This broccoli salad is the perfect combination of crisp broccoli florets, savory crumbled bacon, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed with a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s simple to make and even easier to enjoy.

Broccoli Salad

I love a good salad – especially a good, easy salad. This broccoli salad recipe fits that description perfectly!

Broccoli and kids usually don’t mix well in my home, except when it comes to my Broccoli Salad. This dish has somehow made broccoli a favorite at our dinner table.

You only need a few ingredients to make it. Just mix up the ingredients in a bowl, refrigerate for at least an hour, garnish (if desired) and serve.

It’s pretty hearty so it can be a meal all on its own, or it makes an incredible side dish. It’s truly the best broccoli salad recipe!

Why My Broccoli Salad Rocks

Healthy and Delicious: Full of healthy ingredients, you don’t need to feel guilty when you pig out on my broccoli salad (because it’s just THAT good!).
No Cooking Required: Since it’s made with raw broccoli, there’s no need to cook anything except the bacon, if you choose to add it.
Easy to Make: This easy broccoli salad recipe comes together quickly. Just mix the ingredients in a large bowl, whisk the homemade dressing in a small bowl, and toss everything together.
Crowd-Pleaser: This is a favorite broccoli salad recipe that everyone loves (even my picky kids!). The combo of sweet, savory, and crunchy makes it a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, and summer parties. It’s the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ (and everyone always requests that I make it!)

Broccoli Salad Ingredients

Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces add a crisp texture to this sald. You can quickly blanch them in hot water, then cool them in ice water if you prefer a softer crunch. I use raw broccoli for the classic crunch!
Minced Red Onion: Red onion adds a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs well with the creamy dressing.
Dried Cranberries: These add a sweet, chewy element to the salad, balancing the savory ingredients. You can also substitute with golden raisins or chopped dried cherries.
Sunflower Seeds: Crunchy sunflower seeds add a nutty flavor and texture. They’re perfect for a healthy broccoli salad recipe. You can use unsalted or roasted seeds, depending on what you like best. If you want to mix it up, try using sliced almonds or chopped pecans.
Cooked & Crumbled Bacon: Crispy bacon brings a smoky, savory taste to the salad. You can use real bacon bits or crumbled cooked bacon. You can also skip the bacon and it’s still super tasty.
Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy bite to the homemade dressing, balancing the sweetness of the cranberries and the creaminess of the mayonnaise.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar is added to the dressing to balance the tangy cider vinegar. If you prefer a slightly healthier option, you can use a touch of maple syrup or honey instead.
Mayonnaise: The base of the creamy dressing, mayonnaise binds all the salad ingredients together.
Salt & Pepper: Adjust to taste for that perfect balance in the dressing.

The great thing about this recipe is you can add more or less of the onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and/or bacon if you like. It’s all up to you and whatever flavors you like best!

I love a good bit of crunch factor in my salads so I tend to add more sunflower seeds, even as much as a full cup.

How to Make Broccoli Salad

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. This creamy dressing adds the perfect tangy touch to the salad. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine bite-sized pieces of raw broccoli florets, minced red onion, dried cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds.
Mix Everything Together: Pour the homemade dressing over the broccoli mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything well until the salad ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling time helps the flavors meld together and keeps the salad crisp and fresh.
Add the Bacon Before Serving: Just before serving, sprinkle crispy crumbled bacon or real bacon bits on top of the salad. Adding the bacon at the last minute preserves its smoky, savory crunch, which is the best part of this easy broccoli salad recipe.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve this fresh broccoli salad cold, straight from the fridge.

Dressing for Broccoli Salad

The homemade broccoli salad dressing is a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that bring the whole dish together.

Here’s how each ingredient contributes to the amazing taste:

Cider Vinegar: This adds a tangy, slightly sharp flavor that brightens up the salad. The acidity cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise, giving the dressing a fresh and zesty kick that balances the other ingredients perfectly.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar provides just the right touch of sweetness, which complements the tanginess of the vinegar and contrasts beautifully with the savory elements of the salad.
Mayonnaise: The mayonnaise gives the dressing its creamy, smooth texture, making the salad feel rich and satisfying.
Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings bring out the best in the other ingredients.

Together, these ingredients create a creamy, tangy dressing that perfectly coats the crisp broccoli florets, crunchy sunflower seeds, and sweet dried cranberries.

The balance of flavors makes your broccoli salad taste refreshing and flavorful.

Recipe Variations and Add-ins

Cheese Additions: Add sharp cheddar cheese cubes or shredded cheese for some added creaminess. Goat cheese or feta also works well!
Swap the Nuts and Seeds: You can try using sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or even pumpkin seeds instead of sunflower seeds (or in addition to).
Fruit Substitutions: Replace dried cranberries with golden raisins, dried cherries, or chopped dried apricots.
Try Different Onions: While minced red onion gives the salad a sharp bite, you can substitute with green onions for a milder taste or use shallots for a slightly sweeter, more subtle flavor.
Add Extra Veggies: Add some extra vegetables like shredded carrots. This not only adds color but also extra nutrients and crunch.
Make it a Meal: Add grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or even chopped hard-boiled eggs to turn this easy broccoli salad recipe into a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

Use Fresh Broccoli: For the best flavor and crunch, use fresh, crisp broccoli florets.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving.
Add Bacon Last: If using bacon, add it just before serving to keep it crispy.
Soak the Onion: If the red onion is too strong for your taste, soak it in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad.

What Pairs Well With Broccoli Salad?

It’s delicious and hearty enough to be served all on it’s own if you like.

Here are some of my favorites to serve with this though.

Storing Leftovers

To keep your leftover broccoli salad fresh and tasty, follow these simple steps:

Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the leftover broccoli salad into an airtight container.
Refrigerate Promptly: Store the container in the refrigerator as soon as possible after serving.
Keep Bacon Separate: If you haven’t already mixed in the bacon, store it separately in a small container or bag.
Stir Before Serving: Before enjoying your leftover broccoli salad, give it a quick stir. The dressing may settle at the bottom, so mixing it helps redistribute the flavors evenly.
Use Within a Few Days: For the best taste and texture, eat the leftover broccoli salad within 2-3 days. While it may still be safe to eat after that, the broccoli and other ingredients may start to lose their crunch.

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