Best Broccoli Salad Recipe

There’s something magical about a broccoli salad recipe that can win over even the pickiest eaters in your family. This one does exactly that! With the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory elements, this broccoli salad has become a staple at our dinner table.

My kids, who normally turn their noses up at anything green, actually request this salad which feels like a major parenting win!

The secret is in the quick-blanching technique and that irresistible creamy citrus poppyseed dressing that ties everything together. This is one of those make-ahead dishes that actually tastes better the longer it sits, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Check out my healthy chicken salad recipe for another family-friendly option that’s just as delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Salad Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: he combination of crisp broccoli, salty bacon, sweet cranberries, and sharp cheddar creates an irresistible flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.

Kid-Approved: Both Sophia and James clean their plates when I serve this, which is saying something for a veggie-focused dish! The brief blanching takes away that “too raw” taste kids often object to.

Make-Ahead Champion: This salad actually improves after sitting in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or preparing before a party.

Ingredients for the Best Broccoli Salad

For the Salad:

• 4½ cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 heads of broccoli)
• 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ⅔ cup dried cranberries (reduced sugar works too)
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• ⅓ cup roasted sunflower seeds
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cut into very small cubes (or shredded)

For the Creamy Citrus Poppyseed Dressing:

• ⅔ cup mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 small lemon
• Zest of ½ orange
• 1-2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ Tbsp poppy seeds
• Pinch of black pepper

How to Make This Broccoli Salad Recipe

1. Bring a pot of water to boil. While waiting, chop your broccoli into very small florets. Fill a large bowl with cold water and add a cup of ice cubes.
2. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water and drop in the broccoli. Blanch for just 20 seconds – this quick cooking helps preserve the crunch while taking away the raw edge.
3. Immediately drain the broccoli and transfer to your prepared ice bath. Let it sit for a few minutes until completely cool.
4. Drain the cooled broccoli and spread it out on paper towels to remove excess moisture. Let it continue air-drying while you prepare the other ingredients.
5. Place your finely chopped red onion in a small bowl of cold water and let sit for 5 minutes, then drain. This simple step takes away that harsh “bite” that raw onions can have.
6. In a small mixing bowl, combine all the creamy citrus poppyseed dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, citrus zests, lemon juice, poppy seeds, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, drained red onion, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, and cheddar cheese.
8. Pour about half the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat. Add more dressing to your taste preference.
9. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and develop.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Broccoli Salad

This broccoli salad recipe is perfect for making in advance. In fact, I often prepare it the night before a gathering since the flavors actually improve as it sits in the refrigerator.

The salad will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The broccoli maintains its pleasant crunch even after days in the dressing, which isn’t always the case with leafy green salads.

If you notice the salad has dried out a bit after storage, simply stir in a tablespoon of mayo mixed with a little lemon juice to refresh it.

Broccoli Salad Variations to Try

Add Protein: Turn this side dish into a complete meal by adding diced grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs.

Make It Vegetarian: Simply omit the bacon or substitute with smoked almonds or roasted chickpeas for that savory element.

Switch Up The Cheese: While sharp cheddar is our family favorite, feta, goat cheese, or pepper jack all work beautifully too.

Try Different Nuts: Candied pecans, walnuts, or even pistachios can replace the almonds and sunflower seeds.

What to Serve With Broccoli Salad

This versatile broccoli salad pairs wonderfully with so many main dishes. Some of our family favorites include:

• Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
• BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
• Air Fryer Steak Recipe

FAQ About Broccoli Salad

Why This Broccoli Salad Works Every Time

The success of this broccoli salad recipe comes down to a few key techniques. First, blanching the broccoli for that brief 20 seconds gives you the perfect texture not too raw but still with plenty of crunch.

Second, soaking the red onion takes away its harshness while still providing that flavor boost.

And finally, that creamy citrus poppyseed dressing brings a brightness that elevates the whole dish.

David jokes that this is my “secret weapon” recipe because I’ve converted so many vegetable skeptics with it at neighborhood gatherings. There’s something about the combination of textures and flavors that just works, even for those who normally pass on the green stuff.

The next time you need a reliable side dish that’s sure to please a crowd, give this broccoli salad a try. It’s simple enough for everyday dinners but special enough for celebrations too. And if you have leftovers (which rarely happens in our house!), you’ll be happy to enjoy them the next day.

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