This fresh Broccoli Salad recipe is a super simple side dish you can make year-round. In it, crisp fresh broccoli florets are combined with onion, crumbled bacon, toasted pecans and shredded cheddar cheese then dressed with a creamy homemade dressing. It's so popular, that here in my neck of the woods that it's available prepared in every grocery store deli case. Add this recipe to your side dish menu ASAP, you'll be so glad you did.
Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe
Refrigerator salads have always been a favorite of mine. I love that they can be prepared in advance and kept chilled for a quick side dish to go with an entrée. I've taken a bit of liberty with this salad, as classic broccoli salad would usually include raisins and some sort of nuts or toasted sesame seeds. Since I cook according to my family's taste, it gives me full creative control to adjust to our taste. Variety is the spice of life, right?
How to Make the Best Broccoli Salad Recipe
Broccoli salad is one of those deli salads that are commonly found all throughout the South. As with any recipe, cook's often remake salad recipes to include the little ingredient twists that they know their family will enjoy. That's precisely reflected in this recipe with just a couple of ingredients switches. This is one of those easy salad recipes that comes together in a snap and the sweet and tangy dressing adds just the right touch.
- Ingredients you'll need to make this easy recipe for Broccoli Salad: Fresh broccoli florets, cooked bacon, onion, dried cranberries or raisins, toasted pecans and shredded cheddar cheese.
- To make the dressing for broccoli salad this is what you do: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, diced pimentos, sugar, apple cider vinegar, Mrs Dash seasoning (if using) salt, onion powder, garlic powder and black pepper.
- Is it necessary to blanch the broccoli for this salad? A through cleaning is all you need to do to make this broccoli salad. I've never found it necessary to blanch it prior to assembling with the remaining ingredients.
- You may enjoy adding sliced cherry tomatoes which is a fantastic Summer version when fresh produce is in abundance.
- My version of broccoli salad includes toasted pecans and dried cranberries, although each can be switched out with alternatives, if you prefer. Some broccoli salads call for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds and raisins or golden raisins in place of dried cranberries. Make it your own.
- You could also switch out the pecans for sliced almonds or chopped walnuts. Regardless, take the time to toast the nuts or seeds for added flavor.
- You can also use a different flavor of shredded cheese such as a mild or medium cheddar or colby jack cheese in the same amount called for in the recipe.
- Store broccoli salad in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
More Southern Salad Recipes to Make
I'd be hard pressed to think of a meal that wouldn't suit a salad of some kind on the menu as a side dish. More easy salad recipes you may like to try:
- Homestyle Macaroni Salad is a warm weather staple.
- A colorful Seven Layer Salad is a feast for the eyes.
- This creamy Grape Salad Recipe can double as a side dish or a dessert.
- A Tomato Cracker Salad is always the talk of the table.
- Another delicious refrigerator salad you may like is this Bell Pepper Salad from Know Your Produce.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Broccoli Salad
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 436kcal
Ingredients
- 4 cup fresh broccoli florets stems trimmed and florets separated
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 small red onion finely diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries or golden raisins [optional]
- ½ cup toasted pecan or walnut pieces [or ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds]
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 oz pimentos drained
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoon Original Mrs Dash (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Clean the broccoli and separate the florets, removing most of the stem.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients then gently toss with the broccoli, bacon, diced red onion, cranberries, pecan pieces and shredded cheese.
- Reserve a few bacon crumbles and toasted nuts for garnishing.
- Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
To toast the nuts: Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast in a preheated 350°F oven for 6-8 minutes or just until lightly golden and fragrant.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 436kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 683mg | Potassium: 269mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 640IU | Vitamin C: 48mg | Calcium: 139mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!
Mary Kay
Recipe looks scrumptious. Any chance of posting some low sodium or salt free recipes. I usually omit the salt & use either fresh ingredients or no salt added ingredients. I also use spices & herbs. A posting on how to decrease sodium in recipes or a sodium free spice/herb mix recipe would really be helpful. Any heart healthy recipes would be great. I love your recipes. I live in NC too & as a retired nurse know about the incidence of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, & Type 2 diabetes. Thanks Melissa!!!
Melissa
Hi Mary Kay! What you're doing is essentially the best way. Adjust the sodium in any recipe you use to suit your personal needs. Thanks so much for visiting!
Barbara
Can I substitute something for the Mrs. Dash? I really don't like it.
Melissa
You absolutely could, yes use any comparable seasoning that you enjoy.
Sandi
Boy oh boy Melissa. I have been looking through these salad recipes and I am practically drooling on myself. They all look so good, that I can't decide where to start. Thank you very much. Take care.
Melissa
Thanks for visiting!