Creamy Broccoli Salad is a refreshing and crunchy dish packed with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick and healthy lunch. With a balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, this salad is both nutritious and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and no cooking required (except for the bacon).
- Perfect balance of flavors: The creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and sweet cranberries create a delicious contrast.
- Healthy and nutritious: Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and protein.
- Great for meal prep: Stays fresh and crunchy in the fridge, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins for a unique twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salad:
- Fresh broccoli florets (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- Red onion (finely chopped)
- Dried cranberries or raisins
- Sunflower seeds (or chopped almonds for crunch)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- Mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Apple cider vinegar
- Honey or sugar
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the broccoli: Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
- Cook the bacon: Fry bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Assemble the salad: Add the crumbled bacon, red onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and shredded cheese to the broccoli. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
- Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. Serve cold and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 6 servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegan option: Use dairy-free yogurt and swap bacon for toasted nuts or coconut bacon.
- Lower-calorie version: Use light mayo and skip the cheese.
- Nutty crunch: Swap sunflower seeds for pecans or walnuts.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Fruit twist: Add diced apples or grapes for extra sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the dressing may separate and the broccoli may lose its crunch.
- Make-ahead tip: Mix all ingredients except the dressing and store separately until ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I blanch the broccoli instead of using it raw?
Yes! Briefly blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain and cool before assembling the salad.
Can I make this salad a day ahead?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
What can I use instead of mayo?
You can use all Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh is best for texture, but if using frozen, thaw and drain it well before making the salad.
How do I keep my broccoli salad from getting watery?
Ensure your broccoli is completely dry before mixing, and don’t overdress the salad.
What type of bacon works best?
Thick-cut crispy bacon adds the best texture and flavor.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes! Just omit the cranberries (or use unsweetened ones) and adjust the dressing to be sugar-free.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Try adding grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Can I substitute another vegetable for broccoli?
Cauliflower is a great alternative if you’re not a fan of broccoli.
What should I serve this with?
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, burgers, or as a side for a barbecue.
Conclusion
Creamy Broccoli Salad is a quick, easy, and delicious dish perfect for any occasion. With its crunchy texture, creamy dressing, and savory-sweet balance, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s great for meal prep. Try different variations, make it ahead, and enjoy a fresh and flavorful salad that everyone will love!
PrintCreamy Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy broccoli salad is crunchy, sweet, and savory with a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as a refreshing side dish!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups (about 2 heads) fresh broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1/2 cup (60g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (75g) dried cranberries (or raisins)
- 1/3 cup (40g) chopped pecans (or sunflower seeds)
- 1/4 cup (40g) red onion, finely diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup (60g) Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
Prepare the Broccoli – Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer a softer texture, blanch the florets in boiling water for 30 seconds, then drain and rinse with cold water.
-
Make the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
-
Assemble the Salad – In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, pecans, red onion, and bacon. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
-
Chill & Serve – Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *