Broccoli Salad is the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making again and again because it’s just that irresistible. Packed with crisp-tender broccoli, savory cheddar, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a light sweetness from raisins, every bite surprises you with something delicious. The creamy yet tangy dressing ties it all together, making this a standout side for potlucks, picnics, or even just a weeknight dinner. If you’ve never tried this bright and colorful classic, you’re in for a real treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Broccoli Salad uses fresh, simple ingredients that create a beautiful blend of flavors and textures. Each one brings its own character to the dish, making it as colorful and lively as it tastes.

Fresh broccoli florets: The crunchy backbone of the salad, providing crunch and vibrant color; be sure to cut them bite-sized for best texture.
Red onion: Adds a pop of pungency and sweetness; slice finely to avoid overpowering any bite.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Gives savory richness and a creamy touch that pairs perfectly with the crisp veggies.
Sunflower seeds: Bring irresistible crunch and a toasty flavor that complements the broccoli.
Raisins or dried cranberries: Offer a sweet, chewy counterpoint; use either for a delightful contrast to the creamy dressing.
Mayonnaise: The silky base for the dressing, providing body and creaminess.
Apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the richness and brightens up all the flavors with a gentle tang.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances the vinegar’s sharpness and marries all the tastes.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and keeps the salad from tasting flat.
Black pepper: Lends a mild heat that wakes up the whole dish.

How to Make Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Combine Broccoli and Salad Ingredients

Start by gathering all your salad elements into a large mixing bowl. Toss in the broccoli florets, sprinkle over the finely chopped red onion, then add that dreamy shredded cheddar, crunchy sunflower seeds, and the pick-me-up chewiness of raisins or dried cranberries. Don’t be shy about mixing—getting an even distribution means every scoop will have the perfect blend of flavors and textures!

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. You want this mixture to be smooth and glossy, so whisk until it’s totally combined and there’s no streak of honey or vinegar in sight. This dressing is the magic that ties everything together—it’s tangy, creamy, and a little bit sweet.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Pour all of that luscious dressing over the broccoli mixture in your big bowl. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss everything together until every bit of broccoli is beautifully coated and the dressing clings to all the nooks and crannies. Don’t rush this part; a thorough toss is what makes the Broccoli Salad so satisfying in each forkful.

Step 4: Chill the Salad

Cover the bowl and tuck it into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling gives all the flavors time to mingle and makes the broccoli just a tad more tender (without losing its crunch). Trust me, that short wait is worth it—a Broccoli Salad that’s rested is one that sings with flavor.

Step 5: Toss Again and Serve

Right before you’re ready to serve, give your salad a final gentle toss. Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed—everyone’s preferences are a little different! Now you’re all set to serve; just plate it up and get ready for compliments.

How to Serve Broccoli Salad

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, sprinkle a few extra sunflower seeds, a small handful of shredded cheese, or even a touch more dried cranberries on top. Freshly cracked black pepper or finely chopped parsley also adds a lovely look and pop of flavor. Presentation matters, even with a homey classic like Broccoli Salad!

Side Dishes

Broccoli Salad pairs like magic with grilled chicken, pulled pork, or even a simple sandwich spread—it adds vibrant crunch and a cool counterpoint that rounds out heartier mains. It’s equally at home alongside summer BBQ fare or as part of a casual lunch spread with other salads and breads.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Broccoli Salad in individual mason jars for picnics or potlucks, or lay it out in a pretty, shallow bowl with bright layers showing through. You could also try tucking it into pita pockets with sliced turkey for a new spin on lunchtime. The possibilities are as fresh and vibrant as the salad itself!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Broccoli Salad holds up well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store it in an airtight container, and give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing. The flavors often deepen and mellow with a bit of time, making leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Broccoli Salad, as the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing don’t thaw well—textures can become mushy and the dressing may separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge!

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature. There’s no need to reheat—just pull it from the fridge, toss, and serve. If the dressing has thickened, you can stir in a splash of vinegar or a dollop of yogurt to loosen things up.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Fresh is truly best for Broccoli Salad, since it keeps that crisp-tender texture that makes this dish so satisfying. Frozen broccoli tends to be softer and wetter, so if you do use it, thaw and pat it very dry before assembling—though the crunch won’t be quite the same.

Is there a healthier alternative to mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Swap in Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayo. It gives the dressing a tangy edge and cuts down on calories, all while keeping that creamy consistency we love.

Can I make this Broccoli Salad vegan?

You sure can. Use vegan mayonnaise, maple syrup in place of honey, and your favorite dairy-free cheese or simply skip the cheese altogether. The salad will still be full of flavor and satisfying crunch!

How far in advance can I make Broccoli Salad?

This salad thrives with a little rest, so feel free to make it up to a day ahead. The flavors deepen as it chills, just make sure to toss before serving and add garnishes fresh for the best texture.

What can I add to make it even more filling?

To bulk up your Broccoli Salad, stir in cooked quinoa, chickpeas, crumbled bacon, or toasted nuts like almonds or pecans. Each add-in brings a new layer of texture and flavor, making the salad a complete meal!

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Salad is a staple for good reason—it’s bright, lively, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you’ve never made it before, now’s the perfect time to give it a try and see how quickly it disappears. I promise you’ll love every crunchy, tangy, and creamy bite!

Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 3 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Broccoli Salad is a delightful combination of fresh broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, and sweet raisins or cranberries tossed in a creamy dressing. It’s a perfect side dish for any occasion, offering a balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Broccoli Salad:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

Dressing:

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix broccoli florets, red onion, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, and raisins.
Prepare Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Serve: Before serving, adjust seasoning and enjoy!