The Best Broccoli Salad Recipe - The Girl Who Ate Everything (2024)

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posted by Christy Denneyon Sep 8, 2020 (updated Oct 30, 2023) 75 comments »

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Broccoli Salad is always the first summer salad to go at BBQs and potlucks! This recipe is full of bacon, almonds, raisins (or dried cranberries), and onion. It has a great crunch!

CLASSIC BROCCOLI SALAD RECIPE

I haven’t posted lately because food and I have had a love/hate relationship.

Or in my husband’s words…a hate/hate relationship.

I’m pregnant…and finally telling. (p.s.this was originally posted in 2013…I’m not pregnant right now!)

And now that I’m 17 weeks my appetite is back with a vengeance.

All this baby wants is egg salad and mustard covered sandwiches.

And a whole lot of this broccoli salad.

I understand that broccoli covered in nuts, bacon, and mayo kind of defeats the whole purpose of eating broccoli. Did I mention the bacon?! But what baby wants…baby gets.

RECIPE FOR BROCCOLI SALAD

My friend Tara brought this to a BBQ and everyone kept going back for more. I always pay attention to what’s a hit at get togethers and this was definitely one.

I’ve tried a ton of versions of the classic broccoli salad and this is by far my favorite with the best taste. Now I take it to every potluck or BBQ I can!

BROCCOLI SALAD INGREDIENTS

BROCCOLI – raw broccoli florets cuts into small pieces. Smaller pieces are easier to eat.
SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE – use extra sharp cheddar for some real bite but I usually use a medium cheddar.
MAYONNAISE – is the key ingredient in this creamy dressing .
RED WINE VINEGAR – Apple cider vinegar can be substituted here. I don’t love using white vinegar here but you can in a pinch. The vinegar is the key in this tangy dressing.
SUGAR –the sugar macerates the broccoli in the refrigerator and makes it soft.
RED ONION
BACON – savory bacon gives that salty/sweet combo.
CRAISINS OR RAISINS
SLICED ALMONDS
SALT AND PEPPER

HOW TO MAKE BROCCOLI SALAD

First, combine broccoli florets with the red onion, bacon, raisins, almonds, and cheese and toss in a large mixing bowl.
Next, prepare the dressing. Mix the mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar together until smooth. Stir into the broccoli mixture. Let salad chill for about 3 hours. It may not seem like enough dressing but after it chills the dressing marinates and is plenty. This also allows the flavors to meld.
Season with salt and pepper and serve.

KETO BROCCOLI SALAD

I have aKeto Broccoli Saladthat is low-carb, with sunflower seeds, and a Monkfruit dressing.

OTHER SALAD RECIPES:

Chicken Salad
Crunchy Pea Salad
Corn Tomato Avocado Salad.
Cobb Salad
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Poppy Seed Fruit Salad
Frito Corn Salad
BLT Pasta Salad
Pizza Pasta Salad
Ramen Noodle Salad

Broccoli Salad

3.90 from 20 votes

This is the best Broccoli Saladrecipe and isalways the first to go at BBQs and potlucks. This easy Broccoli Salad recipe is full of bacon, almonds, raisins (or craisins), and onion.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

8 cups of fresh broccoli cut into bite sized pieces
1/2 red onion, cut into thin bite sized slices
1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
3/4 cup raisins or craisins, (see Note)
3/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted (see Note)
4 ounces cheddar cheese, cubed
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
salt and pepper

Instructions

Combine broccoli with the red onion, bacon (see note), raisins, almonds, and cheese in a large bowl.
To prepare the broccoli salad dressing, mix the mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar together until smooth. Stir into the salad.
Let salad chill for about 3 hours. It may not seem like enough dressing but after it chills the dressing marinates and is plenty. This also allows the flavors to meld.
Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Notes

I like to add the bacon right before serving to keep it crispy.

You can also use halved grapes instead of raisins. Toast almonds in a skillet for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown.

To toast the almonds, just heat them over medium heat in a skillet and cook for just a couple of minutes until golden brown.

Source: my friend Tara Moore; adapted from Allrecipes

Cuisine: American

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Author: Christy Denney

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originally published on Sep 8, 2020 (last updated Oct 30, 2023)

75 comments Leave a comment »

The Best Broccoli Salad Recipe - The Girl Who Ate Everything (5)

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75 comments on “Broccoli Salad”

Anika — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 @ 17:26:21 EST Reply
This salad is my absolute favorite!! I definitely tweak it, however! I use light mayonnaise and only 1/2 Cup and the other 1/2 I use plain full fat Greek yogurt! You can’t tell at all! I also use 1/2 C of honey rather than the ridiculous amount of white sugar. Still sweet and so much better!!!
- Christy Denney — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 @ 01:19:15 EST Reply
  Thanks for the tips!
Kimberly Carter — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 @ 16:36:13 EDT Reply
Could you substitute grapes for the almonds? I’m not a big fan of any kind of nuts in my food. I love almonds just by themselves.
- Christy Denney — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 @ 02:44:17 EDT Reply
  Yes totally!
N Johnson — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 @ 15:27:00 EDT Reply
This salad is amazing! I made it for a family get-together and it was a hit! The flavors are perfect together.
- Christy Denney — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 @ 01:47:27 EDT Reply
  So happy to hear that!
Betty Wolbert — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 @ 08:51:07 EDT Reply
I’ve made this broccoli salad before. I’ve changed it up over the years and now I make either home made candied pecans or use honey roasted sunflower seeds. I’ve also cut back on the mayo and switched up to 1/2 cup of mayo 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup of sugar.
Cassie — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 @ 13:23:48 EST Reply
My husband makes this for all family gatherings by request. We leave out the cheese, only because we totally forgot it the first time we made it. I figured after using this recipe for over a year – I should give kudos to you! Everyone raves over it and my husband is pleased as punch to get all the credit, ha. Thanks for the crowd pleaser!
- Christy Denney — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 @ 23:13:44 EST Reply
  Yay! That makes me so happy!
Karly — Sun, 20 May 2018 @ 17:02:13 EDT Reply
I love broccoli salad! Perfect for summer!
- Christy Denney — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 @ 22:29:21 EDT Reply
  Thanks Karly!
torrents — Mon, 14 May 2018 @ 05:33:10 EDT Reply
This salad is awesome. I’m in diet and this dish is one of the best salad I used to eat during this 2 weeks.
- Christy Denney — Tue, 15 May 2018 @ 21:39:57 EDT Reply
  Glad you liked it!
  - Julio Playa — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 @ 22:53:42 EST Reply
    Do u have to blench the broccoli on water
Shirley — Mon, 07 May 2018 @ 17:25:01 EDT Reply
Wonderful recipe.. Congratulations on your pregnancy. Will keep you in my prayers for a healthy and happy baby.
Stephanie — Sun, 06 May 2018 @ 22:47:41 EDT Reply
I make broccoli salad about 3 times a month because my family loves it so much. (so much that I have to use 3lbs of broccoli at a time) I don’t put in cheese or almonds but I do on occasion I do add diced fruit such as mango or strawberries just to give it a different spin. My son will take a big bowl of this to work for lunch instead the the usual sandwich and chips he loves it so much….Thanks for the different spin on my old recipe!
- Christy Denney — Tue, 15 May 2018 @ 22:11:48 EDT Reply
  I just started adding cheese but you can definitely leave it out. Thank you!
Fran — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 @ 08:03:07 EDT Reply
This sounds wonderful. I read the recipe. Pressed the print key. Nothing happened. Any suggestions.
PS Enjoy your pregnancy. I LOVED being pregnant. To think that because I loved another person, we could create a miracle.
- Christy Denney — Sun, 22 Apr 2018 @ 21:45:31 EDT Reply
  What browser are you using? I checked it out and it worked for me. Hmm.
Karen — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 @ 15:08:13 EST Reply
Wow! This is a great salad! I had accidentally bought too much broccoli and wanted to use it before it turned brown. I luckily stumbled upon your website and found this amazing salad. I blanched the broccoli for about 20 seconds and then put it cold ice water. I also used pecans (didn’t have almonds) and the salad is just so tasty! Today, the broccoli is still vibrant green and we’re enjoying the salad for lunch! Thank you for sharing this with us!
- Christy Denney — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 @ 23:04:25 EST Reply
  You’re welcome. It’s one of my favorites.
Deb Galloway — Fri, 25 Nov 2016 @ 21:35:53 EST Reply
Congratulations on your pregnancy!!! I have made this salad for many years, the only differences being I let it set with the dressing overnight then adding sunflower seeds instead of nuts. It is something I had to take to every family get-together for a very long time-and at least a double batch!! It’s a definite keeper!
- Christy Denney — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 @ 23:06:27 EST Reply
  Sunflower seeds sound like a great addition!
Lisa — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 @ 09:35:19 EDT Reply
See Also
Instant Pot Barbacoa Recipe
I’ve made a variation in this for years. I use grapes and apples as well as the raisins. You can also use peanuts instead of almonds. I have never seen the vinegar added to the dressing. Might try that. I have taken this to numerous potlucks and always come home with an empty bowl!
Judy Perry — Thu, 01 May 2014 @ 10:08:50 EDT Reply
Hey, congratulations, this is exciting. Pray everything goes easy for you. How many children do you have?
I love broccoli salad and this one sounds so good. I may add a little pineapple to it. Have a good day.
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Thu, 01 May 2014 @ 22:45:52 EDT Reply
  I have 5 kids!
monica — Mon, 02 Sep 2013 @ 20:12:24 EDT Reply
be careful….as my daughter said…LM eating for two….not like two….lol
Trish — Wed, 08 May 2013 @ 17:47:31 EDT Reply
Congratulations on your pregnancy. My prayers for you are for a great pregnancy, a fast and easy delivery and a beautiful, healthy baby and Mom! I have been making this broccoli salad for years at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Every year everyone asks if I will make it again. It is so good and besides the sugar, mayo and bacon, fairly healthy!! LOL. I think every year, why do I wait until Thanksgiving and Christmas to make this? So, I think I will be making it for our Mother’s Day Celebration with the extended family!! Thanks for the idea!!
amy — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 @ 12:40:17 EDT Reply
this is definitely one of my favorite salads!! so good!! one thing i do sometimes is add cheese tortellini to it and it makes it more of a main dish then a side dish. you would have to make more dressing as the pasta absorbs alot of it. both ways are really good!!! and congrats on the new little one!!
- amy — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 @ 12:41:23 EDT Reply
  forgot to say we always use golden raisins!
Sarah — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 @ 09:10:16 EDT Reply
My first pregnancy, my only craving was mustard. Had never liked or even wanted to eat it before that, but went out of my way to eat it while pregnant, I ate a burger or sandwich every day just for an excuse to eat mustard. It’s funny how each pregnancy can be so different. Congratulations on your news!
Liberty on Less — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 @ 22:07:59 EDT Reply
Wow!! Congratulations! You’re lucky you’re just craving salads now, though! I love how simple this recipe is – especially for how delicious it looks! Can’t wait to try it!
Cprice542 — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 @ 20:22:20 EDT Reply
Congratulations!!! Your are one amazing mom! Your blog has become a “Go-To” for me whenever I am needing a new recipe – you seriously only post good ones, and I love your detailed pics and descriptions. I look forward to every post! Thanks, keep them coming!!
Melissa from the Blue House — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 @ 19:16:40 EDT Reply
Oh yum! My mom makes broccoli salad, and it’s one of my favorite things that she makes! Congrats on the pregnancy, btw. 🙂
Elle — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 @ 17:37:43 EDT Reply
Looks yummy but I’m currently dieting. Do you think subbing the mayo for Greek yogurt or avocado and the sugar for Truvia (it’s a better consistency/flavor than Splenda, more like real sugar) would kill the tastiness?
Maybe there’s non-fat Kraft coleslaw dressing?
If anyone tried, would love feedback.
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 @ 00:49:15 EDT Reply
  I think you could use Splenda. I’ve subbed Greek Yogurt before for the mayo. It’s ok but really tart. Maybe cut down the mayo and sub most of it for yogurt.
  - Elle — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 @ 07:36:51 EDT Reply
    WooHoo, THANKS! I can hardly wait to try this! Congrats on your little baby. 🙂
Holly — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 @ 16:35:44 EDT Reply
I make broccoli salad quite often. When I first started making it I made the dressing from scratch, but I I like things simple, Kraft Coleslaw dressing is prefect in broccoli salad and everyone loves the salad just as much as if I took time to make my own dressing, but little do they know I use a prepared dressing.
Angela @ another bite please — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 @ 15:23:04 EDT Reply
congratulaions!!!! i love broccoli salad…excited to try this version.
kelly — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 @ 12:23:14 EDT Reply
Congrats! I’m 13 weeks pregnant.
I’ve had a similar version but with uncooked ramen noodles, for another texture/crunch.
Caryn — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 @ 01:02:37 EDT Reply
What??? Congrats sweetie! You make the most beautiful kids! I swear we were just texting back and forth in the early stages of our babies #4! SO excited!
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 @ 00:50:39 EDT Reply
  Is number 5 coming for you too??
- Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 @ 00:50:56 EDT Reply
  And did I mention it was a BIG surprise???
Lauren {at} Life.Love.Lauren — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 @ 00:45:11 EDT Reply
Congrats! Glad to hear you are getting your appetite back!
Kristy — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 23:40:18 EDT Reply
i want your photog skills. wahoo for #5…of course baby gets what baby wants! looks delish!
Lisa — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 23:12:46 EDT Reply
Congratulations!!
Della — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 22:03:47 EDT Reply
I’ve used Balsamic vinegar with pomegranate, instead of red wine vinegar, in broccoli bacon salad and it was Really good.
Terri Hughes — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 19:22:27 EDT Reply
CONGRATULATIONS on the baby. This salad looks great, enjoy!
Diane — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 18:02:56 EDT Reply
Congratulations!! I love babies!!! This is my absolute favorite salad. I had different versions of this recipe where a cup of either cheddar or mozzarella cheese was added too. Good luck!!
Britt @ Fit Fit Britt Britt — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 16:15:44 EDT Reply
Congrats on your pregnancy!!! That salad looks amazing… you had me at bacon 😛
Mel — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 16:11:05 EDT Reply
Yay for another baby, you daring momma! I just watched your segment on KSL and you are positively adorable (and did a great job). Congratulations! I love broccoli salad, too, although ironically, I couldn’t eat it while I was pregnant.
Elizabeth Olsen — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 15:39:18 EDT Reply
Congratulations on your new baby. I am right behind you and due in September with #4. I love your blog. My sister and I follow it religiously. If it comes from you I know it will be good. I too am sick and have a hate/hate relationship with food. I hope to see relief soon. So in the mean time I am saving all these new recipes to try out later. I am so happy for you!
Jennifer L. — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 13:44:09 EDT Reply
Congratulations!!! How wonderful! 17 weeks? You’re almost to the halfway mark! So glad your appetite is back!
Ashley — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 13:43:06 EDT Reply
CONGRATS!! That’s wonderful news 🙂
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 12:49:41 EDT Reply
Pregnant?! Hurray!!! So happy for you! And this salad is a great way to come back 🙂
Deborah — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 12:35:19 EDT Reply
Haha – I totally craved this with my last pregnancy!! Congratulations – I’m so excited for you!!
Nellie — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 12:23:38 EDT Reply
Ohh, congratulations on your pregnancy! Sending you lots of positive, happy, and joyous thoughts and wishes your way!!
Karly — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 12:18:33 EDT Reply
Congratulations!!
I love broccoli salads that are full of bacon and mayo. You totally don’t have to feel guilty because, hello. Broccoli.
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 11:38:11 EDT Reply
Congrats lady! I love this salad even when I’m not preggers 🙂
Katrina H — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 11:07:10 EDT Reply
Congratulations!
kate — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 10:22:42 EDT Reply
Congratulations!!! That broccoli salad looks scrumptious – my mom used to make a similar salad & I will definitely have to give this a try!
And I totally hear you on the egg salad! I’m also preggo (for the first time!) and had to stop at the store on my way home from work yesterday to pick up a package of pre-made deviled eggs … ate 3 of them in the car! what?!?!
Kathy — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 10:09:46 EDT Reply
Congratulations! Your salad looks delicious. My mom used to make a version of this. Brings back lots of memories.
Turkish Mommy — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 10:09:04 EDT Reply
congrats! i am into my third trimester and not missing the first months! hope you and baby are doing great!
Monica — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 09:45:57 EDT Reply
So happy for you and your husband. I am glad to hear that you are feeling better that is the worst having “morning sickness” but more like all day sickness. Your broccoli salad looks yummy.
LaNeshe — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 09:38:37 EDT Reply
Congratulations!
Mrs. H — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 09:28:13 EDT Reply
Congratulations to you! So happy for you. This salad looks delicious. My mother-in-law makes one that is very similar, and I can never get enough of it.
Julia Kent — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 09:25:35 EDT Reply
Congratulations!
angelitacarmelita — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 09:08:04 EDT Reply
I have to admit, that honestly I’ve never had this before, I’ve heard of it, and seen it on the web, but I’ve never actually tried it myself. I love the play between salty (hello bacon), and sweet (yeah for raisins and/or grapes!), so I think I’ll give it a try. Congratulations on the upcoming addition to your beautiful family!
Jaren Dubois — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 08:54:30 EDT Reply
How wonderful!!! Congratulations to you and your family! I love this salad. My husband’s aunt calls it “Funny Salad.” So good!
Lorie — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 07:50:44 EDT Reply
Congratulations! Wonderful news to share! And this salad sounds delicious. Pinned it for our next pot luck. 🙂
Dana — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 07:25:56 EDT Reply
Congratulations!! I would tear that salad up, looks great!
this is lemonade — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 07:05:56 EDT Reply
Congratulations! Great news and good to read you again. This salad looks delicious and not unhealthy to me – the veggies far outweigh the bacon bits 😉 Plus a happy baby is good for all! 🙂
Marta — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 04:26:02 EDT Reply
Congratulations!!!
Ai — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 02:18:03 EDT Reply
Congratulations!! That’s one lucky baby to be getting all your delicious food 🙂 This broccoli salad looks great!
Darcey — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 @ 02:08:09 EDT Reply
Congratulations on your pregnancy! This is my favorite salad/side dish but I tried one with pasta and grapes last week – definitely not as good. This one is a keeper!