Broccoli Salad

Easy Broccoli Salad is one of those dishes that shows up at family gatherings, neighborhood barbecues, and casual potlucks—and it disappears just as quickly. There’s something timeless about the combination of crunchy fresh broccoli, creamy dressing, and savory mix-ins like crispy bacon and cheddar cheese. It feels hearty and refreshing all at once, and it’s surprisingly easy to fall in love with this dish after just one bite. The version from Sam at Sugar Spun Run is especially crowd-pleasing. It’s quick to throw together, wildly flavorful, and it manages to hit all the right notes: salty, sweet, tangy, and creamy.

What makes this particular broccoli salad stand out is that it doesn’t rely on shortcuts or store-bought dressing. Instead, everything is made from scratch with real, simple ingredients that most home cooks already have in their kitchens. The broccoli is raw—no blanching required—which means you get maximum crunch and minimal prep time. The dressing is a smooth blend of mayo, sour cream, vinegar, and sugar that clings to every floret without weighing them down. And the supporting cast? Think shredded sharp cheddar, crispy turkey bacon, chewy dried cranberries, toasted sunflower seeds, and thin slices of red onion. Each bite delivers contrast and depth, making it more than just another side dish.

This is the kind of salad that gets better the longer it sits in the fridge. You can easily prep it in advance and let the flavors meld for a few hours—or even overnight—making it perfect for make-ahead meal planning or entertaining. It travels well, holds its texture beautifully, and never fails to bring a bit of color and crunch to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Broccoli Salad

There’s a reason why Easy Broccoli Salad has stuck around as a staple in so many kitchens for decades—it delivers on all fronts. This version, adapted from Sugar Spun Run, is especially lovable because it brings together everything you want in a salad: texture, bold flavor, satisfying crunch, and a creamy, tangy dressing that ties it all together without feeling heavy.

First, let’s talk texture. The star of the show here is raw broccoli, which gives the salad its signature crunch. There’s no need to steam or blanch the broccoli ahead of time, which not only saves you time but also keeps the salad from turning soggy. Every bite is crisp, fresh, and full of life. Pair that with chewy dried cranberries, creamy shredded cheese, crispy turkey bacon, and crunchy sunflower seeds, and you’ve got a dish with layer after layer of texture. It’s a total experience in each forkful.

Now, let’s move on to flavor. This salad nails that perfect sweet-and-savory balance. The dried cranberries provide a hint of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the saltiness of the bacon and the sharpness of the cheddar cheese. The red onion adds just enough bite to keep things interesting, and the homemade dressing rounds it all out with a smooth, tangy finish. It’s light but flavorful, making it easy to enjoy without feeling weighed down afterward.

Health Benefits Easy Broccoli Salad

While Easy Broccoli Salad is often celebrated for its flavor and versatility, it also offers a surprising number of nutritional benefits that make it a smart choice for anyone looking to add more wholesome ingredients to their meals. Thanks to its foundation of raw vegetables and nutrient-dense mix-ins, this dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with vitamins, minerals, and good-for-you ingredients that support a balanced diet.

At the heart of this Easy Broccoli Salad, a powerhouse vegetable that’s rich in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It’s known for its antioxidant properties, particularly sulforaphane, which has been studied for its potential to reduce inflammation and support heart health. Broccoli is also great for digestion, thanks to its high fiber content, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness that helps manage appetite. Because the broccoli in this recipe is raw, all of those nutrients stay intact, offering maximum health benefits in every crunchy bite.

Next up are the mix-ins, many of which contribute not just texture but nutritional value as well. Dried cranberries provide a natural source of antioxidants and a bit of natural sweetness. While they do contain some sugar, they’re a better alternative to heavily processed sweeteners and add flavor depth without the need for artificial ingredients.

The sunflower seeds bring healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and selenium to the table. These tiny seeds pack a nutritional punch and help add satisfying crunch to the salad. They’re especially helpful for heart health, thanks to their vitamin E content, and they make the salad more filling and balanced.

The addition of turkey bacon is optional but adds protein and flavor. If you use a leaner turkey-based or beef-based bacon, you’ll get the savory bite you want without too much saturated fat. And of course, you can leave it out or swap it for a plant-based option if you prefer.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information Easy Broccoli Salad

One of the biggest perks of this broccoli salad recipe is how little time it takes to prepare, especially when you consider how flavorful and satisfying the final dish is. Whether you’re throwing it together on a busy weekday evening or prepping it ahead for a weekend cookout, you can have this salad done and ready to chill in just a few short minutes. Here’s everything you need to know about prep time, yield, and the nutritional content you can expect from each serving.

Preparation Time:
You’ll only need about 10 to 15 minutes to prepare the entire salad from start to finish. This includes chopping the broccoli, grating the cheese (if not pre-shredded), slicing the red onion, and stirring together the creamy dressing. If you’re cooking bacon fresh, allow for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or save time by using pre-cooked turkey bacon crumbles.

Chilling Time:
For best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to soak slightly into the broccoli, enhancing both taste and texture. You can also make it the night before and let it rest overnight for even more flavor development.

Servings:
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings as a side dish. You can easily double the ingredients if you’re feeding a larger crowd or want leftovers for lunches during the week.

Estimated Nutritional Information Per Serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 230

• Total Fat: 17g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Carbohydrates: 13g

• Sugar: 6g

• Fiber: 2g

• Protein: 6g

• Cholesterol: 20mg

• Sodium: 290mg

• Vitamin C: 80% Daily Value

• Vitamin K: 100% Daily Value

• Calcium: 10% Daily Value

• Iron: 6% Daily Value

🥦 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions Easy Broccoli Salad

This Easy Broccoli Salad is what I like to call the magic salad. It’s fast, fresh, and even better after it sits in the fridge for a little bit—which makes it perfect for make-ahead meals and laid-back entertaining. It’s the kind of dish that gets everyone asking for the recipe, and the best part? It only takes about 15 minutes to throw together. No cooking. No stress. Just chop, whisk, toss, and chill.

Let’s walk through every single step so you feel totally ready to whip this up anytime.

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✂️ Step 1: Prep the Broccoli

You’ll need:

• 5 to 6 cups fresh broccoli florets (from about 2 medium heads)

Rinse your broccoli well under cold water, then dry it thoroughly. This is key—if your broccoli is wet, the dressing won’t stick as nicely.

Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. You want everything roughly uniform so every bite gets a good mix of toppings and dressing.

💡 Time-Saving Tip: You can totally buy pre-cut broccoli florets from the produce section to shave off a few minutes. Just be sure they’re fresh and crisp.

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🧅 Step 2: Dice and Slice Your Add-Ins

Here’s what to prep:

• 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped or thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup roasted, salted sunflower seeds

• 3/4 cup shredded or cubed sharp cheddar cheese

• 4–5 slices of cooked beef or turkey bacon, chopped

Let’s talk about each one:

• The red onion adds that classic bite and color contrast. If you’re not into sharp raw onion, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.

• The dried cranberries bring chewy sweetness that balances the tangy, creamy dressing beautifully.

• Sunflower seeds = crunch! Plus a little nuttiness.

• Cheddar cheese brings richness and body to the salad. Sharp cheddar really stands out, but use what you love.

• And the bacon? Total flavor bomb. I like using crispy beef or turkey bacon to keep it halal but still packed with savory crunch.

🧀 Cheese Hack: Pre-shredded works in a pinch, but freshly cubed cheddar gives the best texture and flavor.

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🥄 Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

Now for the creamy, dreamy dressing that pulls it all together. You’ll need:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (olive oil mayo works great too)

• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist

• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Whisk all the ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Give it a taste and adjust:

• More vinegar for tang

• More sugar for sweetness

• A pinch more salt if needed

You’re looking for a balance of tangy, creamy, and slightly sweet.

🥣 Make It Vegan? Use plant-based mayo and skip the sour cream or use a dairy-free yogurt alternative. The salad will still be rich and tasty!

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🥗 Step 4: Toss It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, add your:

• Chopped broccoli

• Bacon

• Cheese

• Onion

• Dried cranberries

• Sunflower seeds

Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss until evenly coated. Make sure the broccoli gets a nice glossy coat—it should look lightly dressed, not drenched.

Let the salad sit for at least 1 hour in the fridge before serving. This step is where the magic happens: the broccoli softens just slightly, the flavors meld, and the dressing soaks in beautifully.

❄️ Bonus Tip: If you’re making it the day before, keep the sunflower seeds out until just before serving so they stay super crunchy.

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🍴 How to Serve Easy Broccoli Salad

There are endless ways to serve this Easy Broccoli Salad—it’s a true mealtime chameleon. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ, packing it for lunch, or pairing it with a hot dinner, this salad holds its own.

🎉 Perfect for Parties

This is hands-down one of the best salads for a crowd:

• Make a double or triple batch for potlucks, baby showers, or holiday buffets.

• Serve it in a wide, shallow bowl for easy scooping.

• Add a little extra bacon and cheese on top for presentation (and a few “oooohs” from guests).

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🥡 Easy Lunch Meal Prep

This salad is an A+ lunch prepper’s dream:

• Portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches.

• Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to bulk it up.

• Serve with crackers, pita, or a mini sandwich for a full lunchbox vibe.

It stays fresh in the fridge for a few days and doesn’t get soggy like lettuce-based salads.

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🍗 Dinner Side Dish Ideas

Here’s where it really shines as a weeknight dinner MVP. Serve it with:

• Grilled chicken thighs or baked chicken breasts

• Turkey burgers or sliders

• Roasted potatoes or sweet potato wedges

• Lentil patties or a veggie burger for a meatless night

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🌈 Kid-Friendly Serving Ideas

If your little ones are skeptical of raw broccoli, try:

• Chopping the florets extra small

• Adding a few mandarin oranges or grapes for more sweetness

• Serving it deconstructed: a few broccoli pieces, cheese cubes, and cranberries on the side

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🍽 Pairing Suggestions

This broccoli salad brings the creamy, crunchy, tangy goodness, so it pairs well with all kinds of mains—especially ones with bold or savory flavors. Here’s how to round it out:

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🥩 Protein Pairings

• BBQ chicken or beef skewers – the smoky char goes so well with the salad’s cool crunch.

• Grilled turkey burgers – especially if you skip cheese in the burger and let the cheddar in the salad do the work!

• Lamb kofta or kebabs – a flavorful Middle Eastern-style pairing that plays well with the salad’s sweetness and tang.

• Baked tofu or chickpea patties – great vegetarian options that soak up flavor from sauces and side salads alike.

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🍞 Grain & Starch Pairings

• Rice pilaf or lemon herb couscous

• Potato wedges or sweet potato fries

• Whole wheat pita or naan – great for scooping or serving on the side

If you want to turn the salad into a more complete meal, serve it on a grain bowl or wrap it up in a tortilla with grilled chicken for a hearty handheld lunch.

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🍹 Beverage Pairings

Keep things light and refreshing:

• Cucumber mint lemonade – super cooling!

• Sparkling water with citrus slices – simple and perfect

• Berry iced tea or unsweetened peach tea – fruity and refreshing without overpowering the salad

🧃 For kids: Serve with cold apple juice or a fruit smoothie—they’ll love the sweet cranberries in the salad, too!

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❄️ Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Broccoli salad is one of those dishes that actually gets better as it sits—but there are a few tips to help you store it right and enjoy every bite.

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🧊 Storage Tips

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days—perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying leftovers.

• If you’re planning to keep it more than a day or two, add the sunflower seeds right before serving to keep them crispy.

• Always give it a quick stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

🧅 Fresh Tip: The red onions and cranberries will soften and blend even more into the dressing the next day—making it even more flavorful!

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🥶 Freezing

Unfortunately, broccoli salad doesn’t freeze well. The raw broccoli becomes mushy, and the creamy dressing can separate or get watery after thawing. This one’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.

❄️ Freezer Alternative: If you’re making a different batch of salad and want to freeze something, stick with cooked veggies or grains—they hold up way better.

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🔥 Reheating? Nope, Not Needed

There’s no need to reheat broccoli salad—it’s best served cold or at room temp. But if you’ve just pulled it from the fridge, let it sit out for 10–15 minutes to take the chill off. That helps bring out all the flavors again.

🧡 Bonus Use: Got leftovers? Add them to a wrap with grilled chicken, toss into a grain bowl, or even serve with scrambled eggs for a fun brunch twist!

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)

Broccoli salad is one of those gloriously simple dishes—just toss, chill, and serve, right? Well, almost. While it’s a pretty forgiving recipe, there are still a few common hiccups that can take your salad from crowd-favorite to meh. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen on your watch.

1. Not chopping the broccoli small enough

This is the most common broccoli salad mistake. Big, bulky florets don’t hold onto dressing well and can be awkward to eat. Plus, since the broccoli is raw, larger pieces can feel tough or overpowering.

Fix it: Cut your broccoli into bite-sized, small florets. Think salad fork-friendly—smaller pieces absorb the creamy dressing better and blend beautifully with the mix-ins.

2. Skipping the chill time

It might be tempting to serve the salad right away (especially after smelling all that crispy bacon!), but the magic really happens after it chills. The flavors mellow and mingle, and the broccoli softens just slightly in the dressing.

Fix it: Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving—overnight is even better if you have the time!

3. Using too much dressing—or not enough

The right amount of dressing makes the salad creamy without drowning it. Too much and it turns soupy. Too little and the salad feels dry.

Fix it: Add the dressing gradually and toss thoroughly. You can always mix up a little more if it feels too dry later.

4. Forgetting to balance sweet and salty

This salad hits all the best notes—sweet dried cranberries, salty bacon, tangy vinegar. But if you tweak the recipe and forget to balance those elements, the flavor can fall flat.

Fix it: Stick close to the original ratios, especially the sugar and vinegar in the dressing. If you adjust one, tweak the other to match.

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💡 Pro Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad

Want to level up your broccoli salad game? These tried-and-true tips will help you build a salad that’s crisp, creamy, and totally irresistible at any gathering.

1. Toast your sunflower seeds

This one simple step adds so much flavor. Toasting the sunflower seeds (just 3–5 minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat) brings out their nutty richness and adds a warm crunch to every bite.

2. Use pre-shredded cheddar for convenience—or block for better melt

Both options work, but shredding cheddar off the block gives you softer, creamier shreds that melt slightly into the dressing. It’s a small difference, but it makes for a more luxurious texture. That said, if you’re in a hurry, pre-shredded sharp cheddar will still get you there.

3. Go for turkey or beef bacon for a lighter option

Traditional bacon is classic, but if you’re keeping it halal or want a leaner take, turkey or beef bacon crisps up beautifully and adds that same savory-salty element.

4. Make it ahead—but wait on some mix-ins

This salad keeps like a dream, but if you’re making it more than a day ahead, hold off on stirring in the sunflower seeds and bacon until just before serving. That way, they stay nice and crisp instead of softening in the dressing.

5. Lighten it up without losing flavor

You can swap out part (or all) of the mayo for Greek yogurt or use olive oil mayo to cut down on heaviness. The vinegar and sugar will still balance the tang, keeping the dressing creamy and full of flavor.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make broccoli salad the night before?

Yes, and honestly—it tastes even better the next day! The flavors get time to blend, the broccoli softens slightly, and the dressing really gets into all the nooks and crannies. Just be sure to stir it again before serving and consider holding the bacon and sunflower seeds until the last minute to keep them crispy.

Do I need to cook the broccoli first?

Nope! That’s the beauty of this salad. The raw broccoli keeps it crunchy and fresh. Just chop it into small florets so it’s easier to chew and absorbs more of the dressing.

If you’re really not a fan of raw broccoli, you can blanch it for 30 seconds in boiling water, then immediately transfer to ice water to keep that bright green crunch.

What’s the best substitute for sour cream in the dressing?

Greek yogurt is a great swap—especially if you want to lighten up the recipe. It gives the dressing a tangy kick and creamy texture, plus a little protein boost.

Can I make this salad without bacon?

Absolutely. It’ll still be delicious without it, or you can sub in a halal option like turkey bacon or even crispy chickpeas for a plant-based crunch.

What if I don’t have white wine vinegar?

No problem—apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar will work in a pinch. Just know that the flavor may shift slightly. White wine vinegar is light and slightly fruity, which pairs especially well with the cranberries and broccoli.

How long will leftovers last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this salad will last up to 3–4 days. The texture may soften a little over time, especially the seeds and bacon, but the flavor continues to shine.

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💛 Conclusion & Call to Action

This broccoli salad is one of those recipes that sneaks up on you—in the best way. It looks simple. It is simple. But one bite in, and you’re like, “Wait, how is this so good?”

It’s the combination of everything: crunchy fresh broccoli, sweet chewy cranberries, salty crisp bacon, and that creamy, tangy-sweet dressing that ties it all together. It checks every box for a potluck favorite or weeknight side—and the best part? It comes together in under 15 minutes, no cooking required.

I’ve made this salad more times than I can count. It’s a must for every summer BBQ, holiday potluck, or just when I want something fresh and comforting. The way people go back for seconds (and thirds!) is always the best compliment.

So now it’s your turn! Give this recipe a try and don’t be afraid to put your spin on it. Add some apple slices, swap the cheese, toss in pumpkin seeds—make it yours. And when you do, I’d love to see it!

📸 Tag your photos on Instagram and TikTok using #SugarSpunRun or leave a comment below to tell us how it turned out. Did it disappear in minutes? Did you sneak a second bowl before serving it to guests? (No judgment—we’ve all been there.)

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