The Best Broccoli Salad Recipe

This broccoli salad recipe is my all time favorite salad side dish! Growing up in the deep South, my aunts would bring this to every family gathering and the bowl would be wiped clean every time (yes, it’s that good)!

For my recipe, I’m sticking to tradition in terms of ingredients used. However, I will be making healthier choices. For instance, instead of using Blue Plate Mayonnaise, I’ll be using Chosen Foods Avocado Mayo. Instead of white vinegar for the dressing, I’ll be using apple cider vinegar. You get the point. That way, you still get the same great taste as the original recipe but with healthier, higher quality ingredients.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Salad

This broccoli salad recipe is my go-to salad whether I’m meal prepping for myself or I need an easy side dish to take to parties and gathering, especially in the Spring and Summer months. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

• Easy to Make. Whether you’re making this broccoli salad for your family or for a get together, it’s perfect when you only have a few minutes to whip something up. Best of all, it can be made a day or two in advance without compromising on texture or flavor.
• Healthier Version. With my version of this broccoli salad recipe, I stick to the tried-and-true traditional ingredients but make healthier swaps. For instance, instead of using regular mayonnaise, I opt for avocado mayo.
• Meal Prep Friendly. This salad can be made a day or two in advance for parties or you can serve it throughout the week for a healthy meal prep option. It actually tastes better the longer it marinates!
• Pack in the Fiber. Thanks for the broccoli, this salad is a great way to pack in the fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring!

Broccoli Salad Ingredients

The ingredients in this salad recipe are simple and minimal making it great for a quick and easy side dish.

• Broccoli. This is the star of this salad recipe. Opt for fresh broccoli florets (chopped yourself) instead of pre-cut broccoli. I’ve noticed the salad stays fresher longer when chopping it yourself.
• Bacon. Nope, we’re not using bacon bits here. Freshly cooked, crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that takes the flavor to the next level!
• Dried Cranberries. This gives you that sweet/savory combo flavor when paired with the bacon. For a healthier option, opt for dried cranberries without artificial preservatives.
• Sunflower Seeds. This adds an extra crunch to the salad. Feel free to substitute the sunflower seeds with chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans. I use raw, unroasted seeds but roasted works fine too.
• Red Onion. Adds an extra kick!
• Shredded Cheese. In the South, we always add shredded cheddar cheese to our broccoli salad. If you’re dairy free, opt for a DF shredded cheese or you can leave it out altogether.
• Dressing. The mayonnaise based dressing paired with cane sugar and apple cider vinegar brings this broccoli salad recipe together adding a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor.

How To Make Broccoli Salad

This is probably one of the easiest salads you’ll ever make. And, it only takes about 20-30 minutes.

• Prep the Ingredients. Chop the broccoli and onion. Cook the bacon and drain the grease. Then, crumble it into bite size pieces.
• Make the Dressing. Whisk all of the dressing ingredients together.
• Assemble the Salad. Add everything to a large salad or mixing bowl. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.