This broccoli salad recipe is a timeless favorite fresh, crunchy, creamy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, holiday potluck, or simply looking for a healthy salad idea for weekday meals, this dish never disappoints.
Made with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, sunflower seeds, and a sweet-tangy homemade dressing, it perfectly balances freshness and richness in every bite making it one of the best fresh salad recipes for any occasion.
Fresh ingredients that keep their crunch
Creamy and tangy dressing with balanced flavor
Quick to prepare with minimal prep time
Easy to customize with what’s in your kitchen
Perfect make ahead salad for gatherings or meal prep
This isn’t your average leafy salad — it’s hearty, refreshing, and absolutely addictive. Ideal for low carb salad recipes or vegetable side dishes that please everyone at the table.
Here’s what you’ll need for this healthy vegetable salad that’s full of color, crunch, and flavor.
Here’s what you’ll need for the salad:
For the creamy dressing:
Optional dressing variations include a mix of mayo and Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Tip: Mixing mayo with Greek yogurt makes this a lighter version — perfect for healthy salad meals or meal prep lunches.
Wash and chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces. Dice the red onion and cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble or chop the bacon into bits.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, red onion, bacon, shredded cheese, sunflower seeds, and cranberries.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
This cold broccoli salad is flexible. Here are some variations and customizations:
Try feta, gouda, or pepper jack for a twist.
Use chopped almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds instead of sunflower seeds.
Shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, or cauliflower florets work well.
For a lighter version, try turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
To make it healthier without losing flavor, substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt and add honey instead of sugar. This version is lighter but still creamy — ideal for low calorie salads or healthy lunch recipes that don’t feel boring.
To make a healthier version of the dressing:
This version is lighter in calories but still creamy and flavorful.
This make ahead vegetable salad pairs perfectly with everything from grilled meats to sandwiches and BBQ favorites.
This broccoli salad recipe makes a great side dish for:
It’s a great all-purpose side dish for cookouts, potlucks, and weekday meals.
Making this salad ahead not only saves time but actually improves the flavor. The broccoli absorbs the dressing, giving you the perfect meal prep salad that’s crunchy, creamy, and full of freshness.
Yes, it’s actually better when made ahead. Letting the salad chill for a few hours enhances the flavors.
Store it in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving.
Freezing is not recommended. The dressing will separate and the texture of the broccoli will change.
Do I need to blanch the broccoli first? No. Raw broccoli gives the best crunch. If you prefer a softer texture, blanch it quickly (1 minute in boiling water, then ice bath).
Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your bacon and other add-ins are certified gluten-free.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese? You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts into the salad better and has no anti-caking additives.
Can I use a store-bought dressing instead? You can, but the homemade dressing is what gives this salad its signature flavor.
This fresh broccoli salad strikes the perfect balance between vibrant veggies and indulgent toppings — making it a go-to for easy salad recipes for dinner or lunch.
This broccoli salad recipe is quick, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re prepping weekday lunches or planning a get-together, it’s a guaranteed hit.
Fresh, colorful, and crunchy, it’s a healthy vegetable side dish that tastes great year-round. Once you try this combination of textures and flavors, it’s sure to become one of your favorite make ahead salads for any meal.