This broccoli salad recipe will be your go-to salad for summer potlucks, picnics and cookouts and can be prepped in under 20 minutes!
This Broccoli Salad is the salad of your crunchy, creamy, sweet, savory, refreshing, tangy dreams. Itโs easy, make ahead friendly, stays super fresh, doesnโt wilt, is utterly addicting and always disappears in a flash. This Broccoli Salad recipe is packed with vibrant, fresh broccoli, salty, crispy bacon, creamy Gouda cheese, crunchy Fuji apples, sweet craisins, tangy red onions, crunchy almonds, and roasted sunflower seeds all doused in the BEST light, creamy, herb laced dressing. So, if youโre looking for the best Broccoli Salad recipe to have in your back pocket, this is the ONE!
Summer cookout season is officially here which means it’s time to brings all of your favorite make-ahead salad recipes to potlucks! If you love make-ahead dishes, youโll love these warm weather favs: Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad, Strawberry Broccoli Salad, Creamy Bacon Pea Pasta Salad, Corn Salad, Perfect Fruit Salad, Grape Salad and on and on!
Watch: How to make Broccoli Salad with Bacon
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Bacon Broccoli Salad
If thereโs one recipe youโll make again and again this summer and all year long โ itโs this unassuming, unexpectedly irresistible Broccoli Salad. Even my skeptical husband LOVED this salad and kept coming back for the leftovers until every last sunflower seed was gone. The sweet-and-savory, crunchy-creamy combo is utterly divine.
Why Youโll love this BROCCOLI SALAD RECIPE
Why Youโll love this BROCCOLI SALAD RECIPE
Bacon Broccoli Salad ingredients
This Broccoli Salad recipe is made with broccoli, bacon, Gouda cheese, apples, craisins, red onions, almonds, and roasted sunflower seeds. Here are a few helpful notes about the ingredients (youโll find recipe with full measurements at the bottom of the post):
BROCCOLI SALAD dressing
This Broccoli Salad Dressing is a nod to the retro dressing we all know and love but a few touches make it way better. Itโs a creamy, mayonnaise-based dressing made with both mayo and nonfat Greek yogurt so itโs lighter and healthier. You can even use fat free, low-fat or olive oil mayonnaise. The resulting Broccoli Salad Dressing is wonderfully silky and just creamy enough to cradle all your Broccoli Salad ingredients.
The creaminess of the dressing is balanced by tangy red wine vinegar and sweetened with a touch of sugar so itโs perfectly tangy with a kiss of sweetness. To finish it off, the dressing is laced with fresh herbs you find in ranch dressing so itโs fantastically flavorful without being overpowering.
I think the dressing is perfect as is, but feel free to adjust the ingredient amounts, to make the dressing just how you like it with bit more sugar for sweeter or a bit more vinegar for tangier.
The Broccoli Salad Dressing is made with:ย
Do you steam broccoli for broccoli salad?
Nope!ย Raw broccoli is the standard in Broccoli Salad and gives the broccoli salad its wonderful signature texture. If youโve never had broccoli salad before, the fresh texture is swoon worthy โ and it stays crunchy for days!ย I canโt tell you how many times Iโve tossed a salad (because I have to add dressing to my salads for photo shoots) and canโt eat all of it because it gets soggy โ but not this easy Broccoli Salad โ it is a texture loverโsย dream. Additionally, ย weโreย cutting the broccoli into small pieces so itโs not a crunch overload and the broccoli softens slightly after marinating in the dressing.
HOW TO blanch broccoli
If you absolutely cringe at the thought of raw broccoli, then I have the perfect solution for you so you can still enjoy this Broccoli Salad!ย Simply blanch the broccoli for 1-2 minuteโย no more.ย The broccoli will remain firm so it wonโt fall apart in your salad but will taste a little less raw.
To blanch broccoli:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- While youโre waiting for your water to boil, prepare a bowl of ice water large enough to accommodate your broccoli.
- Add broccoli florets to boiling water and cook 1-2 minutes, depending on how crunchy you want the broccoli.
- Drain broccoli and immediately transfer to prepared ice bath to stop the cooking.
- Allow broccoli to cool completely.
- Drain broccoli well before adding to the salad bowl.
How to make Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese
Broccoli Salad is one of the easiest summer salads you will ever make!ย ย Hereโs how:
- Make dressing: add all of the dressing ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Prep salad ingredients: wash the broccoli and cut it into bite-sized pieces; drain very well. Chop the apples, red onion and Gouda. Thatโs all the chopping there is!
- Toss: add the broccoli, apples, red onions, craisins, cheese and almonds to a large bowl. Drizzle with all of the dressing and toss until evenly combined.
- Chill: refrigerate the Broccoli Salad for about an hour if you have time. Chilling the salad gives the broccoli a chance to soak up the dressing and for the sweet, savory, creamy flavors to mingle resulting in an even more flavorful salad.
- Cook bacon: anytime while the salad is chilling, cook the bacon. Working in batches, place the strips of bacon in a single layer in a large, cold/unheated cast iron skillet without any oil. Increase heat to medium and cook until browned and crispy, flipping occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and let drain. Crumble and add to the salad just before serving along with the sunflower seeds.
Can you make broccoli salad ahead of time?
Broccoli Salad can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.ย If chilling to make ahead, reserve the bacon and sunflower seeds and add just before serving. ย If you donโt have time to make the whole salad in advance, then you can still make the dressing. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in advance.
Tips for the best broccoli salad recipe
This Broccoli Salad recipe is super simple to make, but here are a few tips for the best Broccoli Salad:
Variations on this Broccoli Salad Recipe with Bacon
Broccoli Salad is extremely flexible and can be made with a variety of ingredients, as long as you maintain the balance of sweet, savory, creamy and crunchy in the form of fruit, dried berries, nuts and seeds.ย So, feel free to swap in your favs or whatever you have on hand. ย ย Here are a few ideas:
How to make healthy Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is meant to be an indulgent, crowd pleasing side dish thatโs so worth the occasional calorie splurge. If you would like Broccoli Salad to make more of a regular appearance (I get you), then there are a few modifications you can try to make it a little healthier:
FOR THE OREO CRUST:
How to serve Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese
Broccoli Salad is wonderfully versatile โ it goes with practically everything!ย The more appropriate question is, what doesnโt broccoli salad go with?ย Itโs fabulous at potlucks, picnics and barbecues alongside all of your favorite cookout foods but itโs equally delicious alongside comforting dinner dishes and it holds its own as part of your holiday spread.ย Here are just a few recipes Broccoli Salad goes with, but the possibilities are endless! ย ย
Can you eat broccoli salad right away?
Yes, this Broccoli Salad can be served right away, although I prefer to let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to let all of the flavors really meld together.
Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe storage
How long does broccoli salad last?ย
Broccoli salad can be stored for 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.ย Even on day 3, the salad will still taste fresh, crunchy and fabulous. The bacon will soften but still taste salty, savory and meaty. ย The apples wonโt brown due to the yogurt and vinegar in the dressing.ย Leftover broccoli salad is delicious for lunch, snacks and anytime the cravings strike.
Do you have to chill broccoli salad?
Broccoli salad is tasty if eaten right away but is exponentially more delicious if allowed to chill for at least one hour.ย Hereโs why:
โข Chilling makes the broccoli more tender.ย Just one hour will slightly soften the broccoli into the perfect texture.ย This also makes the broccoli more flavorful as it soaks up some of the dressing. ย ย
โข Chilling makes the salad more flavorful. As with all dressings, chilling deepens, melds and marries all of the flavors so it tastes more complex and more flavorful than freshly made.
FAQs for Broccoli Bacon Salad
Yes, especially if eaten raw like in this Broccoli Salad. Broccoli needs to be washed to remove dirt, pesticides, and even bugs.
To enjoy raw broccoli, first clean the head of broccoli by running it under cold water. Use your fingers to rub clean any noticeably dirty spots.ย You can also immerse the head of broccoli into water and rinse or into a water/vinegar bath.ย Gently but thoroughly pat the broccoli with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels until itโs completely dry. Wet broccoli will result in a watery Broccoli Salad.
Lay a head of broccoli on its side on a cutting board.ย Slice off the head of broccoli, close to the crown to cut the broccoli florets away from the main stem. Slice each floret into pieces, about ยฝ-inch wide, cutting off any excess stem as needed.
Look for broccoli whose florets are deep green with small, tightly packed buds, this means its ready to harvest and cut and will boast the best flavor and texture.
No, you donโt need to steam broccoli for Broccoli Salad, otherwise it can be too soft and fall apart.ย If youโd like to make it slightly more tender but still retain the crunch, blanch the broccoli for 1 minute then transfer it to an ice bath.ย Theย broccoliย will still be firm enough for theย salad but taste less raw.
Yes, please do! Broccoliย is a delicious, nutrient-packed vegetable that can be eaten safely raw or cooked.ย Both the florets and stems are completely safe to eat, however, the stems may be stringy and tougher to chew. If youโre looking for the healthiest way to consume broccoli, however, raw is the way to go. Different cooking methods i.e., sautรฉing, steaming, boiling, or roasting can affect its nutritional value.ย For example, broccoli is rich in vitamin C and chlorophyll, which is highly heat sensitive, and can be depleted based on the cooking method. Stir frying broccoli can reduce the Vitamin C as much as 38%. Broccoli is also rich in the natural plant compound sulforaphane which has been linked to various health benefits and may help protect against heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and digestive issues.ย Recent research in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found that cooking broccoli locks sulforaphane in, making it unavailable to your body. Or in other words, it’s easier for your body to absorb sulforaphane from raw broccoli than cooked broccoli.
Iโve detailed full make ahead instructions above, so get giddy because you can make the salad 3 days ahead of time for stress free entertaining.
Your body LOVES broccoli!ย ย Broccoliย is low in calories but a great source of vitamins B, Kย andย C,ย a good source of folic acid,ย beta-carotene.ย ย It also providesย B1, B2, B3, B6, iron, magnesium, potassium, fiber, potassium, and zinc.ย Another fun fact, one cup of broccoli contains as much vitamin C as an orange!ย ย Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables, which offer potent anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer health benefits.ย
More broccoli recipes
Broccoli is delicious in so many forms!ย Here are some favorite broccoli recipes that you should try:
Strawberry Avocado Broccoli Salad:ย is a fun spin on traditional Broccoli Salad made with strawberries, avocados, pears, and feta in a creamy poppy seed dressing.ย Itโs easy, make ahead, texture packed, crunchy, fresh, sweet and savory!ย ย
Roasted Parmesan Broccoli: ย makes a quick and easy, irresistible side dish all made in one pan for easy cleanup.ย It boasts tantalizing crispy tops and salty Parmesan that goes with practically everything!
Beef and Broccoli: ย has been one of my most popular recipes since I posted it in 2014!ย Itโs literally better than any Chinese takeout and easy to make โ win, win!
Chicken and Broccoli: a fast, flavorful stir fry loaded with juicy chicken and crisp-tender broccoli enveloped in a savory garlic, ginger stir fry sauce complimented by hot steaming rice on your table in 30 minutes!
Broccoli Cheese Soup: ย mega flavorful, intensely creamy, comforting, easy, and on your table in just over 30 minutes AND itโs deceitfully decadent but lightened up!
Chicken Divan: possibly my favorite casserole of all time.ย This childhood favorite is made from scratch without any condensed soups or mayo, just layers of juicy chicken and tender broccoli in the most flavorful rich, creamy cheese sauce all topped with golden crispy panko.ย
Broccoli Onion Frittata: is creamy, soft and custardy loaded with bacon, broccoli, sweet potatoes, caramelized onions and cheese for an explosion of texture and flavor.ย
Pasta Primavera: loaded with fresh broccoli, squash, zucchini, asparagus, bell peppers, tomatoes and peas, tossed in a light, garlicky, lemon cream sauce, on your table in 30 minutes!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta:ย is quick, easy and simply irresistible.ย Itโs smothered in a lightened up cheesy ranch sauce with bacon, broccoli and bell peppers.
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Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe
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Ingredients
BROCCOLI SALAD
- 6 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 4 ounces (about 1 cup) Gouda, cubed small (may sub sharp cheddar)
- 1 sweet apple (like Fuji) chopped
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
DRESSING
- ยพ cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, nonfat works great
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives or 1 tsp dried
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or 1 tsp dried
- 1/2 tsp EACH garlic powder, salt, pepper
Instructions
- Whisk all of the dressing ingredients together in a medium bowl; set side.
- Add all of the Salad Ingredients to a large bowl except bacon and sunflower seeds.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss until all of the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
- The salad can be served immediately, but for best flavor, refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Add the sunflower seeds and bacon and toss again before serving. Keep refrigerated if not consuming right away.
Video
Notes
- Thoroughly dry broccoli after washing, otherwise it will make your dressing, and consequently your salad watery.ย ย
- Customize the dressing how YOU like it.ย Greek yogurt varies wildly in tanginess. In addition, some people prefer tangier dressing, some people prefer sweeter dressing, so I recommend starting with the recipe as written and adjusting to taste, adding additional sugar for sweeter or vinegar for tangier one teaspoon at a time.ย
- Can I add different ingredients?ย The salad ingredients and measurements are simply suggestions.ย You can add/swap any ingredients for your favorite veggies and fruits as long as you maintain a balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy; if you swap out an ingredient, replace it with something with a similar flavor profile and texture.ย ย See the post for all sorts of recipe variation ideas.
- Storage:ย Broccoli Salad can be stored for 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.ย Even on day 3, the salad will still taste fresh, crunchy and fabulous. The bacon will soften but still taste salty, savory and meaty. ย The apples wonโt brown due to the yogurt and vinegar in the dressing.ย Leftover broccoli salad is delicious for lunch, snacks and anytime the cravings strike.
- Make Ahead:ย Broccoli Salad can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.ย If chilling to make ahead, reserve the bacon and sunflower seeds and add just before serving. ย If you donโt have time to make the whole salad in advance, then you can still make the dressing. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in advance.
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Senachie says
It would be so helpful if you could post along with your recipes, some basic nutritional information like calories, sodium, and carbs per serving.
Jen says
Hi Senachie, you can calculate info at: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator
Laura says
This was delicious! I love broccoli salad and this recipe just made me love it even more. Best way to eat broccoli!
Jen says
Thanks so much Laura, I’m so pleased you loved it as much as us!
Andrea says
Love this salad! I need to make it dairy free for a friend. Would it be OK to just replace the yogurt with more mayo?
Jen says
Thanks Andrea! You can use a dairy free yogurt for a lighter option, otherwise, yes, you can swap it with additional mayo. More mayo will be a little thicker and less tangy so you may need to add a splash of red wine vinegar and/or milk. Good luck!
Stephanie says
Made this yesterday as a side to some bbq ribs and it was delicious. Unlike other regular broccoli salad recipes, this has a lot of herbs in the sweet and tangy dressing which really gave it a great flavor. So many wonderful tastes and textures with the nuts, fruit and cheese, definitely another recipe to be made again. Thank you!
Jen says
Happy 4th of July Stephanie! I wanted the dressing to have a hint of ranch so I added those same herbs, I’m so pleased you appreciated it and loved the salad!
Mability says
Wow! I just made this salad for a bbq today and it is another delicious recipe that is spot on. Over the holiday weekend I made your cucumber salad and I thought it was fantastic especially for potluck bbq’s.
This one is just as good if not better! I can’t get enough of your scrumptious salads. I’m going to try the brocolli strawberry next but it will be hard to beat this one.
Thanks so much for the wonderful recipes, explanations and helpful tips, etc.
:PS: I think you meant to say that you can substitue sour cream for yogurt, not use sour cream in lieu of sugar. It’s b
Fabulous
Jen says
Thanks so much for the awesome review, I’m so pleased you loved this salad as well! I’ll be curious which broccoli salad you like better? Keep me posted! Thanks for making my recipes and for taking the time to comment!
Rachel says
This is a texture lover’s dream with so many different things going on with each bite. I made it as a transition between summer and fall. I scaled back the sugar to 1 T and would go down to 1 t next time I make this (really don’t like sweet dressings) with more vinegar for additional tang. I also scaled back the bacon with no regrets. This is going to be perfect for taking with lunch. Thanks for another great recipe.
Jen says
You’re so welcome Rachel, I’m so pleased you loved it!
Nancy Myerson says
Do you think this could work if I steam the broccoli?
Jen says
Yes, it will just be a little different mouthfeel, totally personal preference!
Amanda Z says
This was the best broccoli salad Iโve ever made! I have made quite a few variations but the dressing for this one puts it far above other! Perfect side dish
Jen says
Thanks Amanda, I’m s pleased you loved it!
Erica says
Iโve made lots of other broccoli salad recipes that Iโve liked but this is THE ONE. So good! Everyone asked for the recipe and it was the first thing to go at our potluck.
Jen says
Thank you so much, Erica! I am so happy it was such a hit with everyone!
Laura C says
I love this recipe! Instead of broccoli I used a bag of broccoli slaw, then it comes together so quickly! I love also that it’s easy to customize. I ran out of green yogurt once so I used sour cream and it turned out great. I also like to use pumpkin seeds sometimes in place of either the almonds or the sunflower seeds.
Jen says
Great substitutions! I am so happy you love this salad! Thank you so much, Laura!
Ana says
Made this and it was delicious . Better than the broccoli salad Costco sells. Thank you!
Jen says
Thanks Ana! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Susan C Potter says
I made the broccoli salad with bacon for Easter and it was super! What a great combination of flavors! And, it lasted and was still as good as the day I made it!
Jen says
Hi Susan! I’m so happy that you loved the flavor combos of this dish! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your sweet review!