Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?

Fresh broccoli is strongly recommended for this salad. Frozen broccoli, even when thawed, tends to be too soft and watery, which affects the texture and dilutes the dressing. The crunch of fresh broccoli is one of the signature elements of this dish. If you must use frozen, thaw it completely and pat it very dry before using.

How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can make the entire salad up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, it often tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld together. If making it more than a day ahead, consider keeping the dressing separate and tossing it with the salad ingredients a few hours before serving for the best texture.

Can I make this salad healthier?

Absolutely! Try using light mayonnaise or substituting half the mayo with Greek yogurt. You can reduce the sugar or replace it with honey or a natural sweetener. For added nutrition, include other vegetables like shredded carrots or chopped cauliflower alongside the broccoli.

Why is my broccoli salad watery?

Watery salad usually happens when the broccoli wasn't dried properly after washing or when the salad sits too long after being dressed. Make sure to thoroughly dry your broccoli after washing, and if making ahead, consider adding the dressing closer to serving time. You can also place a paper towel under the salad in the serving bowl to absorb excess moisture.

Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Name: Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 cups bite-size broccoli florets (about 3 heads of broccoli), rinsed and dried well; 1 (3.5-ounce) package real chopped bacon (about 1 cup) or 14 to 16 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1/2 cup dry roasted sunflower kernels; 1 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced (about 1/4 medium red onion); 1 cup thick cut shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons sugar

This vibrant and crunchy Easy Broccoli Salad is a perfect blend of fresh vegetables, savory bacon, sweet cranberries, and tangy dressing that comes together in just 25 minutes. It’s a refreshing side dish that works beautifully for potlucks, barbecues, or as a nutritious addition to weeknight dinners. The combination of textures and flavors makes this salad irresistible even to broccoli skeptics!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Cooking Required: Just chop, mix and serve! The only cooking might be the bacon, but you can even skip that by using pre-cooked bacon pieces.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad actually tastes better after it sits for a while, making it perfect for meal prep or preparing before a gathering.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of crunchy broccoli, salty bacon, sweet cranberries, and creamy dressing converts even the most stubborn veggie avoiders.
Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vitamin-rich broccoli, this salad feels indulgent while delivering serious nutritional benefits.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Broccoli florets: The star of the show! Fresh broccoli provides amazing crunch and soaks up the dressing beautifully. Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for the perfect texture.
Bacon: Adds that irresistible savory flavor that complements the broccoli perfectly. Pre-packaged real bacon pieces save time, but freshly cooked and crumbled bacon adds an extra dimension of flavor.
Sunflower kernels: These little gems add a wonderful nutty crunch. They’re less expensive than nuts but deliver similar texture and nutritional benefits.
Dried cranberries: Bring a sweet-tart punch that balances the savory elements. They also add a beautiful pop of color to make the salad visually appealing.
Red onion: Provides a sharp, zesty bite that cuts through the creaminess of the dressing. Finely dicing them ensures they distribute evenly throughout the salad.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The thick-cut shreds add a rich, tangy element that melts in your mouth. Sharp cheddar stands up well to the other bold flavors.
Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the dressing. Use real mayonnaise for the best flavor.
Vinegar: White wine or apple cider vinegar adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the mayo. This acid component balances the whole salad.
Sugar: Just enough to take the edge off the vinegar and complement the sweet cranberries. It helps round out all the flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Healthier

Substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise
Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar
Add diced avocado for healthy fats

Change Up The Mix-Ins

Swap dried cranberries for raisins, diced apples, or grapes
Try different nuts like sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, or pecans
Use feta or goat cheese instead of cheddar

Add More Veggies

Include cauliflower florets for a broccoli-cauliflower salad
Toss in shredded carrots for extra color and sweetness
Add diced bell peppers for crunch and vitamin C

Make It Vegetarian

Omit the bacon or use vegetarian bacon bits
Add extra sunflower seeds or nuts for protein
Include chickpeas for additional protein and texture

How to Make Easy Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut into small, bite-sized florets. Make sure to dry them well – this prevents a watery salad. Finely dice the red onion and set aside.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, bacon pieces, sunflower kernels, dried cranberries, diced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss gently to distribute all ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar until smooth and well combined. The dressing should have a slightly sweet, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the salad ingredients.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss thoroughly to coat every piece. Make sure the dressing is evenly distributed throughout the salad.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and slightly softens the broccoli. Give it a good toss again just before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Prep Ahead: Cut the broccoli and onion a day in advance and store in separate containers in the refrigerator to make assembly quick and easy.
Blanch for Tenderness: If you prefer slightly softer broccoli, blanch the florets for 60 seconds in boiling water, then immediately plunge into ice water. Dry thoroughly before using.
Dressing Thickness: For a thinner dressing, add a tablespoon of milk. For thicker dressing, use a bit more mayonnaise.
Even Pieces: Cut broccoli into similar-sized pieces for consistent texture and even coating with the dressing.
Massage Your Broccoli: After adding the dressing, use your hands (with gloves if preferred) to gently massage the dressing into the broccoli. This helps the flavors penetrate better.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this colorful broccoli salad alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or as part of a potluck spread. It pairs beautifully with barbecue meats, sandwiches, or as a refreshing counterpoint to rich dishes.

Make It a Meal

Turn this side dish into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken breast or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. Serve over a bed of mixed greens or with crusty bread for a satisfying lunch.

Presentation Ideas

For a beautiful presentation, serve in a glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors. Garnish with extra bacon bits and sunflower seeds on top just before serving for added visual appeal and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day in the fridge!

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare all components separately up to 2 days ahead: chop broccoli, cook bacon, and make dressing. Store each component separately in the refrigerator, then combine and dress the salad about an hour before serving.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad as the textures will change significantly upon thawing. Fresh is definitely best!

Refreshing Leftovers

If the salad seems dry after being stored, add a small spoonful of mayo and a splash of vinegar to revive the dressing. Give it a good toss to redistribute the dressing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?

Fresh broccoli is strongly recommended for this salad. Frozen broccoli, even when thawed, tends to be too soft and watery, which affects the texture and dilutes the dressing. The crunch of fresh broccoli is one of the signature elements of this dish. If you must use frozen, thaw it completely and pat it very dry before using.
How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can make the entire salad up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, it often tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld together. If making it more than a day ahead, consider keeping the dressing separate and tossing it with the salad ingredients a few hours before serving for the best texture.
Can I make this salad healthier?

Absolutely! Try using light mayonnaise or substituting half the mayo with Greek yogurt. You can reduce the sugar or replace it with honey or a natural sweetener. For added nutrition, include other vegetables like shredded carrots or chopped cauliflower alongside the broccoli.
Why is my broccoli salad watery?

Watery salad usually happens when the broccoli wasn’t dried properly after washing or when the salad sits too long after being dressed. Make sure to thoroughly dry your broccoli after washing, and if making ahead, consider adding the dressing closer to serving time. You can also place a paper towel under the salad in the serving bowl to absorb excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Broccoli Salad is one of those magical recipes that turns a humble vegetable into something truly craveable. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors – crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory all in one delicious bite. Whether you’re bringing it to a summer barbecue or serving it with a weeknight dinner, it’s bound to disappear quickly and have everyone asking for the recipe. Give it a try and watch how this simple salad becomes a regular request in your home!