Broccoli Salad Recipe

Crunchy, creamy, a little tangy, and absolutely irresistible—this Broccoli Salad recipe is a must-have for anyone craving a fast, flavorful side dish. You get all the goodness of fresh broccoli paired with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a sweet-tart dressing that comes together in no time. Whether you’re rushing to get dinner on the table or need something reliably crowd-pleasing for a potluck, this salad will make you look like a kitchen superstar—with barely any effort required.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Speed & Simplicity: Whip this dish together in only 15 minutes—absolutely perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Crunch Meets Creamy: The crisp bite of broccoli with the creamy, sweet, and tangy dressing plus the saltiness of bacon—every forkful is a dreamy balance of flavors and satisfying textures.
• Totally Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad actually gets even better if you let it sit for a little bit, giving the flavors time to mingle.
• Flexible & Family Friendly: Kids and adults both adore it. You can easily swap ingredients to use up whatever’s in the fridge.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

No guesswork required—each ingredient brings something special to the table:

• Red Wine Vinegar: The star of the dressing. It gives a bold tang and a beautiful blush pink color. There’s just no perfect substitute here, but see below for mixing options if you need.
• Sugar: Don’t skip this! It balances out the vinegar’s acidity and gives that classic sweet finish.
• Ground Pepper: Adds subtle heat and rounds out the flavors.
• Salt: Makes every ingredient pop, so season confidently.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base that ties it all together. Use a full-fat version for the best texture and taste.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and keeps the dressing fresh.
• Broccoli (Fresh, Chopped): The real hero of this salad. Go for nice crunchy florets—skip frozen broccoli or you’ll lose the ideal crispness.
• Cheddar Cheese (Shredded): Go for sharp cheddar for extra flavor, or mild if you prefer a gentler taste.
• Bacon (Cooked & Crumbled): Bacon brings a savory, smoky, and chewy contrast—totally worth the couple of extra minutes it takes to crisp it up.
• Red Onion (Chopped): For a hint of bite and color. Chop finely so it doesn’t overpower.

Tip: If you want to prepare faster, buy pre-chopped broccoli and pre-cooked bacon crumbles.

Variations

There are endless ways to play with this salad, so have fun and make it your own!

• Add Nuts: Toasted sunflower seeds, almonds, or pecans add extra crunch and heartiness.
• Make it Vegetarian: Simply skip the bacon, or replace with smokey roasted chickpeas for a similar salty-satisfying hit.
• Swap Cheeses: Try crumbled feta or pepper jack for a different twist.
• Mix in Dried Fruit: A handful of dried cranberries or raisins adds a sweet chew that pairs well with the tangy dressing.
• Different Veggies: Toss in shredded carrots or chopped cauliflower for even more crunch and color.

How to Make Broccoli Salad

This couldn’t be easier—just two basic steps, and you’re done!

Step 1: Whip Up the Dressing

– In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine red wine vinegar, sugar, ground pepper, salt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
– Whisk or whip together for about a minute, until everything is perfectly smooth and slightly fluffy. Your dressing should look pale pink and super creamy.

Step 2: Toss Everything Together

– Add the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and diced red onion directly into the bowl with your dressing.
– Stir well, making sure all those little broccoli florets and bits of bacon get a thorough coating.
– Use a spatula to gently transfer your salad into a serving bowl—or just serve straight from the mixing bowl if you’re in a hurry (no judgment!).

Tip: For best flavor and texture, let the salad chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before serving. But honestly, it’s delicious right away too.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chop Broccoli Small: Smaller pieces = more dressing in every bite and easier eating.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli, crisp bacon, and just-grated cheese will make all the difference. Pre-shredded cheese is fine for a shortcut, but it can be a tad less creamy.
• Don’t Overmix: Fold the ingredients until just combined to keep everything crisp and avoid a mushy salad.
• Play With Dressing Consistency: Like it thinner? Whisk in a splash of milk or a touch more vinegar until you hit your perfect level.

How to Serve

– As a Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with almost anything off the grill—chicken, steak, fish, or burgers.
– On a Buffet or Potluck Table: Holds up wonderfully at room temperature, so it’s perfect for sharing.
– Stuffed in a Wrap: Try spooning leftovers into a tortilla with extra cheese and protein for a quick lunch.
– Paired with Soup or Sandwich: Makes a fresh, crunchy companion to a bowl of soup or your favorite sandwich.

It’s a crowd-pleaser, so make extra if you’re feeding a group!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen, and the salad stays crisp due to the raw broccoli.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy dressing and crisp broccoli don’t thaw well.

Reheating

No reheating needed—this salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Just give it a quick stir before serving if it’s been in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make broccoli salad a day in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors get even better if you make it a few hours (or a day) ahead. Just store covered in the fridge and give it a gentle toss before serving.

Do I need to blanch the broccoli first?
No blanching required—the raw broccoli adds that signature crunch. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, you can quickly blanch florets for about 30 seconds and then plunge into cold water, but this is totally optional.

What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?
Red wine vinegar gives unique tang and color, but if you’re out, mix equal parts of red wine and white vinegar as a substitute. Balsamic can also work in a pinch, but it’ll change the flavor and color.

Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! All listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your mayonnaise and bacon brands if you’re cooking for someone with a gluten allergy.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Salad is the ultimate no-fuss, all-flavor side that fits every occasion, big or small. Fresh ingredients, a dreamy dressing, and that unbeatable bacon-cheese-broccoli combo make it a favorite with everyone who tries it. Take a few minutes to whip this up and watch it disappear—it might just become your new go-to salad! Why not try it tonight?

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