Broccoli Salad is a bright, simple summer salad full of color and flavor. Crisp broccoli florets combine with roasted sunflower seeds, chewy dried cranberries, tangy pickled red onions, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar, all tossed in a creamy, slightly tangy dressing that brings everything together.
Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe
Make this broccoli salad the night before for an effortless dish the next day. It marinates in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and giving the broccoli a pleasant balance of tang, sweetness, and savory crunch. It’s an ideal side for potlucks, summer cookouts, or a quick addition to weeknight dinners.
If you love vegetables, this salad is a great way to showcase seasonal produce. The contrast of textures — crunchy broccoli and seeds, chewy dried fruit, and creamy dressing — makes it a crowd-pleaser.
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Recipe Shopping List
Before you start, check your pantry. Below is a concise list of what you’ll need. For exact measurements, see the recipe card further down.
- Broccoli (fresh heads)
- Roasted, salted sunflower seeds
- Bacon
- Dried cranberries
- Pickled red onions
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Mustard
- Salt
Try our Homemade Potato Salad too!
How To Make This Recipe
Here’s a quick overview of the steps so you know what to expect. Follow the full recipe card below for precise amounts and detailed instructions.
- Prep – Chop the broccoli and measure out the other salad ingredients. Whisk the dressing until smooth.
- Mix – Combine the broccoli, seeds, bacon, dried cranberries, pickled onion, and cheese in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill – Cover and refrigerate the salad overnight so the flavors can develop.
- Serve – Stir gently and serve cold as a vibrant side dish.
Recipe FAQ
The dressing is simple and ready in minutes. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Pour it over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated. Letting the salad chill overnight helps the flavors meld.
Yes. Prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate. For best texture and snap, avoid making it more than one day ahead, as the broccoli will begin to soften over time.
Serve This With
- Grilled chicken legs – Their bold, savory flavor pairs well with the salad’s cool crunch.
- Smoked brisket – The salad refreshes the palate next to rich, smoky beef.
- Pulled pork – A classic barbecue combo: creamy-bright salad alongside tender pork and your favorite barbecue sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality broccoli for the best flavor and crunch. Buy whole heads and chop them yourself rather than using pre-cut bags.
- Cut your vegetables to even sizes so every bite has a balanced texture.
- Whisk the dressing thoroughly in a separate bowl so it’s creamy and smooth before coating the salad ingredients. This ensures even flavor distribution.
Save Some Calories
- Choose a lower-calorie or olive oil–based mayonnaise.
- Replace half the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for added protein and fewer calories.
- Omit the dried fruit to cut back on sugar while keeping most of the texture and crunch.
Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe
This crunchy, flavorful broccoli salad comes together quickly, chills overnight, and makes a reliable side for barbecues, family dinners, and potlucks.
15 minutes
12 hours
12 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 cups chopped broccoli
- ½ cup roasted, salted sunflower seeds
- 1 cup chopped bacon (about 5–6 slices)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup diced pickled red onions
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve cold.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 8 servings • Serving Size: 1
Amount per serving
- Calories: 604
- Total Fat: 47g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
- Cholesterol: 62mg
- Sodium: 1913mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g (Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 16g)
- Protein: 21g