Broccoli Salad

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.

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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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Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

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5 from 33 votes

Broccoli Salad Recipe

Broccoli Salad recipe is a quick and easy side dish for summer potlucks, holidays, parties and more!

Prep:10 minutes mins

Chilling Time:1 hour hr

Total:1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

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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

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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.

Video

Nutrition Information

Calories: 669kcal (33%), Carbohydrates: 40g (13%), Protein: 17g (34%), Fat: 52g (80%), Saturated Fat: 13g (81%), Cholesterol: 57mg (19%), Sodium: 590mg (26%), Potassium: 858mg (25%), Fiber: 8g (33%), Sugar: 23g (26%), Vitamin A: 1690IU (34%), Vitamin C: 212mg (257%), Calcium: 290mg (29%), Iron: 2mg (11%)

© Julie's Eats & Treats ®

We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.