A fresh crisp broccoli salad tossed with a simple tangy homemade dressing. Broccoli salad is a quick salad everyone loves for any gathering, potluck, party, etc.
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Broccoli salad is one of my go-to side dishes when I'm in a pinch or want something fresh and quick. Make this broccoli salad with burgers and Lemon Garlic Baby Potatoes. Toss in crumbled bacon, almonds, cranberries, onions or other ingredients to create variations beyond this standard broccoli salad recipe.
How to make the best broccoli salad.
This broccoli salad is a the best broccoli salad recipe because it is so easy and fresh! You do not have to cook the broccoli. You can quickly throw this favorite side dish together with only a few simple steps:
- Chop the raw broccoli into bite-sized florets and place in a large bowl.
- Add other ingredients in the broccoli salad like bacon, cranberries, cheese, onion, etc.
- Toss in the tangy dressing.
- Chill for 3 hours.
What dressing goes on broccoli salad?
There are broccoli salad recipes that call for a vinaigrette style dressing. I prefer the creamy kind with a mayonnaise base. The dressing for this broccoli salad includes only 3 ingredients: mayonnaise, white vinegar, and sugar. Super easy to whisk together then pour over the broccoli.
Memorial Day (or any summer cook-out) is not complete without some sort of macaroni, potato or broccoli salad as a side. I grew up eating this broccoli salad with cheese at different picnics, potlucks, parties, etc. And, I think it usually was my mom's go-to dish to bring.
This broccoli salad is tangy, creamy, and sweet. It satisfies with such simple ingredients! Even raw broccoli haters usually convert with one bite. Whip this up in no time, then let it sit in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors blend. Then, when you get to your party, find someone who doesn't like broccoli and dare them to not like this!
Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 2 fresh broccoli heads cut into small florets
- 1/2 red onion finely diced
- 4-6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp white vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, onion, bacon and cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Pour over the broccoli mixture and toss evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
Notes
COUNTESS HEARN says
What if you don't want to use bacon can something else just as tasty be used?
Nikki Gladd says
You can use prosciutto or diced ham.
Linda Sanders says
is there a search bar on this site to find specific recipes
Nikki says
Hi Linda,
Yes, there is a search bar in the right sidebar...scroll down towards the middle. It's a bit hidden right now, but I'm working on a redesign where it's in a more visible location. 🙂
Nikki says
Actually, Linda, I just found a way to add it to the top menu bar so it's easier to find. 🙂
Leslie says
I love this salad. I also throw in some sunflower seeds and cranberries.
Stephanie says
I made this to go with dinner last night and it was very tasty! It was great as written, but I think it would also be good with some of the add-ins you suggested as well!
Even my husband had a little bit after I forced him to try a bite. I've never seen him voluntarily eat a raw veggie ever and I can hardly get him to eat broccoli when it's cooked. Sure it's covered in mayo and sugar, but the vitamins are still there, right? 🙂
Thanks for sharing a great recipe! I'll definitely be making this a lot this summer!
Geni says
Looks perfect along side a barbecued meal. And a nice healthy addition as well. Yum!