Broccoli salad is a vibrant and versatile dish that combines the crisp, fresh flavors of raw broccoli with a mix of savory and sweet ingredients. Often tossed in a creamy dressing, this salad can include a variety of mix-ins such as nuts, dried fruits, cheese, and bacon, making it a robust side dish or a hearty main course. Its texture and depth of flavor make it a popular choice for potlucks, picnics, and healthy meal preps.
This dish not only offers a delightful crunch and refreshing bite but also packs a nutritional punch, as broccoli is loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Experimenting with different recipes can lead to discovering your favorite version, whether it’s a traditional creamy broccoli salad or one with a lighter, vinaigrette-based dressing. Dive into the world of broccoli salads to explore how this simple vegetable can be transformed into an array of delicious and nutritious dishes.
1. Tangy Broccoli Salad with Smoky Tamari Almonds
Image and recipe by loveandlemons
Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Broccoli Salad! Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar, it’s perfectly complemented by sweet dried cranberries and crunchy red onions. The star of the show? Smoky tamari almonds and pepitas, roasted to perfection and adding a delightful crunch to every bite. This salad is a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss!
2. Zesty Honey Mustard Broccoli Salad
Image and recipe by cookieandkate
Looking for a vibrant and flavorful side dish? Try this Zesty Honey Mustard Broccoli Salad! Fresh broccoli florets mingle with toasted sunflower seeds, tangy dried cranberries, and a zingy honey mustard dressing. This salad is perfect for a refreshing, healthy bite and gets even better after marinating overnight. Ideal for any gathering, it’ll be a hit at your next picnic or potluck!
3. Zesty Bacon & Cheddar Broccoli Salad
Image and recipe by browneyedbaker
Dive into a bowl of crunchy goodness with this Zesty Bacon & Cheddar Broccoli Salad! Fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cubes come together with a creamy, tangy dressing that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing side, this salad gets even better after chilling for a couple of hours. Make ahead and enjoy the flavors meld together for a perfect bite every time!
“Did you know that blanching broccoli for your salad not only enhances its bright green color but also makes it easier to digest? Just a quick dip in boiling water followed by an ice bath can transform your broccoli salad from good to great!”
4. Crispy Bacon Broccoli Delight
Image and recipe by downshiftology
This broccoli salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, featuring crispy bacon, crunchy sunflower seeds, and tangy goat cheese. Tossed in a creamy mayo and yogurt dressing, the salad is brought to life with sweet cranberries and fresh broccoli florets. It’s a vibrant, delicious addition to any meal, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser!
5. Broccoli Bacon Salad With Mayo Dressing
Image and recipe by inspiredtaste
Indulge in this delightful broccoli bacon salad, where crisp bacon meets vibrant broccoli florets, sweet dried cranberries, and a tangy homemade mayo dressing. With a hint of Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar, every bite is a burst of flavor. Perfect for a refreshing side dish or a light lunch, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
6. Tangy Crunch Broccoli Delight With Almonds And Cranberries
Image and recipe by gimmesomeowen
Get ready to savor this vibrant Broccoli Salad, bursting with flavors and textures! Fresh broccoli florets mix with crispy bacon, toasted almonds, sweet cranberries, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a creamy dressing of mayo, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for a quick lunch or a party side, this salad stays delicious for days in the fridge!
7. Zesty Mediterranean Broccoli Salad
Image and recipe by cookieandkate
This Zesty Mediterranean Broccoli Salad is a fresh, vibrant addition to any meal! Crisp broccoli florets mingle with sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, and almonds, all brought together by a tangy lemon and Dijon dressing. The feta cheese or kalamata olives add a delightful savory touch, making this salad irresistible. Let it marinate for a bit to let the flavors meld, and you’ve got a dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean goodness!
“Did you know that broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium? Incorporating raw broccoli in salads maximizes these nutrients, making broccoli salad not just tasty but also incredibly healthy.”
8. Zesty Greek Yogurt Broccoli Salad
Image and recipe by hummuspien
Craving a fresh and vibrant side dish? This Zesty Greek Yogurt Broccoli Salad has got you covered! It’s packed with crunchy broccoli, sweet dried cherries, and nutty sunflower seeds, all brought together by a tangy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for picnics or potlucks, this salad is a delicious way to enjoy your greens with a burst of flavor in every bite.
9. Fresh & Crunchy Broccoli Salad
Image and recipe by simplyrecipes
Blanching brings out the best in broccoli for this vibrant salad! Quickly boil the florets, then shock them in ice water to lock in that perfect crunch. Toss with a creamy, sweet-tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, cider vinegar, and honey. Mix in almonds, crispy bacon, onion, and peas for a delightful crunch in every bite. Chill before serving for a refreshing, make-ahead side that everyone will love!
10. Broccoli Salad With Sweet Apple Chunks
Image and recipe by natasha’skitchen
This vibrant Broccoli Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic, combining crisp broccoli florets, sweet apple chunks, and a pop of color from grated carrots. Tossed with toasted pecans and craisins, it’s all brought together with a creamy lemon dressing that perfectly balances tangy and sweet. This salad is a delightful addition to any meal, sure to be a hit with its blend of textures and flavors!
“Did you know adding a bit of fruit to your broccoli salad can take it to the next level? Dried cranberries or fresh apple slices add a delightful sweetness and texture contrast that complements the earthy flavor of broccoli beautifully.”
11. Marinated Broccoli Salad
Image and recipe by recipetineats
Elevate your veggie game with this Zesty Marinated Broccoli Salad! Tender broccoli florets get a flavor boost from a tangy red wine vinegar marinade and a zesty garlic, cumin, and sesame oil dressing. The red pepper flakes add a hint of heat, making this dish irresistible. Let it marinate for an hour or up to 48 hours for the best flavor burst – perfect for any gathering!
“Did you know that the freshest broccoli makes the crispest salads? If you can, source your broccoli directly from local farmers. Fresh broccoli has firm stalks and tight florets and is naturally sweeter, which balances beautifully with tangy or creamy dressings.”
12. Broccoli Bliss Salad With Dried Cranberries
Image and recipe by twopeasand theirpod
This vibrant Broccoli Salad is a delightful mix of fresh broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and a touch of honey, this salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Make it ahead and let it chill to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Perfect for your next potluck or family gathering!
13. Cheddar Cheese Broccoli Salad
Image and recipe by eatingwell
This Loaded Broccoli Bliss Salad is a flavor-packed delight! Crisp bacon, tangy sour cream, and sharp Cheddar cheese combine with fresh broccoli and scallions for a crunchy, creamy side dish. Tossed in a zesty dressing with a hint of bacon fat, this salad is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Perfect for your next BBQ or picnic!
14. Broccoli Bliss Salad With Honey Infused Dressing
Image and recipe by joyfoodsunshine
Elevate your salad game with this Crunchy Broccoli Bliss Salad! Packed with crispy bacon, sweet dried cranberries, and savory sunflower seeds, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. Tossed in a creamy honey-infused dressing, this refreshing dish is perfect for any gathering. Just mix, chill, and enjoy a deliciously cool and colorful treat!
15. Vibrant Broccoli Blueberry Crunch Salad
Image and recipe by ambitiouskitchen
Brighten up your meal with this delightful Broccoli Blueberry Crunch Salad! Packed with finely chopped broccoli, fresh blueberries, shredded carrots, and sweet dried apricots, it’s a feast for the eyes and the palate. Tossed with a zesty tahini-lemon dressing and topped with toasted almonds and sunflower seeds, this salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a conversation starter!
“Did you know that you can use every part of the broccoli in your salad? The stalks, often discarded, are as nutritious as the florets and add a great crunch. Just peel the outer skin and slice them thinly to include in your next broccoli salad.”
16. Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad (Mayo-Free!)
Image and recipe by minimalistbaker
Looking for a fresh twist on a classic? This Zesty Cashew Broccoli Salad combines crunchy coconut bacon, vibrant broccoli, and tangy dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy cashew butter dressing. With a hint of sweetness from maple syrup and a zing from apple cider vinegar, it’s a flavor-packed side dish perfect for any gathering. Enjoy it chilled for the ultimate refreshing bite!
17. Broccoli Salad With Lemon-Mayo Dressing
Image and recipe by thekitchn
Say hello to a new favorite! This Zesty Broccoli Crunch Salad combines the freshness of shredded broccoli with the tangy kick of a lemon-mayo dressing, sweet bursts of rehydrated currants, and the delightful crunch of toasted almonds. Let it sit for an hour to let the flavors meld perfectly—making it a star addition to any gathering!
18. Zesty Roasted Easy Broccoli Salad
Image and recipe by pinchofyum
This roasted broccoli salad is a delightful medley of flavors and textures! Featuring crispy bacon, caramelized shallots, and tangy feta. Whisk together in a large bowl and toss with zesty lemon juice and homemade sourdough croutons. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, this salad is a vibrant, savory treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Dig in and savor every bite!
19. Sweet Raisins And Crunchy Walnuts Broccoli Salad
Image and recipe by budgetbytes
Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Broccoli Salad, featuring a medley of fresh broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, sweet raisins, crispy bacon, and crunchy walnuts. Tossed in a creamy, tangy homemade dressing of mayo, Greek yogurt, and a hint of sugar, this delightful dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it immediately or let it marinate for extra flavor, this salad promises a burst of deliciousness with every bite!
20. Crispy Bacon Broccoli Bliss Salad – Best Broccoli Salad Recipes You’ll Love
Image and recipe by eatingbirdfood
Looking for a refreshing, crunchy side dish? Try our Crispy Bacon Broccoli Bliss Salad! Packed with crisp broccoli florets, savory bacon, crunchy sunflower seeds, and sweet raisins, this salad is tossed in a tangy Greek yogurt classic broccoli salad dressing. Let it chill in the fridge for a few hours to enhance the flavors. Perfect for any gathering, this salad is a surefire hit!
FAQS
1. What are the best ingredients to add to broccoli salad?
Broccoli salad can be versatile! Common additions include crispy bacon, chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts), sunflower seeds, raisins or dried cranberries, chopped red onion, and shredded cheese. For a fresh twist, consider adding apple slices, grapes, or mandarin oranges.
2. What dressings work well with broccoli salad?
Creamy dressings are popular for broccoli salad. Classic choices include a mayo-based dressing with a touch of sugar and vinegar. For a healthier option, Greek yogurt or avocado can substitute mayo. Alternatively, vinaigrettes with apple cider vinegar and olive oil offer a lighter dressing choice.
3. How long should broccoli salad sit before serving?
Allowing broccoli salad to sit for at least an hour in an airtight container before serving can enhance the flavors as the dressing softens the broccoli slightly. For optimal taste, many prefer chilling it for two to three hours.
4. Can broccoli salad be made in advance?
Yes, broccoli salad is perfect for making ahead. It can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
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