This broccoli salad recipe is a blend of fresh broccoli florets, apples, bacon, red onion and sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy dressing. A classic salad that feeds a crowd and is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
You can never go wrong with a cool salad on a warm day, my family goes crazy for creamy cucumber salad and chickpea avocado salad. You can also never go wrong with broccoli salad, because bacon makes everything taste better!
Broccoli salad is a classic dish that’s enjoyed year round at picnics and parties. It’s easy to make, feeds a large group and is totally irresistible. In my opinion, this version of broccoli salad is the best one around – it’s got plenty of bacon, a hint of sweetness from the apples and cranberries, and a nice crunch from the sunflower seeds. I get rave reviews every time I serve this dish!
How do you make broccoli salad?
This recipe starts with broccoli florets. You can either buy a few heads of broccoli and chop it yourself, or buy a bag of pre-cut florets to save a little time. The broccoli is combined with bacon, apples, dried cranberries, red onion and sunflower seeds, then tossed in a creamy dressing.
Tips for broccoli salad
- This recipe calls for 4 cups of broccoli florets, which is the equivalent of 1 and 1/2 medium sized heads, or 1 large head.
- I use Pink Lady apples in this recipe, other great choices are Braeburn or Honeycrisp.
- Make sure you dice your onion very fine so that you don’t end up with large pieces in each bite.
- Broccoli salad can be made up to 8 hours before you plan to serve it. If you’re making your salad in advance, omit the bacon and apple and stir those ingredients in right before serving.
Can broccoli be eaten raw?
Broccoli can absolutely be eaten raw and is traditionally served raw in broccoli salad. If you prefer, you can use lightly steamed or blanched broccoli instead.
How long can you keep broccoli salad in the fridge?
Broccoli salad will last approximately 3-4 days in the fridge. I find that this salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours of when it’s made.
Broccoli Salad Variations
While I love this recipe as written, sometimes I change up the ingredients a bit depending on what I have on hand.
- Fruit: Try using raisins instead of cranberries, or pears instead of apples.
- Cheese: Small cubes of cheddar cheese is a nice addition to this salad.
- Nuts: Sunflower seeds are traditional, but I’ve also used sliced almonds or chopped pecans with great results.
- Cauliflower: Try using 1/2 broccoli and 1/2 cauliflower florets for a different flavor. Or you can use all cauliflower florets if you’re a fan!
- Dressing: Not a fan of mayonnaise? Try plain Greek yogurt instead!
I have to say, this salad is irresistible – it’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, crunchy and creamy. Give it a try and you’ll find that everyone will be asking you for the recipe!
More salad recipes you’ll enjoy
- Ambrosia Salad
- Spaghetti Salad
- Brussels Sprout Salad
- Mediterranean Farro Salad
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
For the salad
- 4 cups broccoli florets cut into bite sized pieces
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 apple diced
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
For the dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the broccoli, red onion, bacon, apple, dried cranberries and sunflower seeds in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar and salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Place the salad in a serving bowl. Top with parsley and serve.
Sheila says
So you don’t cook broccoli? And it won’t get soggy if I make it night before?
Sara says
I do not cook the broccoli, you could lightly cook it if you prefer. It should not get soggy but add the bacon right before serving!
Alice says
Easy and delicious! I did try it with yogurt instead of mayo and it was just as good!
Carol says
This is my favorite recipe to bring to a potluck! Everyone loves it and wants the recipe.
donna lee says
your measurements are a complete mystery to me , what is .19 of a cup,.38,.56,etc,etc,etc Ilove the sound of your recipes but I’m stumped how to make them. can you help ?
thank you
p.s. I live in Canada am I missing something?
Sara says
It sounds like maybe you accidentally adjusted the serving size and it recalculated and came up with those numbers? All of my recipes are written with standard cup and teaspoon measurements. For this recipe it should say 8 servings in the recipe box.
donna lee says
thank you it makes a lot more sense now!
donna from canada
Deb says
So delicious that I can’t ever seem to make enough! A favorite with my family and guests!
Deb says
This is my favorite recipe to bring to a potluck! So yummy everyone always asks for the recipe!
Becky Hardin says
One of my favorites! So delicious
Anna says
My whole family loves this broccoli salad! It’s so easy and so delicious!
Courtney says
I’ve recently been on a big broccoli kick so I’m so excited about this recipe!
Steph says
Great recipe! I loved the dried cranberries in it!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
I need to try this immediately, it looks so good!
Melanie Bauer says
Looks so festive and delish! Those flavors on it are absolutely amazing, gotta try this!
Beth Pierce says
Healthy, colorful, and delicious! I know what I’m having for lunch today!
Catalina says
I am always ready for broccoli! This salad looks so inviting!
Bee says
This Broccoli salad was a fantastic hit! It was so easy to make and so delish!! It is on my favorite list for sure!!
Chrissie Baker says
OMG this is my new favourite salad – and I’m not the biggest fan of broccoli. Thank you ❤️
Kimberly says
That is pure lusciousness, I want a big bowl of it now!