Broccoli Salad
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Broccoli Salad is a classic summer salad that’s quick and easy! This salad is a mixture of fresh broccoli, red onion, bacon, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds and cheese. Then topped with a creamy, tangy homemade dressing. It’s one of the best side dishes for summer potlucks, grill outs and parties. The best part is that it can be prepped in under 15 minutes.
The BEST Broccoli Salad Recipe!
If you need an easy salad to take to a potluck, BBQ or holiday party I’ve got you covered with this Broccoli Salad! It’s one of those go-to salads for me because it’s so easy to make and it doesn’t take a ton of time. In about 15 minutes you can have the whole thing ready to go!
It’s loaded with fresh broccoli, Swiss cheese, crispy bacon and a touch of red onion. Plus, it has some tart dried cranberries and sunflower seeds for crunch! I love all the different textures and flavors going on in this salad. Toss it all in a simple mayonnaise dressing and I guarantee it will be the first dish to disappear.
We love this salad during the summer because it’s so simple to make and everyone loves it! But, it’s really a great year-round salad to have in your back pocket because it’s perfect for entertaining. Game-day parties, holiday get-togethers, and pretty much any other entertaining situation is the perfect excuse to make a batch.
This is the kind of salad that tastes best when it’s had time to sit in the fridge. It gives all the flavors a chance to mix and meld before you serve it. The great thing about this is that you can totally make this salad ahead! Easy to make, delicious flavors, amazing textures, creamy dressing and you can make it ahead? Yep, it’s all true which is why I’m so excited to share this Broccoli Salad recipe with you!
What Ingredients do I need to make Broccoli Salad?
This is a quick overview of the ingredients and recipe. Please scroll to the bottom where the recipe card is for the full directions!
For the Salad
- broccoli
- red onion
- cooked bacon
- dried cranberries
- sunflower seeds
- Swiss cheese
For the Dressing
- mayonnaise
- sugar
- white vinegar
How Do I make Broccoli Salad?
- Mix Dressing – whisk the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar together in a bowl.
- Mix Salad – combine all of the ingredients for the salad in a large bowl.
- Toss – pour the dressing over the salad and toss it all together.
- Refrigerate – chill the salad for one hour. Toss it again before serving!
What Tools do I need to make this salad?
- small mixing bowl
- large mixing bowl
Tips and Tricks to make this the BEST Broccoli Salad!
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Broccoli Salad. If we didn’t answer your question, leave a comment and we will do our best to answer it!
How to lighten up Broccoli Salad?
You can substitute light mayonnaise for regular mayonnaise to lighten up your salad. Or, you can replace all or some of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use different kinds of cheese in salad! Try substituting cheddar cheese, provolone, or even Gruyere cheese in place of the Swiss cheese.
Why do I need to refrigerate this salad before serving?
Broccoli Salad tastes best when it’s had time to chill in the refrigerator because it gives all the flavors a chance to develop and meld together before you serve it. That said, if you’re in a rush, you can serve it right away but it might not be as flavorful.
How do I store leftover Broccoli Salad?
Store your salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.
How long does Broccoli Salad stay good?
Broccoli Salad will keep well for two to three days in the refrigerator! This makes it a great make-ahead salad for entertaining.
What should I serve with Broccoli Salad?
Wondering what main dish works great with this broccoli salad recipe? Here are a few of our favorite quick and easy main dishes!
- Instant Pot Ribs
- Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
- Barbecue Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
- Apple BBQ Grilled Chicken
- Grilled Pork Chops
More Delicious Salad recipes for a crowd!
I love bringing a big salad to parties because they are always a hit and I can make them ahead of time. Here are a few of our favorites!
- Cashew Chicken Rotini Salad
- Pepperoni Cold Pasta Salad
- Easy Fruit Salad
- Asian Ramen Salad
- Lettuce Frito Salad
- Watergate Salad
- Cashew Coleslaw Salad
Love this broccoli salad? Tell your friends, please share the recipe and leave a five-star comment below! Tag me on Instagram stories when you make these at @julieseatsandtreats.com!!
WATCH THE STEP BY STEP VIDEO FOR THIS BROCCOLI SALAD RECIPE BELOW:
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Broccoli Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 c. broccoli cut into bite sized pieces
- ½ c. red onion minced
- ½ lb bacon fried crisp & chopped
- 2/3 c. dried cranberries
- 4 oz package sunflower seeds
- 6 oz swiss cheese cubed
Dressing
- 1 ½ c. mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp white vinegar
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl combine ingredients for dressing and whisk until completely mixed. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl combine broccoli, onion, bacon, raisins, sunflower seeds, cheese and broccoli. Pour dressing over the top and toss to coat.
- Broccoli salad may be served immediately, but for best flavor refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Make sure to toss broccoli salad thoroughly again before serving.
Suzanne says
I’ve made this twice in a month. Easy to make. Crowd pleaser.
Courtney says
Love it! Thank you for sharing!
Linda Ferland says
Yummy–especially with the dried cranberries! Thank you!
Courtney says
So glad you enjoyed this recipe! Thank you for rating this recipe! 🙂
Susie says
Made this for a get together luncheon with my girls. Was a huge hit now it’s a regular request. If I don’t have sunflower seeds I’ll add almonds or chopped pistachios.
Ana fuentes says
Delicioso
Courtney says
Happy to hear you liked it!
Ilyssa says
I added morning star bacon instead because I do not eat meat and let me tell you its just as good and I was out of sunflower seed so I used marcona almonds I had and yummy!!!!!!!!
Julie Evink says
Wonderful to hear Ilyssa! Thanks for commenting and rating the recipe!
Barbara says
I’ve made this yummy salad a few times for my family to serve with bbq suppers. Always have an empty bowl at end of the meal. Sometimes I’ll substitute with almonds or walnuts and cheddar depending what I have on hand. Highly recommended!
Julie Evink says
Wonderful to hear and those are yummy additions! Thanks for commenting and rating the recipe!
Jill Werenski says
That looks great
Julie Evink says
Thanks Jill!
Christine says
How does the dressing look yellow did you forget an ingredient. Please let know what to make it.
Julie Evink says
I think it’s maybe the brand of Mayo or just the lighting.
Malinda Linnebur says
I remember seeing this at potlucks as a kid but never ate it. Now as an adult I can’t get enough of it!
Julie says
It is one of my favorites!
Kalee says
This broccoli salad is so yummy! It’s the main thing I take to BBQs and cook outs!
Julie says
Awesome! So glad you love it!
Dini says
This was delicious, and it worked great for a potluck! Love the addition of cranberries and sunflower seeds! Thank you so much! 🙂
Julie says
So happy it was a hit!
Danielle Green says
Great potluck dish, and love the addition of cheese!
Julie says
So happy you enjoyed it!