This Best Broccoli Salad is crisp, refreshing, and pops with flavors in every bite. It’s a family favorite for picnics or weeknight dinners, and comes together fast with easy-to-find ingredients.

Best Broccoli Salad

This Best Broccoli Salad is crisp, refreshing, and pops with flavors in every bite. It’s a family favorite for picnics or weeknight dinners, and comes together fast with easy-to-find ingredients.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Chill Time 30

Total Time 55

Course Salad, Side

Cuisine American

Servings people

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

1 Large mixing bowl
1 Whisk
1 Knife

Ingredients

Salad

5 cups broccoli florets chopped into bite-sized pieces
6 slices turkey bacon cooked and crumbled
0.25 cup red onion finely diced
0.5 cup dried cranberries
0.3 cup sunflower seeds
0.5 cup shredded carrots optional

Dressing

0.5 cup mayonnaise
0.25 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Salad

Wash and chop broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Pat dry for best crunch.
Cook turkey bacon until crisp, then crumble into bits. Set aside.

Dressing and Assembly

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
In a large bowl, toss broccoli, red onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, carrots, and turkey bacon.
Pour dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to coat evenly. Chill for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.

Notes

Store broccoli salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Stir before serving and add extra dressing if needed. Not recommended for freezing, as the veggies lose their crunch.

Nutrition

Serving: 150gCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 17g

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Why You’ll Love This Best Broccoli Salad

This salad is a true crowd-pleaser thanks to its creamy dressing, crunchy textures, and bits of sweetness throughout. It’s make-ahead friendly and always gets rave reviews from both kids and adults.

Best Broccoli Salad Ingredients & Substitutions

Fresh broccoli florets (or broccolini for a twist)
Turkey bacon (or use smoked paprika for a vegetarian spin)
Red onion, finely diced
Dried cranberries (raisins work, too)
Sunflower seeds (try pumpkin seeds if preferred)
Shredded carrots (optional for extra color)
Mayonnaise
Plain yogurt or sour cream
Apple cider vinegar
Honey
Salt and black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Best Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli

Wash and chop broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Pat dry for best crunch.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Cook turkey bacon until crisp, then crumble into bits. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss broccoli, red onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, carrots, and turkey bacon.

Step 5: Toss Salad

Pour dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to coat evenly. Chill for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.

Tips for Success

Cut broccoli into very small pieces so each piece gets coated with dressing.
Letting the salad chill helps the flavors mingle beautifully.
Add seeds just before serving for extra crunch.

Variations of Best Broccoli Salad

Swap turkey bacon for roasted chickpeas to keep it vegetarian.
Use Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
Add shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy twist.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Best Broccoli Salad

Perfect alongside grilled chicken or salmon.
Delicious with a bowl of soup or a sandwich.
Great as a potluck side or picnic dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions