Fresh and vibrant salads are our FAVORITE! So, naturally, when we want something fresh and a bit of crunch, this broccoli salad recipe is our go-to (especially for potlucks, showers and parties)!
The combination of crisp broccoli florets, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy bacon, and a creamy dressing creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The best part? Even our kids will eat their broccoli!
It is filling enough to be enjoyed as a light lunch. The flavors only improve as it sits, making it perfect for storing in the fridge to enjoy throughout the week.
For similar tasty variations try our Broccoli Strawberry Salad and Broccoli Cauliflower Salad.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Fresh and healthy. This refreshing and satisfying easy salad recipe is packed with nutrients and a delightful crunch.
- Quick and easy. No cooking is required! This salad comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or sharing.
- Perfect for prepping. This summer salad is a crowd-pleaser that can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient and delicious option for parties and picnics.
Broccoli Salad Ingredients
- Reduced-fat mayonnaise (1 cup)- Mayo creates the creamy base that coats every bite and carries the tangy, sweet flavors. Miracle Whip (dairy-free), or plain Greek yogurt (less fat) can be used instead, but note that the flavor will change slightly.
- Sugar (3 tablespoons)- The sweetness of the sugar softens the vinegar and balances the natural bitterness of raw broccoli.
- White wine vinegar (2 tablespoons)- The vinegar adds bright tang so the salad tastes fresh, not heavy. We usually use white wine vinegar, but apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or lemon juice will work as well.
- Chopped broccoli florets (7 cups)- The broccoli is the crunchy star, sturdy enough to stay crisp even after chilling. Buy a bag of fresh broccoli florets or cut bite-sized pieces. Wash the raw broccoli under running water and then pat dry. Remove the leaves, if any. When in a pinch, thaw frozen broccoli.
- Craisins (½ cup)- Craisins provide chewy, fruity sweetness that contrasts the savory bacon and creamy dressing. Raisins or sliced fresh red grapes can be used instead.
- Shelled sunflower seeds, raw or roasted (½ cup)- The seeds add a nutty crunch that makes every forkful more interesting. Other nuts that can be used include pine nuts, chopped pecans, cashews, or almonds.
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled (8 slices)- Bacon gives salty, smoky bits that turn a simple salad into an instant favorite.- Make Bacon in the Oven or use bacon bits.
- optional – season with salt or black pepper
How to Make Broccoli Salad
COMBINE. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar and mix well.
- Add chopped broccoli and Craisins and stir to coat.
CHILL. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
SERVE. Before serving, stir in sunflower seeds and crumbled bacon.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Cook the Bacon in the Oven or use store-bought bacon bits.
- We love the crunch of fresh raw broccoli best, but thawed frozen broccoli can be used.
- Give the salad ample time to chill in the dressing, which makes it a perfect make-ahead salad.
- Feel free to add cubed cheddar cheese, cauliflower florets, chopped kale, shredded carrots, chopped celery, or apple chunks.
Broccoli Salad
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 7 cups chopped broccoli florets
- ½ cup Craisins
- ½ cup shelled sunflower seeds, raw or roasted
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar and mix well.
- Add broccoli and Craisins and stir to coat.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Before serving, stir in sunflower seeds and bacon.
Notes
- Cook the Bacon in the Oven or use store-bought bacon bits.
- We love the crunch of fresh raw broccoli best, but thawed frozen broccoli can be used.
- Give the salad ample time to chill in the dressing, which makes it a perfect make-ahead salad.
- Feel free to add cubed cheddar cheese, cauliflower florets, chopped kale, shredded carrots, chopped celery, or apple chunks.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Prepare the different ingredients 2-3 days ahead and store them in separate containers in the fridge. Then, toss the salad with the dressing up to 12 hours ahead of time, and finally, add the seeds and bacon before serving.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
This salad must stay cool. We like to serve the salad in a bowl nestled into a larger bowl of ice. Be cautious about leaving it out for longer than a couple of hours, or less if the temperature is on the higher side.
Complete the Meal
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Dr. Pepper Ribs
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Easy Pulled Pork Recipe
8 hrs 5 mins
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Desserts
Summer Salads
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This recipe was originally published June 2017.
If using bacon bits, how much should you use?
To substitute the 8 slices of cooked bacon, add about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of bacon bits. You can also adjust the amount according to your personal preferences.
What substitute can you use for the white vinegar
You can try lemon juice, rice vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.
Can I thaw and use frozen broccoli?
This broccoli salad recipe is my favorite. Others use almonds but with nut allergies in our family sunflower seeds are better. I also add shredded carrots. I chop the broccoli in my food processor so 93 year old dad can eat it. (Chop carefully, you don’t want mush)
I made this salad with meatloaf and scalloped potatoes it was so delicious everyone loved it. No leftovers everyone wanted more.
Absolutely my favorite salad. This recipe hits the nail on the head! Try it, you’ll make it again soon.
Oh that makes us so happy to hear! Thank you!
I need to make this broccoli salad to feed 125 people. How much of the ingredients will I need? Will be using raisins instead of craisins.
Thank you
Hi Ronda. There is a setting on the recipe card where you can adjust the serving size and the ingredient amount will adjust too. Hopefully that can help you determine how much to make for 125 people.
This has been my favorite. I already maked this twice this week!
I made this yesterday for a weekend barbecue at my nieces. This was the first time I made this. Everyone raved about it. It was delicious. It was so easy to make also. I did not have regular vinegar but I had red wine vinegar so I substituted. I will definitely make it again. Thank you for a wonderful recipe and will definitely try some of the other ones
Our go to salad!
LOVED THIS!! The (salted) sunflower seeds make it for me…. I cooked the broccoli for a few mins to soften it up.. personal preference
Thanks for sharing what you did. I’m so glad you loved the salad!!
My whole family loves this, even the grandkids and their families. Thank you so much!
You’re welcome! So happy to hear it’s a hit with the family!
My family loves this salad!! We eat it all year round. My kids love anything with bacon in it!!!
I made this broccoli salad the other day when I had friends over for lunch. They absolutely loved it as did I. This will definitely be going into my all time favorite recipe book.
Oh that makes me so happy to hear! I’m so glad you loved the salad!
This salad was a big hit at my bbq! Thanks a lot.
You’re welcome!! So happy to hear that!
I have never left a review before, but this was so delicious I had to and I mean, really, really good. It could have been all we ate for dinner.
Oh thank you so much for your kind words. This makes me so happy to hear! I’m glad that you all enjoyed the salad.
OVER THE TOP DELICIOUS!
Thank you for this recipe! It is absolutely delicious and has become a family favorite! I have made this recipe 3 times within the past 2 weeks! It is a keeper for sure! It is easy to make and loved by all!
Oh thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so glad that you all enjoy the salad!
My favorite broc salad!
Yay! So happy to hear that!
Have made many a brocolli salad but this is my favorite
I’m so glad it’s your favorite too! Thanks for trying it!
Loved the broccoli salad! I followed the recipe except that I used regular mayo and it was SO good! Guests also enjoyed it. I will make this again for sure.
Yay!! This is one of our favorite salads too. So happy to hear it was enjoyed!
I don’t know why I thought I didn’t like broccoli salad?
We THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THIS SALAD. EXCELLENT FLAVOR AND EASY TO MAKE AND STORE!
Happy you did! Thank you so much!
Made this salad for our Easter lunch. It was easy and very tasty. Will definitely make it again!
I Am Making for a party and Want to omit the bacon. Should i add some salt or other spice so not bland? I maDe this past weekend with bacon and cheddar. I didnt care For cheddar and my husband DOesnt care for bacon. Othe it iS delicious!!
You could leave it totally or add whatever you like. You can’t really mess it up, which makes it the best recipe!
Excellent salad!! I used 1/3 c. mayo, 1/3 c. lite sour Cream, 1/3 c. Greek Yogurt. Everything else the same. A keeper.
Glad it’s a keeper! Thank you for sharing what you did!
this salad was amazing . the only thing i did DIFFERENT was add finally chopped purple onion.
Best broccoli!!!!
I agree!! Thank you 🙂
Broccoli Salad is a summer must have recipe! This one did not disappoint! We will be making this again for sure!
Made this for Easter. No leftovers? But had a wee bit of leftover bro so were making it for dinner tonigHt. Great recipie! Easy enough for mYhusband to do!
Glad you tried it & even happier, that it was a hit! Thank you!
I made this broccoli salad the other day when I had friends over for lunch. They absolutely loved it as did I. This will definitely be going into my all time favorite recipe book.
My entire family eats up this salad! Its so good and a new regular Side For weekly meals.
That makes me so happy to hear!! Thank you for trying it!
Will have to give it a try – thanks!
Hope you will 🙂 Thank you!
How much is a serving ??
It is close to 1 cup 🙂
Actualy its a question
How to make it so ny vegan son wIll also can eat it?
I am honestly not sure what he can/can’t eat, so you can really substitute whatever you like.
This Salad is AMazing! My kids loved it esp since it has bacon in it!
One of the best side dishes ever!!
So creamy and delicious! I buy the big pre-cut bags of broccoli florets at costco.
one of the best broccoli salads ever!!
Yay!! Thank you so much for sharing that!
I’m always LOoking for Keto friendly food for my husband. I used a sugar SUBSTITUTE and used full fat Mayo. He loved it and so did I. the combination of all the ingredients was so good. Thanks!
This is my fave!
BROCCOLI salad is my favorite! It always makes an APPEARANCE at family get togethers!
Broccoli salad is a favorite in our home. Its usually A dish we serve in the summertime but actually good anytime of the year. Its one of those diShes that you can add oR take away ingredients.
This is the best broccoli salad! I love the flavor, it’s very easy to make, & always gone in minutes!
Great rEcipe
Thank you so much!!
Hello! Im planning to make this salad for anget together this weekend. Quick question, did you Cook the bacon for this salad or do you think it would be ok to use the precooked bacon bought feom the store?
Definitely either would work! I’ve done both 🙂 Have fun!
Always a crowd pleasure, yum!
It is! Thank you for stopping by!
I love this broccoli salad recipe! So many of these similar recipes call for a much higher sugar usage and I love that yours is only 3T. Also, I substitute lemon juice instead of the entire amount of vinegar that you call for. I do a splash of white vinegar and just under 2T for my lemon juice ! I can’t wait to follow you on Pinterest!
Thank you 🙂 I can’t wait for you to follow me, either!! I hope you find some good stuff to try 🙂
Thank you for posting a broccoli salad recipe that’s not weird. Why does everyone put cheese in it? Or mustard? Blech. This is to the point and delicious. I use pine nuts, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, and add red onion to mine. This is the best summer salad, and EVERYONE asks me to bring it to BBQs.
I agree about it being the best!! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Do you steam the broccoli first for a minute or so?
Nope, but I guess you could, if you wanted to. I just added fresh, chopped, cold broccoli. It has a nice crunch & the dressing softens them up a little.
How long would this stay good for in the fridge?
I would say a few days. It could be a little longer. We don’t usually have much left to save, so I can’t honestly say, but I’d say 3-5 days. Hope that helps!
Happy Memorial Day! I LOVE this salad!!!!!
Have made at least 20 times and it is always gobbled up even by non broccoli lovers! One of the few salads I put bacon in. I feel it makes the dish. Thanks for a great salad that doesn’t make me chop a dozen items! Very easy!
You are so welcome!! And, I agree! Thank you for sharing 🙂
I like the addition of craisins sunflower seeds. Will definitely try.
Then you will love it! Let me know what you think 🙂
I make this too, except instead of seeds I use diced apples. I think using both together would be good.
It would be! Thank you for sharing that! I will have to try 🙂
Do you think this would be OK in a backpack for a few days hiking along the west coast? Good fast energy!
I’m not sure! I’d think it needs to stay cold, but honestly haven’t tried! Sounds fun!
It was a favorite at Thanksgiving. My new go-to recipe for potlucks.
Woohoo! Thank you for sharing it!
I am making this salad for thanksgiving instead of traditional broccoli. What type of vinegar do you use?
I’m going to make it for Thanksgiving also, and am wondering if people have tried different vinegars? Like Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar? I’m guessing you just use white vinegar?
I always use apple cider vinegar
Thank you, I think I’ll try the apple cider vinegar. Happy Thanksgiving!
I did use the white, but the apple cider would be great!
You could totally use the apple cider one 🙂 I just used white distilled, but I’m sure that will work just fine.
I used white, distilled, but you could use apple cider vinegar 🙂
I could eat the whole thing my self, lol. Love it!!!!!!!!!
LOL..so, could I 🙂 It’s broccoli..got to be healthy!
This salad was delicious. Even my non-brocolli eating son enjoyed it. Thank you very very much!
Yay!! That’s awesome! Thanks for giving it a try!
Can you substitute miracle whip for the mayonnaise? I am trying to make it dairy free.
I’m sure you could, though I have not tried. It will change the taste a little, since they do taste differently! ENJOY!
Tried this salad but used Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise
Good idea 🙂
what dressing did you use for the salad?
It is a homemade dressing, which is in the recipe 🙂 Hope that helps!
Are salted sunflower seeds okay? I don’t want it to be too salty with the bacon and sunflower seeds, but it’s all I have!!
Yes 🙂 I hope you like it!!
Just wanted to say Thanks for the broccoli salad recipe. I found it a week ago and have made it three times!!!!!Love the easy prep! Have cooked for 50 years and am tired of chopping!Thanks so much for an easy and delicious recipe! Ten stars!!!
You are so sweet!! Makes me so happy to hear you’ve made it 3 times in one week!! Thank you so much!! 🙂
Great recipe ….big hit 4th picnic…I cut back to 2 tbls sugar and used 1/2 cherry craisins and 1/2 cranberry ….
I love hearing that!! Thank you so much for trying it & for letting me know!
Made the broccoli salad before and love it. But didn’t add the bacon. What a great idea! Will add next time. Just more flavor.
The bacon definitely isn’t necessary, but it makes it even better. Let me know if you try it again with the bacon. 😉
I make this salad but all green onion, chopped celery, and cashews. The cashew really make it. You should try it. The celery gives it a little more crunch.
Will have to give it a try – thanks!
I also get asked to bring this salad all the, but I substitute red grapes for cruising, also add some purple onion..
Crasins
I prefer craisins over grapes too!
Same here. Add red grapes, red onions as well some cheddar cheese. Yummy.
I meant 4 stars
Thank you so much!! I love to hear that 🙂