Prepare to fall head over heels for The Best Broccoli Salad—a vibrant, crisp, and utterly crave-worthy classic! With a creamy dressing and plenty of irresistible crunch, this salad brings fresh broccoli florets together with pops of sweet cranberries, savory bestrami bits, and toasty sunflower seeds for a side dish that surprises every time. It’s simple, customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Contrast: You get a delightful blend of creamy, crunchy, salty, and sweet in every single forkful.
- Ridiculously Easy: Everything comes together fast—no cooking required, just some quick chopping and mixing.
- Make-Ahead Magic: The flavors actually improve as it sits, making The Best Broccoli Salad perfect for picnics or party prep.
- Crowd Favorite: Even broccoli skeptics can’t resist coming back for seconds (or thirds)!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of pantry staples and lots of fresh broccoli are all you need for The Best Broccoli Salad—the beauty is in how each ingredient brings its own color, crunch, or flavor. These work together to create something far greater than the sum of its parts!
- Broccoli florets (8 cups): Crisp, bite-sized pieces of fresh broccoli form the colorful and healthy foundation of this salad. No blanching required!
- Red onion (⅓ cup, diced): Provides just the right amount of sharp bite and color contrast. Dice finely so it melds right into the mix.
- Dried cranberries (½ cup): Little jewels of bright sweetness in every bite—plus a gorgeous pop of ruby color.
- Sunflower seeds (¼ cup): For irresistible crunch and a hint of nutty flavor. Toasted seeds work best!
- Bestrami bits (½ cup): Smoky, savory morsels that add saltiness and a satisfying chew. Bacon bits also work beautifully.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): Creates the creamy base for the dressing. Use real mayo for best results!
- Apple cider vinegar (3 tablespoons): Adds tang and balances the richness of the dressing.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the dressing just enough to tame the tang and enhance the cranberries.
- Salt & black pepper: Season to taste for the perfect savory finish.
Variations
One of the best things about The Best Broccoli Salad is how easy it is to make your own. Don’t hesitate to get creative—just a quick swap or addition can tailor this recipe to match your tastes or whatever you’ve got on hand.
- Swap the Protein: Try crispy cooked bacon or vegetarian bacon bits instead of bestrami for a different spin on smoky flavor.
- Go Nutty: Swap sunflower seeds for almonds, pecans, or walnuts—just make sure to toast them for extra crunch.
- Add Cheese: Toss in a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese or small crumbles of feta for creamy, savory pockets throughout.
- Make it Lighter: Use Greek yogurt or half mayo/half yogurt in the dressing for a tangier, lighter version.
- Fruit Forward: Diced apples or grapes are fantastic additions and add juicy bursts alongside the cranberries.
How to Make The Best Broccoli Salad
Step 1: Chop and Prep the Vegetables
Start by cutting your broccoli into small, bite-sized florets—think pieces that are easy to eat in a single forkful for the most satisfying texture. Dice the red onion finely so it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients and doesn’t overpower the salad. If you like, you can give the broccoli a quick rinse and make sure to dry it thoroughly before mixing. Moisture can water down your luscious dressing, so drier is definitely better!
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dressing
Whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper in a medium bowl. The mixture should be smooth, creamy, and just a hint sweet. This classic dressing is what ties The Best Broccoli Salad together, coating each crunchy piece with irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Combine All the Goodies
In a big bowl, combine your chopped broccoli, diced onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bestrami bits. Pour the dressing right over the top, then toss everything together with a big spoon or clean hands until every last floret is gloriously coated. The colors are already enough to make your mouth water!
Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour—or even up to a whole day if you like to plan ahead. This resting time lets the dressing soak into the broccoli and meld the flavors, so don’t skip it! Right before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and sprinkle over a few extra sunflower seeds or bestrami bits for crunch and color.
Pro Tips for Making The Best Broccoli Salad
- Bone-Dry Broccoli: Really dry your broccoli florets after washing—excess water can make the dressing thin and lifeless instead of creamy and luscious.
- Customize the Crunch: For next-level texture, lightly toast your sunflower seeds in a dry pan—it brings out their nutty flavor and keeps them extra crisp in the salad.
- Best Flavor Boost: Let the salad chill at least an hour, but overnight is even better—the tangy-sweet dressing soaks into the broccoli and makes every bite pop.
- Serve Super Fresh: Hold back a little of the bestrami bits and sunflower seeds to sprinkle on just before serving so you get maximum crunch and color.
How to Serve The Best Broccoli Salad
Garnishes
Before taking this bowl to the table, shower the top with a generous pinch of extra sunflower seeds, a few cranberries, and a scattering of fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) if you have them. For an extra punch, crumble some crispy bacon or additional bestrami bits right on top. These pretty, crunchy garnishes add loads of curb appeal and flavor with zero extra effort.
Side Dishes
The Best Broccoli Salad is the perfect companion to grilled meats, barbecue chicken, or juicy burgers—it’s especially popular at potlucks and picnics. It’s also fantastic on a lunch buffet beside quiche, deviled eggs, or roasted potatoes. Honestly, you’ll find it pairs beautifully with almost any casual spread or summer cookout.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh twist on presentation, try serving this salad in individual mason jars for grab-and-go picnics, or layer it in a wide, clear trifle bowl so everyone can admire those vibrant layers. You can even spoon it into lettuce cups for a hand-held, party-ready appetizer version—guaranteed to be snapped up fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any extra salad into an airtight container and store it in the fridge—it’ll stay fresh and delicious for about 4 to 5 days. In fact, The Best Broccoli Salad often gets tastier as the flavors mingle, so leftovers are a serious bonus in any lunchbox!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. The creamy dressing and crisp veggies lose their magic after thawing, turning watery and limp. It’s best to make and enjoy this one fresh or straight out of the fridge.
Reheating
No reheating required—The Best Broccoli Salad is served chilled or at room temperature, making it the easiest dish to bring to gatherings or serve straight from the fridge. If the dressing has thickened after being stored, a quick toss will bring everything back together.
FAQs
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Can I make The Best Broccoli Salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the bestrami bits or swap them for vegetarian bacon bits, roasted chickpeas, or toasted smoked nuts. The salad is delicious either way and just as full of flavor.
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Do I have to cook the broccoli first?
Nope—raw broccoli is key for that signature crunch and vibrant green color in The Best Broccoli Salad. Just be sure to cut the florets small and dry them well after washing.
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Can I substitute store-bought dressing?
Yes, if you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought coleslaw dressing works well. However, the homemade dressing has a bright, tangy flavor that really makes the salad stand out.
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How far ahead can I make this salad?
You can make The Best Broccoli Salad up to 24 hours in advance for the freshest results. The flavors deepen as it sits, so it’s actually ideal for meal prep or entertaining!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a diehard broccoli fan or just searching for a side dish that everyone will rave about, you have to give The Best Broccoli Salad a spot on your table. It’s one of those recipes that brings people together, gets them talking, and—most importantly—brings plenty of smiles with every bite. I hope it becomes a new favorite for you and your crew!
Print
The Best Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and refreshing broccoli salad recipe with a delicious mix of flavors and textures. This salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 8 cups broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup bestrami bits
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: Whisk together mayo, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix broccoli, onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bestrami bits. Pour the dressing over and mix well.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Notes
- Broccoli Salad can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Leftovers will last about 4-5 days in the fridge.
- Dry broccoli well to prevent dressing from becoming watery.
- Add crisp bacon as garnish if desired.
- Store-bought coleslaw dressing can be used as an alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 317
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
