This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Simple Broccoli Salad is tasty and hearty topped with a delicious homemade dressing. It’s perfect for BBQs and get-togethers.

This summery salad is a classic side dish – especially for any summer BBQ. I can never decide between taking this version, Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, or Broccoli Strawberry Salad to potlucks, because all are equally delicious!

Broccoli Salad Recipe close up image topped with bacon.


Broccoli + Bacon = DELISH

We have enjoyed broccoli bacon salad for as long as I can remember. I think we first had it at a BBQ restaurant years ago and have tried numerous recipes since then.

I’ve posted a few broccoli salads here on the site (Strawberry Broccoli Salad and this Broccoli Slaw), and both are delicious, but this broccoli salad is my all-time favorite. It comes from my sister-in-law (on the hubby’s side).

As mentioned, we have tried lots of versions of this recipe, but today’s version has all the ingredients that I love. The combination of broccoli, sunflower seeds, bacon, and craisins is absolutely amazing.

With summer get-togethers and BBQs every week, you need a good salad recipe on hand, and this one is a winner!

Broccoli salad dressing in a yellow bowl.

How to Make Broccoli Salad

This simple recipe of broccoli salad is quick, easy, and SO tasty.

DRESSING. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar and mix well.

COMBINE. Add broccoli and Craisins and stir to coat.

CHILL + SERVE. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. Before serving, stir in sunflower seeds and crisp bacon.

Variations

Customize this best broccoli salad recipe by either swapping or adding ingredients. Here are some ideas for ways to tailor this recipe:

  • Swap out the sunflower seeds for pine nuts, chopped pecans, cashews, or almonds.
  • Add cubed or shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Use raisins or fresh red grapes instead of dried cranberries.
  • Add other fruits and veggies: cauliflower florets, chopped kale, shredded carrots, chopped celery, apple chunks, or chopped red onion.
  • Use lemon juice in place of the vinegar.
Chopped Broccoli for broccoli salad recipe on a cutting board.

Recipe Tips

Broccoli Salad Dressing. This super simple dressing is just the right amount of creamy without being too heavy. It consists of only three ingredients: mayo, vinegar, and sugar.

  • For a punch of flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of Creole or other coarse-grain mustard (2 tablespoons is strong, so for a more mild flavor, stick with 1 tablespoon).
  • Make it a little bit “healthier” by using miracle whip (dairy-free), or plain greek yogurt (less fat), but it will change the flavor slightly.
  • Use honey or an alternative sweetener in place of the sugar. 

Prepare the broccoli. Buy a bag of broccoli florets or cut your own. Wash the broccoli under running water and then pat dry. Remove the leaves, if any.

Use a paring knife to cut the crown from the larger stalk. Finally, cut each floret off the crown, leaving about an inch of the stem. If the florets are larger, cut them in half. Do not cook the broccoli, it’s used raw!

Vinegar. I usually use white wine vinegar, but apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar works great too!

Making Ahead and Serving

Make ahead of time. Broccoli salad can be prepared a day ahead of time without losing its texture. Leave out the bacon and nuts until ready to serve or they might get a little soggy.

If preparing it 2-3 days in advance, combine all of the salad ingredients and leave the dressing out until ready to serve. Once the dressing has been added to the broccoli salad with bacon, it will only last 1-2 more days in the fridge.

Serving outdoors. Since this broccoli salad recipe contains mayo I recommend adding ice to a bowl and then nestling the bowl of broccoli salad inside. The ice will help in keeping the salad cool.

Still be cautious about leaving it out for longer than a couple of hours, or less if the temperature is on the higher side. 

Broccoli Salad with Bacon with homemade broccoli salad dressing recipe.

Recipe FAQ

Should I use fresh or frozen broccoli?

For this salad I feel like fresh is best to maintain the right crunch, but if you’re in a pinch and only have frozen that will work just fine, but you may want to blanch the frozen broccoli first.

What should I serve with broccoli salad?

This salad is the perfect compliment to you summer barbecue so we love serving it alongside Hamburgers, Dr. Pepper Ribs, and Baked Beans.

For more salad recipes, try:

4.98 from 82 votes

Broccoli Salad Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
Simple Broccoli Salad is tasty and hearty topped with a delicious homemade dressing. It's perfect for BBQs and get-togethers.
Servings: 9
Prep: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 7 cups chopped broccoli florets
  • ½ cup Craisins
  • ½ cup shelled sunflower seeds
  • 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.

Video

Notes

Make Ahead: Broccoli salad can be prepared a day ahead of time without losing its texture. Just be sure to leave out the bacon and sunflower seeds until you are ready to serve, or they might get a little soggy. If you need to prepare it 2–3 days in advance, combine all the salad ingredients except the dressing; wait to add the dressing until you are ready to serve. Once the dressing has been added to the salad, it will only last 1–2 more days in the refrigerator.
Variations: Swap out the sunflower seeds for pine nuts, chopped pecans, cashews or almonds. Use raisins or fresh red grapes instead of Craisins.
Additions: Add cubed cheddar cheese or other fruits and veggies, like cauliflower florets, chopped kale, shredded carrots, chopped celery or apple chunks.
CAULIFLOWER BROCCOLI SALAD: Make the same dressing above and substitute half the broccoli for cauliflower florets. Add 1 cup cubed cheese along with sunflower seeds and crumbled bacon.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 245kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 17mg, Sodium: 360mg, Potassium: 323mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 469IU, Vitamin C: 63mg, Calcium: 42mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Making this recipe? Tag us!
Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!


About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

So Easy & So Yummy

Get my cookbook!

My new cookbook is the ultimate resource for feeding your friends and family with 200+ simple recipes including videos, tips & more!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




117 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made this salad with meatloaf and scalloped potatoes it was so delicious everyone loved it. No leftovers everyone wanted more.

  2. 5 stars
    Absolutely my favorite salad. This recipe hits the nail on the head! Try it, you’ll make it again soon.

  3. 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

    1. 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.

  4. 5 stars
    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

  5. 5 stars
    LOVED THIS!! The (salted) sunflower seeds make it for me…. I cooked the broccoli for a few mins to soften it up.. personal preference