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This Broccoli Salad is a classic recipe that’s always a hit at any potluck or cookout, with crisp veggies tossed in a creamy dressing. It’s a quick, easy side dish that comes together in minutes and disappears just as fast.
If you’re here for side dish inspiration, you might also enjoy my creamy Easy Coleslaw or the bright flavours of my Orzo Salad.
If you’re tired of boring salads, you need to try my broccoli salad recipe. It’s packed with crisp broccoli florets, sharp cheese, and a creamy mayo dressing that’s tangy, hearty, and just a little indulgent. I love adding my own twist with the optional add-ins, like sweet raisins or a sprinkle of bacon, which make it even more irresistible.
The best part is it only takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and since it needs to chill, it’s a great make-ahead dish. That means you can have the perfect side for barbecues, summer cookouts, or really anytime you want a fresh, crowd-pleasing salad.
Can you put raw broccoli in a salad?
Yes, you can absolutely put raw broccoli in a salad, and that’s what makes this recipe so quick and easy. Using fresh broccoli florets keeps the texture crisp and hearty, while the creamy dressing softens them slightly as it chills. The result is a crunchy, flavourful salad without any need for cooking.
Ingredients
- Broccoli florets: The star of the salad, they bring a crisp bite and hold up well against the creamy dressing without getting soggy.
- Red onion: Adds a sharp, savoury flavour and a bit of colour contrast in every bite.
- Mild cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese goes best in broccoli salad. It balances the tangy dressing with a rich, savoury note.
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the dressing, making the salad indulgent and satisfying.
- Granulated white sugar: A touch of sweetness helps balance the tang of the vinegar and the bite of the onion.
- White vinegar: Gives the dressing its tangy flavour that keeps the salad fresh and lively.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that tie all the flavours together.
Optional Add-Ins
- Crumbled bacon: Adds smoky, savoury crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing.
- Dried raisins or cranberries: Bring a chewy texture and a pop of sweetness to balance the savoury elements.
- Sunflower seeds or chopped nuts: Give the salad extra crunch and a nutty depth of flavour.
How to Make Broccoli Salad
Make the Dressing
I start by whisking together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This creamy dressing is what brings everything together, so I make sure it’s smooth and well combined before moving on.
Toss Broccoli Salad
In a large mixing bowl, I add the broccoli florets, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Then I pour the dressing over top and toss everything until the broccoli is evenly coated and the cheese and onion are well mixed in.
Add the Extras
If I’m making this for a special occasion, I like to fold in some of the optional add-ins like crumbled bacon, raisins or cranberries, or a handful of sunflower seeds for extra crunch. These little touches make the salad even more flavourful and fun.
Chill and Serve
Finally, I cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step lets the broccoli soften slightly and gives the flavours time to meld, so the salad tastes its best when it’s ready to serve.
Recipe Tip
Chill the salad before serving. Letting it rest in the fridge gives the broccoli a chance to soften slightly and allows the flavours to meld together. This step makes a big difference in getting that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy in every bite.
What to Serve with Broccoli Salad
- Jerk Chicken Wings: Bold and saucy wings that bring heat and contrast to the cool side salad
- Jamaican Honey Jerk Salmon: A flavourful, spicy-sweet fish that balances the creaminess of the salad
- Bar-B-Fried Chicken: A crispy, flavourful fried chicken tossed in a homemade sweet-spicy Jamaican BBQ sauce. The perfect pairing with your creamy broccoli salad.
Storage
Store any leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Broccoli salad can be healthy because it uses fresh broccoli, which is rich in fibre and nutrients. The creamy dressing, cheese, and bacon make it more indulgent, but you can adapt it by using Greek yogurt or reducing the sugar for a lighter version.
Fresh broccoli works best for this recipe because it stays crisp after chilling. Frozen broccoli tends to release water and becomes mushy, which changes the texture of the salad.
You can prepare it a day ahead since it needs chilling time. The flavours actually get better as they sit, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for gatherings.
More Salad Recipes
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Broccoli Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl to toss the broccoli, cheese, and dressing together.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board to prep broccoli and onion.
Ingredients
- 2 med Fresh Broccoli Florets, cut bite-sized, about 6 cups
- 1/2 sm Red Onion, finely diced
- 1 cup Mild Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1/2-1 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Granulated White Sugar
- 2 tbsp White Vinegar
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup Crumbled Bacon
- 1/3 cup Dried Raisins or Cranberries
- 1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds or Chopped Nuts
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt, and black pepper until combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, onion, and cheddar cheese. Pour dressing over and toss until evenly coated.
Add Extras (Optional)
- Fold in bacon, raisins/cranberries, and/or sunflower seeds if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for flavours to meld, or serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Chill before serving – resting allows the broccoli to slightly soften and the flavours to blend.
- Adjust sweetness – reduce sugar for a tangier salad or swap with honey.
- Make it lighter – substitute part of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt for a fresher, lighter dressing.
