Crowd-Pleasing Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe for Sunny Gatherings

Culinary magic happens when you craft this creamy broccoli salad that defies ordinary expectations.

Fresh ingredients dance together in a delightful symphony of flavors.

Crisp green florets mingle with unexpected companions, creating a dish that surprises and delights.

Crunchy textures contrast smoothly with rich, velvety dressing, making each bite an adventure.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe breaks through traditional salad boundaries with its bold personality.

Comfort meets creativity in a bowl that promises to become your new obsession.

Prepare to fall in love with a salad that challenges everything you thought you knew about green vegetables.

Why Broccoli Salad with Crunch Still Shines

• Blend sweet dried cranberries, tangy dressing, and savory bacon creates an irresistible mix that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will love it.
• Prepare this salad in advance and let it chill for an hour, allowing flavors to develop and making it an ideal dish for potlucks, picnics, and meal prep.

What Goes into Broccoli Salad with Dressing

• Broccoli Florets: Crisp, green base of the salad with a mild, earthy flavor and packed with nutrients.
• Red Onion: Sharp, crunchy addition that provides a zesty bite and colorful contrast.

• Bacon, Cheddar Cheese: Salty, rich ingredients that add depth and savory flavor to the salad.

• Sunflower Seeds: Crunchy, nutty topping that provides texture and healthy fats.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet-tart burst of flavor that balances the savory elements.
• Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt: Creamy base for the dressing, creating a smooth and tangy coating.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Bright, acidic component that adds tang and helps balance the richness.
• Honey or Sugar: Sweetener to round out the dressing and complement the other flavors.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the overall taste.

Make Broccoli Salad That Stands Out

Step 1: Chop and Gather Colorful Ingredients

Grab your cutting board and slice fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. Crumble crispy bacon, dice red onion, and measure out sunflower seeds and dried cranberries. Grate sharp cheddar cheese into beautiful shreds.

Step 2: Create Zesty Dressing

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Tangy Greek yogurt
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey

Whisk everything until silky smooth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to boost flavor.

Step 3: Mix and Massage

Pour dressing over broccoli mixture. Use a large spoon to gently coat every ingredient, ensuring each piece gets a delicious flavor bath. Make sure all components are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Cover the salad and slide into the refrigerator. Let it rest for at least one hour, allowing flavors to dance and mingle. This resting time transforms the salad from good to absolutely spectacular.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Give the salad a quick stir before serving. Scoop onto plates and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing lunch side.

Broccoli Salad Tips for Great Texture

• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of Dijon mustard to the dressing for an extra tangy kick that elevates the entire salad's taste profile.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap bacon with grilled chicken, tofu, or roasted chickpeas for vegetarian or alternative protein versions that keep the salad exciting.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Wait to add the dressing until just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of broccoli, sunflower seeds, and other ingredients.
• Make Ahead Brilliance: Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and crisp, perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
• Dairy-Free Hack: Replace Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with cashew cream or vegan alternatives to create a plant-based friendly version without compromising taste.

Store and Reuse Broccoli Salad Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain its crisp texture and fresh flavor.
• Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy.
• Best enjoyed cold. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the broccoli mushy and compromise the salad's crunchy texture.
• If the salad seems dry after storing, add a small amount of fresh dressing before serving to revive its creamy consistency.

What Matches Broccoli Salad Best

• Light, zesty white wine perfectly balances the creamy dressing and cuts through the rich bacon and cheese flavors.
• The tangy citrus notes and lean protein create a harmonious match with the salad's creamy texture and varied ingredients.
• Crusty bread provides a delightful crunch and helps soak up the delicious dressing, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• A crisp, slightly sweet beverage that refreshes the palate and complements the salad's diverse flavor profile.

Broccoli Salad Mix-ins to Try

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace bacon with tempeh bacon or smoked tofu bits. Swap mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or plant-based mayo.
• Low-Carb Keto Crunch: Eliminate dried cranberries. Add more nuts like almonds or pecans. Use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey.
• Dairy-Free Version: Remove cheddar cheese and replace with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use coconut yogurt or almond milk-based yogurt as a dressing base.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. Include quinoa or chickpeas to increase nutritional value and make the salad more filling.

Questions About Broccoli Salad? Check Here

• Is broccoli salad healthy?

This broccoli salad offers nutritional benefits with fresh broccoli packed with vitamins, protein from seeds and bacon, and probiotics from Greek yogurt. It’s a balanced dish with vegetables, protein, and moderate calories.

• Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and replace it with additional sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for crunch and protein. The salad remains delicious and nutritionally balanced.

• How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?

To maintain crispness, add dressing just before serving or keep dressing separate until ready to eat. This helps preserve the texture of broccoli, seeds, and other ingredients.

• What if I don't have apple cider vinegar?

You can substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice. These alternatives provide similar tangy flavor and help balance the creamy dressing’s richness.

Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Zesty lime-infused “creamy broccoli salad” blends crisp vegetables with tangy dressing for a refreshing summer side. Cool crunch and smooth textures invite you to savor this delightful dish packed with nutritious goodness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 cups (1.2 liters) fresh broccoli florets
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) dried cranberries
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sunflower seeds

Secondary Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) red onion
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) cooked bacon

Dressing Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for consistent texture and even dressing coverage.
2. Dice red onion finely to distribute sharp flavor throughout the salad and prevent overwhelming individual bites.
3. Crumble crispy bacon into small fragments, creating a smoky and crunchy element that complements the creamy dressing.
4. Slice sharp cheddar cheese into small cubes or grated pieces to integrate seamlessly with other ingredients.
5. Sprinkle dried cranberries to add bursts of sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color contrast to the green broccoli.
6. Scatter sunflower seeds for additional nutty crunch and textural complexity.
7. Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and honey in a separate bowl until smooth and well-blended.
8. Season dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
9. Pour creamy dressing over prepared ingredients, gently folding to ensure complete and even coating.
10. Refrigerate salad for at least one hour, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper taste profile.
11. Stir gently before serving to redistribute dressing and ingredients, maintaining optimal texture and flavor integration.

Notes

• Prep broccoli florets uniformly to ensure even dressing coverage and consistent texture throughout the salad.
• Select crisp, fresh broccoli with vibrant green color to maintain crunchiness and maximize nutritional value.
• Customize the salad by swapping bacon with plant-based alternatives like roasted sunflower seeds or tempeh for vegetarian options.
• Control dressing thickness by adjusting yogurt and mayonnaise ratios, allowing for lighter or richer versions based on personal preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg