Introduction

This Best Broccoli Salad is a vibrant and crunchy side dish perfect for any occasion. Combining fresh broccoli with sweet cranberries, crunchy almonds, and a tangy dressing, it’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Best Broccoli Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

Kosher salt
3 heads broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces
2 carrots, shredded
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and generously season with kosher salt. Prepare a large bowl of ice water.
Step 2: Cook the broccoli in the boiling water until it is fork-tender, about 1 to 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the broccoli to the ice water to cool quickly, then drain well.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the drained broccoli, shredded carrots, sliced red onion, crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Add shredded cheddar cheese or sunflower seeds for extra texture and flavor.
Use maple-glazed bacon for a sweeter twist.
Make sure to thoroughly drain the broccoli after cooling to prevent a watery salad.

Storage

Store the broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop more after chilling, but the salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain its crunch. If needed, give it a quick stir before serving. Do not freeze, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this broccoli salad in advance?

Yes, you can make this salad a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. It actually tastes better after the flavors meld, but avoid making it more than a day in advance to keep the broccoli crisp.

What can I use instead of bacon for a vegetarian version?

You can omit the bacon or replace it with smoked tempeh, crispy chickpeas, or roasted nuts for a similar smoky crunch.

Best Broccoli Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 113 reviews

This Best Broccoli Salad is a delightful combination of tender-crisp broccoli, shredded carrots, red onion, crispy bacon, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy sliced almonds, all tossed in a tangy and creamy apple cider vinegar dressing. It’s a perfect side dish for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing addition to any meal.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

Kosher salt, to taste
3 heads broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces
2 carrots, shredded
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup sliced almonds

Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Kosher salt, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the broccoli: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and generously season with kosher salt. Have a large bowl filled with ice water ready.
Blanch the broccoli: Cook the broccoli pieces in the boiling salted water until fork-tender, about 1 to 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the broccoli immediately to the bowl with ice water to cool and stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain thoroughly.
Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled broccoli along with shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onions, crumbled cooked bacon, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. Gently toss to mix.
Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pour this creamy dressing over the salad and stir everything together until well coated.

Notes

Blanching the broccoli helps maintain its bright color and crisp texture.
Feel free to substitute dried cranberries with raisins or dried cherries for variation.
For a lighter version, Greek yogurt can be used in place of mayonnaise.
Make the salad ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours to let flavors meld.
Add freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill for added freshness.

Keywords: broccoli salad, broccoli recipe, healthy salad, picnic salad, easy side dish, bacon broccoli salad