Best Broccoli Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Best Broccoli Salad is a fresh, flavorful side that’s perfect for any meal or gathering. With crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, and a tangy honey-Dijon dressing, it’s a refreshing twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

• 6 cups broccoli florets (chopped very small)
• ⅓ cup red onion, diced
• 4-6 strips of bacon, cooked and chopped (or ¼ cup bacon bits)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3 tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Pinch of black pepper
• Water, to thin as needed

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the broccoli, red onion, bacon, dried cranberries, white cheddar, and sunflower seeds in a large bowl.
2. Step 2: In a blender or food processor, blend the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add water gradually to reach your desired dressing consistency.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss well to coat everything evenly.
4. Step 4: Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or cover and chill for up to 24 hours to let flavors meld.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans.
• Swap out dried cranberries for raisins or chopped dried apricots.
• Use Greek yogurt in place of olive oil for a creamier dressing.
• Make sure the broccoli is chopped finely to blend well with the other ingredients.

Storage

Store the broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For best texture, add the dressing just before serving if preparing in advance. Leftovers can be gently reheated at room temperature or served chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or omit it altogether and use a plant-based cheese. Adjust the dressing by replacing honey with maple syrup.

How long will this salad keep?

For optimal freshness, consume within 24 hours. The dressing can make the broccoli softer over time, so it’s best served soon after mixing.

Best Broccoli Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 312 reviews

This Best Broccoli Salad Recipe is a delightful mix of fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, tangy dried cranberries, sharp white cheddar cheese, and crunchy roasted sunflower seeds. Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar, this salad perfectly balances savory, sweet, and tart flavors. Ideal as a refreshing side dish or a light lunch, it’s easy to prepare and can be served immediately or chilled for deeper flavor integration.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for cooking bacon)
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 6 cups broccoli florets (chopped very small)
• ⅓ cup red onion, diced
• 4–6 strips of bacon, cooked and chopped (or ¼ cup bacon bits)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3 tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds

Dressing Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Pinch of black pepper
• Water to thin (as needed)

Instructions

1. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped broccoli florets, diced red onion, cooked and chopped bacon (or bacon bits), dried cranberries, shredded white cheddar cheese, and roasted sunflower seeds. Gently mix all these ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
2. Prepare Dressing: Add the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend or pulse until the mixture is smooth. You can also combine these ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously. Add water incrementally to thin the dressing to your desired consistency.
3. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli salad in the large bowl. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat all the salad ingredients in the dressing evenly.
4. Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for fresh, crisp texture, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours if you prefer the flavors to meld and develop further.

Notes

• You can chop the broccoli florets into smaller pieces to make the salad easier to eat and more uniform in texture.
• Adjust the amount of bacon based on your preference or dietary needs.
• The salad can be kept chilled for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for meal prep or party servings.
• For a lighter version, you may reduce the amount of honey or bacon and use low-fat cheese.
• If you prefer a thinner dressing, add water gradually and mix well until the desired consistency is achieved.
• Ensure the bacon is cooled before adding to maintain crisp texture in the salad.

Keywords: Broccoli salad, bacon salad, summer salad, healthy broccoli recipe, cheddar broccoli salad, easy side dish