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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.
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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 recipe delivers a hearty and satisfying crunch with a vibrant mix of fresh ingredients smothered in a creamy dressing.
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 of time: 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.

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!

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4.98 from 82 votes (33 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




119 Comments

  1. Kristine Diaz says:

    5 stars
    I could eat the whole thing my self, lol. Love it!!!!!!!!!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      LOL..so, could I 🙂 It’s broccoli..got to be healthy!

  2. Nisha says:

    5 stars
    This salad was delicious. Even my non-brocolli eating son enjoyed it. Thank you very very much!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Yay!! That’s awesome! Thanks for giving it a try!

  3. Heidi says:

    Can you substitute miracle whip for the mayonnaise? I am trying to make it dairy free.

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      I’m sure you could, though I have not tried. It will change the taste a little, since they do taste differently! ENJOY!

    2. Merlene Facey says:

      4 stars
      Tried this salad but used Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise

      1. Kristyn Merkley says:

        Good idea 🙂

  4. Kait says:

    what dressing did you use for the salad?

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      It is a homemade dressing, which is in the recipe 🙂 Hope that helps!

  5. Amy Hoffmeier says:

    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!!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Yes 🙂 I hope you like it!!

  6. Pam says:

    5 stars
    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!!!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      You are so sweet!! Makes me so happy to hear you’ve made it 3 times in one week!! Thank you so much!! 🙂

  7. Dave says:

    Great recipe ….big hit 4th picnic…I cut back to 2 tbls sugar and used 1/2 cherry craisins and 1/2 cranberry ….

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      I love hearing that!! Thank you so much for trying it & for letting me know!

  8. Debbie says:

    5 stars
    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.

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      The bacon definitely isn’t necessary, but it makes it even better. Let me know if you try it again with the bacon. 😉

  9. Bonnie says:

    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.

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Will have to give it a try – thanks!

  10. Shannon w says:

    I also get asked to bring this salad all the, but I substitute red grapes for cruising, also add some purple onion..

    1. Shannon w says:

      Crasins

    2. Lil' Luna says:

      I prefer craisins over grapes too!

    3. Jodie says:

      4 stars
      Same here. Add red grapes, red onions as well some cheddar cheese. Yummy.