Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe
One of my favorite summer salads: this broccoli salad is a crowd pleasure. Easy to make, this salad recipe requires no cooking at all! Try this flavorful salad for your next party!
This Easy Broccoli Salad is a game-changer for anyone who loves fresh, crunchy salads with loads of flavor. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners, this salad requires no cooking and comes together in just minutes.
A delightful mix of tender broccoli, savory bacon, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing, makes this recipe an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether hosting a barbecue or prepping a make-ahead side dish, this broccoli salad will become a fast favorite.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare with just 10 minutes of prep.
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish.
- No cooking required – ideal for hot summer days!
Ingredients You Will Need
NOTE: Full ingredient amounts and instructions are in the printable recipe card at the end of the post.
- Broccoli – chopped into bite-sized pieces
- Mayonnaise – Hellmann’s works best
- Granulated sugar
- White vinegar
- Bacon pieces
- Cheddar cheese – shredded
- Red onion – chopped
- Dried cranberries
- Chopped walnuts
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap walnuts for sunflower seeds or slivered almonds.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Add raisins or golden sultanas.
- Prefer a tangier salad? Replace white vinegar with apple cider vinegar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces and finely dice the red onion.
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar in a medium-large bowl to create a creamy dressing.
- Add the broccoli, bacon pieces, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, dried cranberries, and walnuts into the bowl.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated in the dressing.
- Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving to enhance the flavors.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh, crisp broccoli for the best texture.
- Allow the salad to chill for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together.
- For extra crunch, toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
What to Serve With Broccoli Salad
This broccoli salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or burgers at a barbecue. It’s also a refreshing complement to hearty mains like lasagna or roast pork.
Storing and Freezing
- Fridge: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the mayonnaise dressing and fresh broccoli won’t freeze well.
Frequent Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and give it a quick toss before serving.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise? You can substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and sour cream for a tangier flavor.
Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure the bacon and other packaged items don’t contain hidden gluten.
More Recipes You’ll Love
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Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1 cup mayonnaise Hellman’s tastes best with this recipe
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- ¼ cup bacon pieces
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ cup red onion chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Chop the broccoli and the onion.
- In a medium-large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar to create the dressing.
- Add the rest of the ingredients into the bowl, and toss to combine.
- Chill the salad for 1 hour, or until ready to serve.
