Although there are lots of different broccoli salad recipes, this one is by far the most delicious. It’s jam-packed with crisp fresh broccoli, along with crisp bacon, crunchy almonds, and sweet, juicy red onion, in a tasty mayonnaise dressing which is slightly sweet.
This is a tasty option if you’re heading to a potluck or having a cookout. It’s a popular dish at neighborhood BBQs and it’s also a healthy side dish to pair with any kind of meat, poultry or fish you are having for dinner.
It’s quick and easy to make, especially if you’re starting off with cooked bacon. That way, you just have to assemble the broccoli salad. If you do prefer more tender, rather than raw, broccoli, you can blanch it in boiling water for a minute or two, then rinse under cold running water.
Why You’ll Love the Recipe
This gorgeous broccoli salad combines crunchy ingredients with soft ones, and plenty of incredible flavor. The dressing is creamy and a little sweet. All in all, this is such a wonderful salad. Everyone will want a second helping.
How to Serve It
This salad pairs well with any kind of meat, poultry or fish.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance. This salad is actually better if you prepare it ahead, cover it and just give it a few hours in the refrigerator.
Variations and Substitutions
Swap the sliced almonds for pine nuts, pecans or sunflower seeds. You can add shredded sharp cheddar or blue cheese or feta crumbles if you like. Or swap the cranberries for raisins. Another idea is to swap half the broccoli for cauliflower.
Ingredients needed:
- Broccoli florets
- Apple cider vinegar
- Mayonnaise
- Bacon slices
- White sugar
- Sweetened dried cranberries
- Red onion
- Black pepper
- Almonds
How to make the BEST Broccoli Salad:
Whisk the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and black pepper together.
Toss the broccoli with the cranberries, bacon, onions, and almonds in a large bowl.
Add the dressing and toss to coat.
You can serve it immediately or cover and chill for a couple of hours, tossing again before you serve it.
You will be happy you made this flavorful broccoli salad. It pairs crunchy ingredients with soft ones, savory with sweet, and the creamy dressing is gorgeous too.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers will keep for up to 3 days in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Broccoli Salad
This gorgeous broccoli salad combines crunchy ingredients with soft ones, and plenty of incredible flavor. The dressing is creamy and a little sweet. All in all, this is such a wonderful salad. Everyone will want a second helping.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 1⅓ pounds chopped broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 8 chopped cooked bacon slices
- 1½ tablespoons white sugar
- ½ cup sweetened dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Whisk the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and black pepper together.
- Toss the broccoli with the cranberries, bacon, onions, and almonds in a large bowl.
- Add the dressing and toss to coat.
- You can serve it immediately or cover and chill for a couple of hours, tossing again before you serve it.
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Marie Rayner is a retired Chef, freelance writer, recipe developer, food blogger, and Cookbook author. She makes her home in Chester, UK, where she lives with her husband, Todd, and their much beloved English Cocker, Mitzie. Her motto is “Life is far too short to eat bad food,” and her goal is to share delicious and easy recipes which anyone can enjoy and cook in the comfort of their own home.
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