Crunchy & Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe (Best Ever Side for Parties!)

I’ll never forget the first time I made this Broccoli Salad Recipe and how quickly it disappeared from the table. I loved how the crisp broccoli, sweet cranberries, salty bacon, and creamy dressing came together in every bite.

When I prepared it for my family, everyone asked for seconds. It instantly became one of my favorite make-ahead side dishes. Now I make it for gatherings, holidays, and simple weeknight dinners because it always impresses.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make this delicious broccoli salad. Each ingredient plays an important role in flavor and texture.

• 5–6 cups fresh broccoli florets – Fresh broccoli gives the best crunch. Avoid frozen broccoli because it becomes too soft and watery.
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – Freshly shredded cheese melts into the salad better and adds rich flavor.
• ⅔ cup dried cranberries – These add sweetness and balance the savory ingredients.
• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled – Crispy bacon adds smoky, salty flavor.
• ½ cup salted sunflower seeds – They provide extra crunch and a nutty taste.
• ⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped – Adds mild sharpness and color.

For the Dressing:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise – Creates the creamy base of the dressing.
• ¼ cup sour cream – Adds tanginess and lightens the texture.
• 1½ tablespoons white wine vinegar – Balances the sweetness with acidity.
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar – Enhances flavor and rounds out the dressing.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Brings all flavors together.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild spice.

Note: This recipe serves approximately 6–8 people as a side dish.

Variations

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
• Replace bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version.
• Swap cranberries for raisins, chopped apples, or red grapes.
• Use maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetness.
• Add chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for extra crunch.
• If you enjoy bold, flavor-packed meals, you might also like recipes such as extra-crispy-fried-buffalo-chicken-sandwich-recipe for a spicy option, or try the comforting creamy-dijon-chicken-recipe for a creamy dinner idea that pairs beautifully with fresh sides like this broccoli salad.
• Make it dairy-free by using dairy-free cheese and plant-based mayo.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour (recommended for best flavor)
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Chilling helps the flavors blend beautifully.

Equipment You Need

• Large mixing bowl – To combine all salad ingredients.
• Small bowl – To prepare the dressing.
• Whisk or spoon – To mix the dressing until smooth.
• Sharp knife – To chop broccoli, onion, and bacon.
• Cutting board – For safe and easy preparation.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To keep ingredient amounts accurate.

How to Make Broccoli Salad Recipe?

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing and thoroughly drying the broccoli. Cut it into small bite-sized florets for easy eating. Chop the red onion finely and cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it. Shred the cheese fresh if possible for the best texture.

Mix the Salad Base

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cheddar cheese, cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds, and red onion. Toss everything gently so the ingredients are evenly distributed. This step ensures every bite has a balanced mix of flavors.

Prepare the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy with no lumps. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed for sweetness or tang.

Combine and Chill

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are coated evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This resting time improves flavor and texture.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

• I always let the salad chill for at least an hour because it tastes better after resting.
• I prefer freshly cooked crispy bacon instead of pre-packaged bacon bits.
• I cut the broccoli into very small pieces so the salad is easier to eat.
• If I want extra freshness, I add a small squeeze of lemon juice.
• I sometimes reduce sugar slightly when I prefer a less sweet version.

How to Serve Broccoli Salad Recipe?

Serve this salad chilled in a large decorative bowl. For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle extra sunflower seeds and bacon on top. It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, barbecue dishes, burgers, or roasted meats. It also works well as part of a holiday spread. The bright colors make it visually appealing on any table.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving:

• Calories: About 290–300
• Protein: Around 8 grams
• Carbohydrates: Around 17 grams
• Fat: Around 19 grams

These values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigeration

Store broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

This recipe is not recommended for freezing. The creamy dressing may separate after thawing, and the texture of broccoli will change.

Reheating

This salad is served cold and does not require reheating. Simply remove from the refrigerator and enjoy chilled.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this broccoli salad is always a favorite in my kitchen:

• Quick and simple to prepare – It takes only minutes to assemble.
• Perfect balance of flavors – Sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy in every bite.
• Great for gatherings – A reliable crowd-pleaser for parties and potlucks.
• Easily customizable – Simple ingredient swaps make it flexible.
• Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better after chilling.

This Broccoli Salad Recipe is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that looks simple but delivers amazing taste every time. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or bringing it to a celebration, it will always stand out as a delicious and reliable side dish. Enjoy! 🥦

Ben Carraoli

Broccoli Salad Recipe

I’ll never forget the first time I made this Broccoli Salad and how quickly it disappeared from the table. I loved how the crisp broccoli, sweet cranberries, salty bacon, and creamy dressing came together in every bite. When I prepared it for my family, everyone asked for seconds. It instantly became one of my favorite make-ahead side dishes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 5 –6 cups fresh broccoli florets – Fresh broccoli gives the best crunch. Avoid frozen broccoli because it becomes too soft and watery.
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded – Freshly shredded cheese melts into the salad better and adds rich flavor.
• ⅔ cup dried cranberries – These add sweetness and balance the savory ingredients.
• ½ cup cooked bacon crumbled – Crispy bacon adds smoky, salty flavor.
• ½ cup salted sunflower seeds – They provide extra crunch and a nutty taste.
• ⅓ cup red onion finely chopped – Adds mild sharpness and color.
• ¾ cup mayonnaise – Creates the creamy base of the dressing.
• ¼ cup sour cream – Adds tanginess and lightens the texture.
• 1½ tablespoons white wine vinegar – Balances the sweetness with acidity.
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar – Enhances flavor and rounds out the dressing.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Brings all flavors together.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild spice.

Method

 

1. Start by washing and thoroughly drying the broccoli. Cut it into small bite-sized florets for easy eating. Chop the red onion finely and cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it. Shred the cheese fresh if possible for the best texture.
2. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cheddar cheese, cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds, and red onion. Toss everything gently so the ingredients are evenly distributed. This step ensures every bite has a balanced mix of flavors.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy with no lumps. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed for sweetness or tang.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are coated evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This resting time improves flavor and texture.

Notes

• I always let the salad chill for at least an hour because it tastes better after resting.
• I prefer freshly cooked crispy bacon instead of pre-packaged bacon bits.
• I cut the broccoli into very small pieces so the salad is easier to eat.
• If I want extra freshness, I add a small squeeze of lemon juice.
• I sometimes reduce sugar slightly when I prefer a less sweet version.