Broccoli Salad is one of my all-time favorite salad recipes. It combines fresh broccoli, crispy smoked bacon, sweet red onion, and crunchy sliced almonds, all tossed in a slightly sweet, creamy mayo dressing. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and one of the first dishes to disappear at potlucks, family gatherings, BBQs, and parties.
You’ll love the satisfying crunch of this salad paired with the smooth, flavorful dressing. It’s quick and easy to prepare, especially if you use pre-cooked bacon or cook it ahead of time. This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with pork tenderloin, buffalo chicken, or country-style ribs.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ⅓ lbs broccoli florets, finely chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 8 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped
- ⅓ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup sweetened dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon, red onion, dried cranberries, and almonds. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving. Toss again just before serving for best results.
NOTES
- For the best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
- This recipe uses raw broccoli for its crunch, convenience, and nutritional benefits. However, if you prefer a more tender texture, blanch the broccoli by boiling it for 1-2 minutes, then rinsing it with cold water to halt cooking. Pat dry with paper towels before using.
- While broccoli stems are edible, this recipe works best with florets. Be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces.
NUTRITION
- Calories: 283 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 13 mg
- Sodium: 205 mg
- Potassium: 291 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Vitamin A: 490 IU
- Vitamin C: 68 mg
- Calcium: 51 mg
- Iron: 1 mg