Everyone needs a classic Broccoli Salad Recipe in their culinary repertoire, and this particular rendition is truly exceptional! Featuring crisp, fresh broccoli florets, savory bacon, crunchy sunflower seeds, and more, all generously coated in a perfectly balanced tangy-sweet dressing, this broccoli salad is guaranteed to impress. It’s a delightful side dish that consistently earns rave reviews.

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We absolutely adore a fantastic side dish salad! If you’re looking for other crowd-pleasing options, some of our personal favorites include this Bow Tie Pasta Salad, a hearty Antipasto Salad, or a refreshing Caesar Salad with Pasta.

The Ultimate Classic Broccoli Salad Recipe

There’s something inherently comforting and utterly delicious about a well-made classic broccoli salad. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a vibrant symphony of textures and flavors that has become a beloved staple at summer barbecues, festive picnics, and community potlucks alike. For me, this recipe holds a special place, as I first shared it on Taste and Tell back in 2010, initially fueled by an unexpected pregnancy craving. While I didn’t experience many specific cravings during that time, this delightful broccoli salad was undeniably one of them!

Over the years, this particular broccoli salad has become synonymous with family gatherings, often prepared by my sister. However, a recent craving for its unique combination of flavors – crisp broccoli, sweet raisins and apples, salty bacon, all harmoniously blended with a zesty dressing – inspired me to revisit my original recipe. Re-creating it was a joyous experience, and I instantly fell in love all over again. The refreshing crunch of the broccoli, the bursts of sweetness, and the smoky notes of bacon, perfectly complemented by the tangy dressing, create a truly unforgettable salad that I know I’ll continue to cherish and prepare for many years to come. There’s simply no going wrong with a truly classic dish that stands the test of time!

This salad isn’t just a recipe; it’s a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. It’s perfect for adding a touch of freshness and a burst of flavor to any meal, making it an indispensable part of your entertaining menu.

Essential Broccoli Salad Ingredients and Creative Variations

The core ingredients for this classic broccoli salad are wonderfully straightforward, making it an accessible recipe for cooks of all levels. However, one of its greatest strengths is its versatility, allowing you to easily customize it to your personal preferences. Here’s what goes into our perfect rendition:

• Fresh Broccoli Florets: The star of the show! We recommend cutting them into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure an even distribution of flavor and texture in every spoonful. Fresh broccoli provides that signature crispness.
• Crispy Bacon: Cooked and crumbled, bacon adds a irresistible smoky, salty crunch that perfectly balances the other ingredients. This is a non-negotiable for many classic broccoli salad enthusiasts!
• Sweet Raisins: These chewy little gems introduce a lovely natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory bacon and tangy dressing.
• Crunchy Sunflower Seeds: For an extra layer of texture and a nutty flavor, sunflower seeds are a fantastic addition. They toast slightly when mixed with the dressing and provide a satisfying bite.
• Finely Chopped Red Onion: Red onion adds a mild, sharp zing and a beautiful pop of color. Its delicate flavor complements rather than overpowers the salad.
• Diced Apple: While not universally found in every broccoli salad, we absolutely adore the crispness and subtle sweetness that diced apple brings. It enhances the fruity notes and adds another refreshing layer to the salad.

Customization and Ingredient Swaps:

Feel free to get creative and adapt this recipe to your taste! Here are a few popular ideas:

• Nuts: Instead of sunflower seeds, you could opt for toasted slivered almonds, chopped walnuts, or even pecans for a different nutty dimension.
• Dried Fruit: Dried cranberries (craisins) are an excellent substitute for raisins, offering a tart-sweet flavor that many prefer. Chopped dried apricots could also work for a unique twist.
• Added Crunch and Flavor: Many people enjoy adding shredded sharp cheddar cheese or a blend of cheeses for extra savoriness. You could also include thinly sliced celery for more crunch, or a finely diced red bell pepper for color and a touch of sweetness.
• Make it Vegetarian: Simply omit the bacon. You can replace the savory element with smoked almonds or vegetarian bacon bits if desired.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing you to tailor it precisely to your desires and dietary needs.

Crafting the Perfect Tangy-Sweet Broccoli Salad Dressing

Let’s be upfront: this salad, particularly with its delightful dressing, isn’t intended to be a health food marvel, and that’s perfectly okay! It’s a treat, a truly indulgent side dish that brings immense joy. That’s precisely why I often make it for gatherings – it helps me share the deliciousness and resist the temptation to devour the entire bowl myself! The magic of this broccoli salad largely lies in its incredibly simple yet incredibly flavorful dressing.

This iconic Broccoli Salad Dressing relies on just three foundational ingredients:

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds all the flavors together, providing richness and a smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Crucial for balancing the tang of the vinegar and the savory notes of the bacon. It provides that signature sweet-and-sour profile.
• White Vinegar: Adds the essential tang and brightness, cutting through the richness of the mayonnaise and bringing all the flavors into sharp focus.

Preparing the Dressing: It Couldn’t Be Easier!

Making this dressing is as simple as it gets. All you need to do is whisk these three ingredients together in a bowl until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. It’s truly “easy peasy” and takes mere minutes to prepare. The beauty of this minimalist approach is that each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that classic, irresistible flavor profile.

Tips for Adjusting the Dressing:

• Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet salad, you can certainly try reducing the amount of sugar slightly. Start by using half the recommended amount and then add more to taste. Conversely, if you have a sweet tooth, a touch more sugar can enhance its delightful character.
• Tanginess: For a bolder, more acidic kick, you could experiment with adding an extra splash of white vinegar, or even a different type of vinegar like apple cider vinegar, which offers a fruitier tang.
• Lighter Version: While the classic calls for mayonnaise, some prefer a lighter dressing. You can substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar creaminess with fewer calories and a slight difference in tang.

The dressing is best when it has a moment to meld with the salad ingredients, allowing the flavors to fully develop. This simple, creamy, and vibrant dressing is truly what elevates this broccoli salad to legendary status.

Simple Steps to Assemble Your Perfect Broccoli Salad

Bringing together this delightful broccoli salad is remarkably easy, requiring just a few straightforward steps. The key is fresh ingredients and proper chilling time to allow the flavors to truly sing. Follow these simple instructions for a flawless result:

1. Prepare Your Salad Base: In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine all of your prepared salad ingredients. This includes the crisp, small broccoli florets, the savory crumbled bacon, sweet raisins, crunchy sunflower seeds, finely chopped red onion, and the diced apple. Give them a gentle toss to ensure they are well distributed.
2. Dress the Salad: Evenly pour the tangy-sweet dressing you prepared earlier over the top of the combined salad ingredients.
3. Mix Thoroughly: Using a large spoon or spatula, gently but thoroughly stir all the ingredients together. Ensure every floret and piece of bacon is lovingly coated with the dressing. You want an even distribution so that each bite delivers the full spectrum of flavors and textures.
4. Chill to Perfection: Once mixed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Place the broccoli salad in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until you’re ready to serve. Chilling is essential; it allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious salad. It also ensures the salad is wonderfully refreshing when served.

That’s all there is to it! This simple process yields a truly spectacular side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff makes this recipe a true winner in any kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Salad

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making and enjoying this delicious classic broccoli salad:

Do you cook the broccoli for broccoli salad?

For the classic version of broccoli salad, the broccoli is typically used raw! This is key to achieving that signature crisp, fresh texture that makes the salad so appealing. The trick is to ensure you cut the florets into very small, bite-sized pieces. This not only makes them easier to eat but also allows them to absorb the dressing and blend seamlessly with all the other ingredients in each forkful.

If you’re not a fan of raw broccoli’s robust flavor or prefer a slightly softer texture, you do have an option: blanching. To blanch, briefly immerse the broccoli florets in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will soften them slightly and mellow out some of the raw taste while still retaining a good amount of crunch. Just be sure to drain them very well before adding to the salad.

Is it better to make broccoli salad the night before?

While you certainly can prepare this broccoli salad the night before, be aware that the broccoli might lose some of its crispness and become a little softer or “soggy” as it sits in the dressing for an extended period. For the absolute best texture and flavor, my favorite approach is to make it a few hours in advance, typically 2-4 hours before serving. This timeframe is ideal because it allows all the delicious flavors to meld and deepen beautifully, while still keeping the broccoli wonderfully crisp and fresh. If you do make it the night before, consider holding back on adding the bacon and nuts until just before serving to maintain their crunch.

How long does broccoli salad last in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, broccoli salad typically lasts for 3-4 days. However, as mentioned, the broccoli will soften over time. It’s best enjoyed within the first 1-2 days for optimal freshness and texture.

Can I make this broccoli salad vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. For a vegan version, you would also need to replace the mayonnaise with a high-quality vegan mayonnaise. You can add smoked almonds, pecans, or even vegetarian bacon bits to replace some of the savory, smoky notes if desired.

What does broccoli salad pair well with?

Broccoli salad is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide array of dishes, especially those commonly found at potlucks, barbecues, and casual gatherings. Its fresh, tangy profile complements rich and savory main courses beautifully. I especially love to serve it alongside:

• Hearty burgers or sliders.
• Flavorful chicken skewers or grilled chicken.
• Any variety of grilled meats, from chicken to pork chops.
• Classic barbecue sandwiches like BBQ beef sandwiches or pulled pork.
• Other picnic staples such as hot dogs, ribs, or corn on the cob.

Essentially, if it’s a dish you’d enjoy outdoors or at a relaxed family meal, this broccoli salad is likely to be a fantastic accompaniment.

More Irresistible Side Dish Salads to Try

If you’re a fan of fresh, flavorful side dishes like our classic broccoli salad, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic options:

• Artichoke Pasta Salad
• Potato Salad Recipe with Corn and Poblanos
• Korean Cucumber Salad
• Raspberry Spinach Salad (Note: Original link points back to broccoli salad, assumed a different salad was intended)
• Tomato and Black Bean Quinoa Salad
• Tomato and Herb Salad

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Broccoli Salad Recipe

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Everyone needs a classic Broccoli Salad Recipe in their arsenal, and this one is the best! Fresh broccoli, bacon, sunflower seeds and more – all covered in a tangy dressing – this broccoli salad doesn’t disappoint.

Ingredients

• 4 stalks fresh broccoli cut into small florets (about 20 oz)
• 1/2 lb bacon cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup diced apple
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup white vinegar

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon, raisins, sunflower seeds, red onion, and diced apple. Stir to combine.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar. Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the salad and stir until combined.
3. Refrigerate salad until ready to serve.

Recipe Notes:

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/8 of recipe, Calories: 487kcal (24%), Carbohydrates: 35g (12%), Protein: 14g (28%), Fat: 34g (52%), Saturated Fat: 7g (44%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 41mg (14%), Sodium: 734mg (32%), Fiber: 3g (13%), Sugar: 24g (27%)

Keywords: broccoli salad recipe, broccoli salad with bacon

Did you make this recipe? Tag me on Instagram @tasteandtell and hashtag it #tasteandtell or leave me a comment & rating below.

This recipe was originally posted September 23, 2010, and republished in 2018. It has since been updated with expanded content and further tips for an even better experience in 2024.