The Make-Ahead Star: Say hello to your new favorite potluck dish! This broccoli salad gets even better overnight, making it the perfect make-ahead recipe for BBQs, potlucks, and summer gatherings.

Looking for more easy salads? Try our corn feta salad and antipasto salad platter.  

broccoli salad in a wooden bowl. this recipe

You’ll Love This Recipe for Broccoli Salad

  • A Twist on the Classic: This broccoli salad recipe is a staple in my house during the spring and summer. A twist on the traditional recipe made with classic ingredients and a homemade dressing. However, I add extra mix-ins for even more texture and flavor. It’s the perfect balance of crisp, crunchy, tangy, savory, and sweet.
  • Great for Potlucks & BBQs: It’s sturdy enough to hold up at potlucks, picnics, and barbecues, and makes the perfect side dish for recipes like our BBQ chicken legs and grilled salmon burgers.
  • Quick & Make Ahead Friendly: With simple steps, it comes together in minutes and tastes even better the next day. I often prepare a big bowl in advance. Then, all I have to do is give the ingredients a stir, and it’s ready to serve. 

Broccoli Salad Ingredients

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

ingredients for making broccoli salad recipe.
  • Broccoli: You’ll need 6 cups of broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces. 
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: For the best taste and texture, buy a block of cheese, and grate it yourself. 
  • Red onion: Adds a subtle crunch and a bit of tang. 
  • Bacon: Adds a savory smokey flavor. 
  • Dried cranberries: For a little chewiness and a sweet, tart taste. 
  • Sliced almonds: For extra crunch. 
  • Mayonnaise: The base of the dressing. Use full-fat, good-quality mayonnaise to give the dressing a richer taste. 
  • Apple cider vinegar: Adds tang to the dressing. 
  • Honey: Balances the acidity of the vinegar and enhances the sweetness of the dressing. 
  • Dijon mustard: For extra tangy flavor. 

How to Make Broccoli Salad with Bacon

The recipe card below has all the details you need. 

prepared ingredients in a glass bowl for broccoli salad.

Step 1: Combine the broccoli, cheddar cheese, red onion, bacon, cranberries, and almonds in a large mixing bowl. 

dressing whisked in a glass bowl.

Step 2: Whisk the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl.

dressing poured over broccoli florets.

Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad, season with salt and pepper.

broccoli salad and dressing mixed with wooden spoon in a glass bowl.

Step 4: Toss to combine and coat the ingredients. Cover and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.

Best Broccoli Salad Recipe Variations

  • Fruit: Try adding fresh blueberries or chopped apples for a bit of extra sweetness. 
  • Veggies: Include shredded carrots or chopped green onions. 
  • Nuts: Swap the almonds with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or walnuts. 
  • Cranberries: Use raisins instead, or omit them completely. 
  • Dressing: Replace the dressing with a honey mustard dressing or our homemade poppy seed dressing, or use half mayo and half Greek yogurt for a boost of protein. Feel free to add extra honey or sugar, or use less to adjust the sweetness of the dressing.

Simple Broccoli Salad Tips

  • Chop the Broccoli: Whether you’re using whole broccoli heads or florets, you’ll want to chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces. 
  • Chill: Make sure to allow for at least 30-60 minutes of chilling time in order for the flavors to meld together. 
  • Add the Nuts Just Before Serving: Leave out the almonds until just before serving, or add extra to ensure the salad still has a nice crunch.
close up of broccoli salad with a serving spoon.

What to Serve with this Recipe for Broccoli Salad

This recipe pairs well with just about any summer main course, but some of our favorite options include: 

Storing Broccoli Salad with Bacon

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Just be sure to give the salad a stir before serving to redistribute the ingredients! 
  • Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing broccoli salad, as the dressing won’t thaw well, and the salad will become soggy. 

More Potluck Salad Recipes


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broccoli salad recipe in a bowl.

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

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  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

Crunchy, creamy, and packed with flavor, this broccoli salad is the perfect side dish for potlucks, BBQs, and weeknight dinners. Made with fresh broccoli, a tangy dressing, and delicious mix-ins, it’s easy to make and even better the next day!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

  • 6 cups (about 10 oz.) fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized)
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon, about 5 slices, not thick cut
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

For the Dressing:

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. honey
  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, cheddar cheese, red onion, bacon, cranberries, and almonds.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, and mustard. Pour the dressing over the salad. Season with salt and pepper, and toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30-60 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, taste for salt and pepper and adjust as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: This broccoli salad is one of my favorites for making ahead. In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. For the best results, prepare the salad and dressing separately, then combine them 1-2 hours before serving to keep the ingredients crisp and fresh. If making it a day in advance, wait to add the almonds until just before serving to maintain their crunch. 
  • Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Just be sure to give the salad a stir before serving to redistribute the ingredients! 
  • Suggested Portion: If serving at a potluck or BBQ, this salad should comfortably serve 6 people, but it can stretch to 8 smaller portions if paired with multiple sides.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 357
  • Sugar: 14.7 g
  • Sodium: 315.8 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22.1 g
  • Protein: 7.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 23.4 mg

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