If you love salads that burst with fresh crunch, a touch of sweetness, and a luscious creamy dressing, this Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. It combines crisp broccoli florets with smoky bacon, tangy dried cranberries, and a perfectly balanced, velvety dressing that ties every bite together. Whether you need an easy side dish for a family dinner or a crowd-pleaser for your next potluck, this recipe delivers a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role: the broccoli provides vibrant color and crunch, while the bacon adds a rich, smoky depth. The onions introduce a subtle sharpness, and the dried cranberries bring a touch of natural sweetness. Finally, the creamy homemade dressing wraps it all up with tang and smoothness.
- Broccoli (1 pound): Opt for fresh, firm florets to ensure the salad stays crunchy and vibrant.
- Thick-cut bacon (4 slices): Use thick-cut for maximum flavor and perfect crispiness.
- Onion (¼ medium, finely chopped): Finely chopping the onion prevents overpowering bites while adding a mild bite.
- Dried cranberries (½ cup): These provide just the right amount of sweetness and chewiness.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): For a creamy dressing, homemade mayo works beautifully, but store-bought is perfectly fine too.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright, slightly tangy note that balances the richness.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Brings a gentle kick and depth to the dressing.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season to taste to elevate all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by crisping up your bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cooking it properly ensures that every crisp crumble adds a smoky, savory punch to your salad. Once cooked, place it on a paper towel to soak up excess grease, then chop or crumble it into small, salad-friendly pieces. This step sets the foundation for the salad’s irresistible flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the bacon is cooling, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This dressing is the creamy heart of the Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe, blending tanginess with a smooth texture that complements the crunchy veggies perfectly.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss together the chopped broccoli florets, finely chopped onion, dried cranberries, and crispy bacon pieces. Pour the dressing over the mix and gently toss until every bite is coated with that luscious, creamy goodness. This is where the magic happens—transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant, flavorful salad.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate your salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serving this salad cold or at room temperature lets the broccoli stay crisp while the dressing seeps in just enough to make every forkful a delight. It’s perfect for making ahead and bringing to gatherings or enjoying as a refreshing everyday side.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle some toasted sunflower seeds or chopped green onions on top before serving. These simple garnishes add crunch and a pop of fresh green color that makes your Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or even a hearty sandwich. Its creamy and tangy profile complements rich mains while lending a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes, making it a versatile companion at any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe in colorful mason jars for a picnic-friendly option or pile it high on a crisp lettuce bed for a beautiful plated presentation. You can also portion it into small bowls as an elegant appetizer or part of a buffet spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to maintain that perfect crunch and fresh flavor. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
Because of its fresh broccoli and creamy dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended. Freezing would cause the texture to become soggy and the dressing to separate, so stick to enjoying it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Simply bring it out of the fridge about 10 to 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and let the flavors shine.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe?
Fresh broccoli is definitely ideal for this salad because it offers the best texture and flavor. Frozen broccoli tends to be softer and can make the salad watery once thawed, so try to stick with fresh whenever possible.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
If you’re looking for a lighter or different alternative, Greek yogurt can be swapped in for mayonnaise. It maintains that creamy texture while adding a slight tang, which pairs nicely with the other dressing ingredients.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
You can assemble the salad a few hours before serving. Just remember to keep it chilled and add the dressing closer to serving time if you want to preserve the broccoli’s crunch even more.
Can I add nuts to this salad?
Absolutely! Toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts can add wonderful texture and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the existing ingredients in the Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep lunches?
This salad works well for meal prep as long as you keep it refrigerated and enjoy it within a couple of days. Its combination of fresh veggies and satisfying dressing makes for a delightful, nutritious lunch option.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a salad that feels indulgent yet fresh, and this Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe hits that sweet spot every time. It’s a recipe I find myself returning to again and again because it’s just so easy and unbelievably delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, give this salad a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Broccoli Salad is a delightful combination of fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, tangy dried cranberries, and a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Perfect as a refreshing side dish, it offers a crunchy texture and a balance of savory and sweet flavors, coming together in just 25 minutes for a quick, crowd-pleasing salad.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 pound broccoli (1 medium bunch), chopped into small florets
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- ¼ medium onion, finely chopped (about ⅓ cup)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon slices until they are crispy. Remove from the pan and transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop or crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, finely chopped onion, dried cranberries, and the cooked bacon pieces. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve the salad cold or at room temperature as a tasty side dish.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can add toasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing alternative.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator, but add dried cranberries just before serving to maintain their texture if preferred.
- Make sure to finely chop the onion to avoid an overpowering taste.
