If you’re looking for a crunchy, creamy, and absolutely addictive side dish to brighten up any meal, this Broccoli Salad Recipe is going to win your heart right away. Packed with vibrant textures from fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon bites, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy-sweet dressing, every forkful offers a perfect balance of flavors. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, potluck, or simple weeknight dinner, this salad shines as a crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is colorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Broccoli Salad Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully combined ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and brightness to the dish, making it more than just your average salad.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy punch that wakes up the dressing and balances the creamy mayo.
- Sugar: Just a touch to soften the tartness and bring a subtle sweetness.
- Ground pepper: Brings a gentle heat that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing the natural tastes of all ingredients.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that ties the salad together with richness.
- Lemon juice: Brightens and freshens the dressing with citrus notes.
- Broccoli heads: The star of the dish, chopped into bite-sized pieces for perfect crunch.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, savory depth to the salad’s flavor profile.
- Crumbled bacon: Brings irresistible smoky crunch and saltiness.
- Chopped red onion: Provides a mild pungency and vibrant color contrast.
How to Make Broccoli Salad Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisk together the red wine vinegar, sugar, ground pepper, salt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Whip it for about one minute until smooth and creamy—this blend is where all the flavor magic happens, setting the stage for the rest of the salad.
Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients
Now, toss in the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped red onion into the bowl with the dressing. Stir everything thoroughly to make sure each bite is evenly coated and bursting with flavor. Trust me, the mixture looks and smells amazing right here!
Step 3: Serve
Transfer your vibrant broccoli salad into a serving bowl using a spatula. You can serve it immediately if you’re hungry for fresh crispness, but chilling it in the refrigerator for a while lets the flavors meld and intensify beautifully. Either way, this salad is ready to steal the show.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Broccoli Salad Recipe visually and flavor-wise, consider sprinkling some toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds on top for extra crunch. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can add a lovely herbal brightness that complements the creamy dressing perfectly.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or roasted meats, bringing a refreshing crunch to balance hearty mains. It also shines alongside classic picnic dishes like baked beans or corn on the cob, making your meal feel both complete and festive.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the broccoli salad in individual mason jars layered with extra bacon or cheese on top for a charming touch. Alternatively, try stuffing the salad into crisp lettuce cups for a fun handheld option that’s both elegant and casual.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Broccoli Salad Recipe keeps well for up to three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture, but note that the salad will soften slightly as it sits, which some folks actually love for that mellow flavor blend.
Freezing
Freezing this salad isn’t recommended since the mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh vegetables lose their texture and become watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated if you want to prepare a day ahead.
Reheating
This salad is traditionally served cold or at room temperature and doesn’t require reheating. If you prefer, just take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to help bring out all the delicious flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Fresh broccoli is ideal for this Broccoli Salad Recipe because it keeps that satisfying crunch. Frozen broccoli tends to be softer and might not give the same crisp texture, but if you’re in a pinch, thaw and drain it well before using.
Is there a dairy-free or vegan substitution for the cheese and mayo?
Absolutely! You can substitute mayo with a vegan mayonnaise to keep the creaminess, and use dairy-free cheddar shreds or nutritional yeast for that cheesy kick. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious.
Can I add other vegetables or fruits?
Yes! Some people like throwing in diced apples or dried cranberries for sweetness, or even chopped bell peppers for extra color and crunch. Feel free to customize, but keep the core flavors balanced for the best results.
How long does it take to make this salad?
One of the joys of this Broccoli Salad Recipe is its simplicity—you can have it ready in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for quick meal prep or last-minute gatherings without sacrificing flavor.
What can I do if I want it less creamy?
To reduce creaminess, you might decrease the mayo slightly or add a little extra vinegar or lemon juice for a tangier, lighter dressing. Experiment until it suits your taste perfectly!
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Salad Recipe is truly a little celebration in every bite—the crisp vitamins, savory bacon, sharp cheese, and that dreamy dressing combine into a dish that’s made to be shared and enjoyed. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the table. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this favorite!
Print
Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This classic Broccoli Salad recipe combines fresh chopped broccoli with a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Tossed with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and red onion, this salad is a perfect side dish for gatherings or a light meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it can be served immediately or chilled to enhance the flavors.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) red wine vinegar
- 1/8 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup (149 g) mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salad
- 2 heads chopped broccoli
- 1 1/2 cup (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup (80 g) chopped red onion
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a large oversized mixing bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, sugar, ground pepper, salt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Whip together for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped red onion to the same bowl. Stir everything together thoroughly until all the salad ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Using a spatula, transfer the salad into a serving bowl. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead and chill it to enhance the flavors.
- For a healthier option, substitute mayonnaise with a light or Greek yogurt-based dressing.
- Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble for best texture.
- Chopped nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds can be added for extra crunch.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste if you prefer a less sweet dressing.
