by half and substitute finely chopped cauliflower.
Nutrition
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Merry Soellner
Tried this last night with bbq ribs. I love broccoli salad, and had to “wing it” with some of the ingredients. Had a bag of broccoli and cauliflower, so used both, and used slightly less bacon, almonds and raisins. Still a delicious dish. My husband even liked it and he calls those kinds of salads “Women’s Club” foods! 😜
Beth Pierce
I am so glad that you liked it, Merry! That is a really cute name for those type of salads! LOL!
Frederick
We tried this broccoli salad with some grilled steak last week before it turned so gosh darn cold. It was delicious and easy to make. It was nice change of pace from the usual winter fare.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Frederick! I am so glad that you liked broccoli salad.
Mary
Such a great healthy and crunchy mix! I get tired of the same old salads, and it is nice to mix it up with something different. This is delicious and very easy to make.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Mary! So happy that you like the broccoli salad.
Allisa
Great broccoli salad. So much flavor, color, and texture. It is such a fun and festive dish and a great way to start the New Year. I must make it again, soon.
Steph
My family likes everything about this recipe. Loaded with veggies and the crispy bacon – an ideal dinner idea!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Steph! So glad that you and the family like it!
Jupiter
When I think of broccoli, I only think of steamed or cheese sauce! This is such a lovely alternative, we are totally going to try this recipe – thank you.
Monidipa
I tried your broccoli salad recipe, and wow, it’s truly the best! The combination of flavors and textures is amazing. Thanks for sharing this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe. It’s now a favorite in my household! 🥦🥗
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome!
Cindy Wilson
I totally agree with Monidipa, very delicious, reminds me of the Ruby Tuesdays, since the restaurant closed near us, this was great with
our rib or steak dinner. It’s my all time favorite, forget the ridiculous prices eating out. Trust me, make it and you’ll be adding this salad to your weekly menu.
Thank you for the recipe.
Aloha
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Cindy! We love it too. It is also delicious with grilled brats and burgers!
adriana
This looks soo good! Definitely going to try it out!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Adriana! Enjoy!
Melanie
This is my favorite broccoli salad. It easy, delicious, and every time I take it to an event the serving bowl comes back empty.
Tammy
I think broccoli salad is such a fabulous summer side! Perfect alongside a bbq 😀
Sue-Tanya Mchorgh
Oh, this Broccoli Salad sounds absolutely delightful! 😍🥦 The combination of fresh broccoli, smoky bacon, sweet red onion, and crunchy almonds in that slightly sweet mayo base sounds like the perfect symphony of flavors and textures. It’s no wonder it’s a crowd favorite – disappearing at potlucks, family reunions, and BBQs! And that quick prep time is a total win, especially for those summer gatherings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sue! I hope you enjoy it!
Marie Cris Angeles
Wow! I’ve been searching for a BROCCOLI SALAD recipe. And this recipe is perfect, thanks for sharing it with us.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Marie!
Yeah Lifestyle
I had not tried making a broccoli salad before. This was so tasty and had a great crunch to it and plenty of flavor too. I am going to make it again soon.
Karen
Your salad recipe was so so good! It was easy to make and so tasty with a great variety of flavors and textures.
Erica
Looks so good! Adding on our must make list!
Erik
This salad was absolutely delicious! My family loved it!
Erin
Always a hit on our table! That is definitely a must make!
Patricia
I made this broccoli salad for a get together that we had last weekend and everyone loved it. It is so easy to make and s full of flavor.
rebecca
what a great broccoli salad recipe, I love the added bacon
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Rebecca. I am so glad that you enjoyed it!
Jacqueline
I was just saying to my husband earlier that we don’t eat enough broccoli! You must be psychic!
Taylor
This is my favorite broccoli salad recipe! I always bring it to bbq’s and cookouts and everyone loves it! I always take home an empty dish.
Carrie Robinson
This is such a classic salad! A must-make for summer BBQ’s & get-togethers. 🙂
Whitney
I love this broccoli salad. It is easy, flavorful, and a great way for the family to get their vegetables. It is always a hit.
Leslie
Can I use broccoli slaw? I’m always looking for shortcuts as I’m usually pressed for time 🙂
Beth Pierce
Yes you can.
KJCraig
I add Champagne grapes when I find them
Beth Pierce
Sounds delicious!!
Donna Marie Martin
Can I make this a day in advance?
Beth Pierce
Yes
Connie
This is my go-to broccoli salad recipe! I tweaked it to make it allergen friendly by using Vegan Mayo and skipped the nuts. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine Connie! Glad that you like it!
Tracy
Does the broccoli need to be cooked first?
Beth Pierce
No it does not. Enjoy!
Michelle
I was looking for a great broccoli salad, I’m so happy I found yours.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Michelle! So glad that you liked it!!
Lima Ekram
Love the idea of a creamy broccoli salad – will make this weekend!
Nathan
Broccoli salad isn’t something I make or have very often, which is a shame because I adore broccoli! As soon as I saw bacon and red onion I was hooked, this look absolutely delicious!
Amanda Dixon
What a delicious broccoli salad! I just loved the sweet cranberries paired with the smoky bacon. It made for such a wonderful depth of flavor.
Alison
This broccoli salad is gorgeous and full of flavor and texture!
Biana
Looks great! A perfect salad for summer picnics and BBQs.
Bintu | Budget Delicious
This is such a delicious salad and perfect for summer! I think it is perfect for a side or a main salad – so tasty!
H McCallum
Your Broccoli Salad was pretty good. Our family makes a version we really, and we love it. It was nice to try yours. Have a great day.
Sandhya
This would be a delicious summer salad. I love the fact, it can be made in advance.
sue a good
Add crumbled Ramen noodles browned in bcon greaase for aadded crunch nd FLAVOR! YUM!
Jeannette
What a wonderful weeknight salad! I love how the broccoli is dressed up so well that you could just eat everything on its own!
Dannii
We love a broccoli salad at a BBQ and everything is better with bacon!
Anjali
This really is the best broccoli salad I’ve had in a long time! It’s really fresh, and the dressing is super rich and satisfying. Yum!
Kristina Tipps
Broccoli is my family’s Dave veggie. Combined with the bacon, this was a definite hit!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Kristina! So glad that you liked it!
NewAgerJul
I’m not fond of raw onions (nor cucumbers). Are there any suggestions for a substitute for the onion? Thanks, in advance!
Beth Pierce
Have you tried green or red onions?
Paula O'Keefe
I’ve made this recipe for over 50 years. The difference is I used brown sugar instead of white and cashew nuts. Everyone loves it!!! Friends and family.
Kristen
How far in advance can you make this? Or should I keep the dressing separate until I’m ready to serve??
Beth Pierce
This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance however I would hold the almonds and the bacon and toss them in before serving.
Shannon
Just made this with broccoli we grew in our own garden for the first time! It was fabulous. Made the recipe as it was directed. Will make again. Thank you!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Shannon! So glad that you liked it!
Renee Goerger
This is my very favorite broccoli salad recipe! I love it so much!!
Ashley
We love this broccoli salad. So delicious!
Adrianne
Any salad that has bacon is my kindof salad! Love that this recipe is so healthy but tasty at the same time!
Nellie Tracy
This really is the best broccoli salad! One of my absolute favorites to take to barbecues.
Melissa
My family loves you recipe! I made it last weekend and it was so good!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Melissa! So glad that you liked it!!
Natasha
We enjoyed this salad, paired it with bbq and it was a great combo! The salad was so tasty and crunchy, loved it with bacon.
Kristyn
I am not the hugest broccoli fan, but I love this salad!! With the other ingredients & dressing, it’s just so good!! Love making it all summer!
Myra
I think a quarter of a cup of fresh ground black pepper is a little bit too much.
Beth Pierce
Yes I would agree! I will fix it right away! Thanks for the heads up!
Joy
Does this recipe really call for 1/4 CUP of fresh ground black pepper???? wow!
Beth Pierce
No Joy! I am fixing it right now! Thanks for the heads up!
sue a good
1/4 teaspoon NOT cup!
Kevin
I can see why you called it the best! I have to make this for our BBQ’s this Summer!
Sara Welch
Perfectly colorful and crunchy! Paired wonderfully with our barbecue dinner last night!
Cathy
Broccoli Salad is my favorite! Love the idea of adding cheese to it!
Catalina
Love how rich and creamy this broccoli salad is! Yummy!
Jen
This is the perfect dish to encourage your kids to eat their veggies. It’s so good, there’s no nagging or bribing. The love it!
Kimberly
I LOVE broccoli salads and this looks like the perfect blend and balance of ingredients!
Erin
I know for sure this Broccoli Salad would be a huge hit in my house!