Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe

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

Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe 10 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!

(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

  1. Prepare the broccoli: Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
  2. Cook the bacon: Fry bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
  3. Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe
Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe 11 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!

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!

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Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • 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

Units Scale
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.


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