Best Broccoli Salad Recipes: Finding the Perfect Broccoli Salad Recipe for You
Looking for the perfect side dish to bring to your next potluck or summer BBQ? Check out this list of the best broccoli salad recipes. From tangy and sweet to savory and creamy, there is sure to be a recipe here that everyone will love.
This list of the best broccoli salad recipes will feature the top choices and will allow you to find the right broccoli salad recipe for you. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch recipe or a side dish, these broccoli salad recipes are sure to please.
After you finish with this list of the best broccoli salad recipes, our lists of the best bean salad recipes, best chef salad recipes, and best orzo salad recipes will also provide some more excellent recipes for you to enjoy.
Top 15 Broccoli Salad Recipes:
1. The Best Broccoli Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Fresh broccoli florets, bacon, red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds
About Broccoli Salad Recipe: This classic salad blends crunchy broccoli with crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Sunflower seeds add a nutty crunch that rounds out the texture. It’s a perfect dish for potlucks, barbecues, or everyday meals. A reliable favorite that never disappoints.
2. Favorite Broccoli Salad
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Broccoli, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, red onion, cheddar cheese
About Broccoli Salad Recipe: Tossed in a flavorful honey-mustard vinaigrette, this lighter version packs big flavor without the heaviness. Cheddar cheese and dried cranberries balance each other with savory and sweet notes. Sunflower seeds add crunch to every bite. It’s wholesome, vibrant, and easy to love.
3. Best Broccoli Salad Ever!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Broccoli, grapes, sunflower seeds, red onion, bacon
About Broccoli Salad Recipe: This version mixes crisp broccoli with sweet grapes and salty bacon for an irresistible combination. Sunflower seeds and red onion bring extra texture and bite. Each forkful is a celebration of fresh, balanced flavor. A colorful crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
4. Easy Broccoli Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Broccoli, bacon, almonds, dried cranberries, red onion
About Broccoli Salad Recipe: Almonds and cranberries lend sweetness and crunch to this simple, family-friendly salad. A creamy mayo-based dressing ties all the ingredients together beautifully. Red onion adds sharpness that complements the savory bacon. Quick to prepare and perfect for sharing.
5. Broccoli Salad with Homemade Dressing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Broccoli, bacon, raisins, sunflower seeds, red onion
About Broccoli Salad Recipe: Raisins and sunflower seeds bring texture and sweetness to this savory, veggie-packed salad. The homemade dressing enhances the natural flavors of broccoli without overpowering. Bacon and red onion provide balance and bite. A flavorful dish with a personal touch.
6. The BEST Broccoli Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Broccoli, bacon, almonds, dried cranberries, feta cheese
About Broccoli Salad Recipe: This version includes feta cheese for a creamy, tangy twist that blends beautifully with sweet cranberries and salty bacon. Almonds add crunch and complexity. It’s rich, refreshing, and unforgettable. A favorite for holidays and casual dinners alike.
7. Best Broccoli Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Broccoli, dried cranberries, pepitas, red onion, cheddar cheese
About Broccoli Salad Recipe: With pepitas, cheddar, and cranberries, this salad hits all the right texture and flavor notes. The crisp broccoli provides a perfect base for the tangy dressing. It’s satisfying, colorful, and nutritionally balanced. Great for lunchboxes or potluck tables.
8. Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Broccoli, bacon, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, red onion
About Broccoli Salad Recipe: This quick recipe combines salty bacon with crunchy sunflower seeds and sweet cranberries for a dynamic bite. It’s ideal for busy days when you need a side dish fast. Red onion adds flavor depth without being overpowering. Quick, tasty, and always satisfying.
9. The Best Broccoli Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Broccoli, bacon, almonds, grapes, green onions
About Broccoli Salad Recipe: Juicy grapes and green onions bring sweetness and freshness to this creamy, bacon-laced salad. Almonds add nutty crunch, and broccoli keeps things crisp. The result is a balanced, colorful mix of textures and flavors. Perfect for both dinner and lunch prep.
10. Broccoli Salad
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Broccoli, grapes, almonds, dried cranberries, bacon
About Broccoli Salad Recipe: Bacon, grapes, and cranberries make this salad both savory and sweet, while almonds give it a satisfying crunch. The dressing is rich but not overpowering. It’s a playful, delicious variation of the classic. Ideal for picnics and relaxed get-togethers.
11. NY Times Famous Broccoli Salad
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Broccoli, sesame seeds, cumin, garlic, olive oil
About Broccoli Salad Recipe: This bold and aromatic salad uses garlic, cumin, and sesame for a savory twist. Olive oil ties it all together in a more Mediterranean-style preparation. It’s vibrant, fragrant, and packed with flavor. A standout dish that brings something new to the table.
12. Broccoli and Ramen Noodle Salad
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Broccoli slaw, ramen noodles, green onions, peanuts, sunflower seeds
About Broccoli Salad Recipe: Broccoli slaw meets crunchy ramen noodles in this fun and textural salad. Peanuts and sunflower seeds boost the nutty flavor profile. A tangy dressing finishes it off for a satisfying side. Great for gatherings or as a unique lunch option.
13. Broccoli Orzo Pasta Salad
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Broccoli, orzo pasta, red bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese
About Broccoli Salad Recipe: This refreshing mix of roasted broccoli, orzo, and feta creates a zesty and filling dish. Red bell pepper adds color and crunch, while the dressing keeps things light. Perfect for a picnic or dinner side. A great bridge between pasta salad and veggie slaw.
14. Charred Broccoli Salad
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Broccoli, lemon, pine nuts, Pecorino cheese, fresh basil
About Broccoli Salad Recipe: Charred broccoli adds smokiness that pairs beautifully with lemon, pine nuts, and Pecorino cheese. Fresh basil lifts the flavor with herbal brightness. It’s rustic, elegant, and full of depth. A sophisticated side that feels fresh and creative.
15. Broccoli Pesto Pasta Salad
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Broccoli, pasta, basil, Parmesan cheese, nuts
About Broccoli Salad Recipe: This pesto-based dish reinvents broccoli salad as a hearty, herb-packed pasta creation. Parmesan and nuts blend with basil for rich flavor. It’s vibrant, healthy, and ideal for meal prep. A green twist on classic pasta salad favorites.
Editor’s Picks for the Best Broccoli Salad Recipes
With so many crave-worthy broccoli salad recipes to choose from, a few stand out as top contenders. One favorite is The Best Broccoli Salad, which features crispy bacon, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds for a classic combination that never fails. Another editor-approved pick is the Charred Broccoli Salad—a more gourmet take that layers in smoky, nutty, and bright flavors with Pecorino cheese and lemon. For something fresh and fun, the Broccoli and Ramen Noodle Salad adds crunch and flavor in a way that’s both nostalgic and exciting. These top choices showcase the versatility and crowd-pleasing power of broccoli salad.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Salad Recipes
What’s the best way to keep broccoli salad crisp?
To keep your broccoli salad crisp, use fresh, raw broccoli and avoid overdressing. Dress the salad just before serving if possible, or store the dressing separately and mix it in when ready to eat. Adding crunchy toppings like nuts or seeds right before serving also helps maintain texture.
Can you make broccoli salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, broccoli salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. The flavors have more time to blend, and the broccoli becomes slightly more tender without losing its crunch. For best results, make it 4–6 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Is broccoli salad healthy?
Most broccoli salads are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from broccoli and other veggies. To make them healthier, use a lighter dressing (such as Greek yogurt or vinaigrette) and reduce added sugars or heavy toppings. Ingredients like nuts, seeds, and fruits also provide nutritional benefits.
Can I substitute ingredients in a broccoli salad?
Absolutely. Broccoli salad is highly customizable. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, raisins for cranberries, or pumpkin seeds for sunflower seeds. Get creative with what you have on hand—just keep a balance of texture and flavor in mind.
Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Salad Recipes at Home
Creating the perfect broccoli salad starts with choosing fresh, firm broccoli florets and chopping them into bite-sized pieces. For a softer texture, consider blanching the broccoli briefly in boiling water, then shocking it in ice water before mixing it into the salad. This technique keeps the vibrant green color and adds a slight tenderness.
Balance your ingredients with a mix of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory elements—bacon, seeds, nuts, dried fruits, and cheeses all work wonderfully. When it comes to dressing, classic creamy versions are great for indulgence, but don’t overlook vinaigrette or mustard-based blends for a tangy twist. Finally, let your salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Best Broccoli Salad Recipes Conclusion
There you have it. Whether you are looking for a sweet, tangy, or savory broccoli salad recipe, one of these is sure to fit the bill.
So get cooking and enjoy a delicious dish that everyone will love.
Is there a broccoli salad recipe that you think should be on this list but isn’t? Please feel free to share it below if so
