Originally published 6/3/13. Updated with new photos and information 4/10/18.
Broccoli Salad is an easy side dish or light lunch or dinner that’s made with broccoli, dried cranberries, bacon, and lots of other yummy ingredients!
The first time that I had a broccoli salad was when I was trying a little bit of everything from an all-you-can-eat buffet. It was tasty, but it was really sweet and really mayonnaise-y.
Still, I liked the idea of making a coleslaw-like side salad with broccoli. I just wanted to make a lighter, tastier version that let the flavor of the ingredients come through.
What makes this broccoli salad different?
- I do a few things differently with this salad. I added more veggies – carrots and celery – to give it even more crunch.
- I also use light mayonnaise (olive oil mayonnaise works well) and Greek yogurt in the dressing. I use Greek yogurt in almost everything because it’s such a great substitute for everything from butter to oil to mayonnaise to sour cream. This way you still get plenty of creamy dressing, but it doesn’t taste like you’re just eating mayo.
- I use just enough sugar to make the dressing sweet without it being overly sugary.
- I also use craisins (dried cranberries) rather than raisins. I like the sweet and tangy flavor that they bring to this salad.
How long does broccoli salad last in the fridge?
It’s best the first 2 days. After that the veggies begin to break down, and it’s just not as fresh or as good.
More easy salad recipes!
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Broccoli Salad
Broccoli Salad is an easy side dish or light lunch or dinner that's made with broccoli, dried cranberries, bacon, and lots of other yummy ingredients!
Ingredients
Salad
- 5 cups broccoli florets cut into small pieces
- 1 ½ cups sliced carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup 2% sharp cheddar cheese in small cubes
- 3 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup sunflower seeds divided
- 1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries
Dressing
- 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 2-4 tablespoons granulated sugar depending on desired sweetness (I use 3 T.)
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together vegetables, cheese, bacon, 3/4 cup sunflower seeds, and cranberries.
- Whisk mayonnaise, yogurt, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl.
- Add dressing to salad, and toss to combine.
- Cover, and refrigerate until chilled.
- Serve cold, and top with remaining 1/4 cup sunflower seeds just before serving.
Recipe Notes
*Nutrition values are estimates.
27 Comments
Sarah
April 11, 2018 at 9:04 amGreat recipe! I’ve been making it for years. The flavors are fantastic, and I like that the dressing isn’t just mayonnaise.
Kate
April 11, 2018 at 9:19 amThank you! Glad you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to come back and comment!
Barb
February 25, 2014 at 7:25 amWe are trying to eat healthier. My son and I aren’t big veggie eaters, so this in itself is proving to be a challenge…. I made this last night. I knew the hubby would like it. Cut the cheese into smaller cubes (soon doesn’t like cheese if it’s not melted and gooey :-(…). I think it had enough variety, crunchiness and sweetness. He ate all but a little which is good for him. Definitely a keeper! Thanks so much!
Kate
February 26, 2014 at 1:25 pmI’m glad that you and your family enjoyed the salad! =)
Julie @ This Gal Cooks
June 13, 2013 at 8:06 pmYum yum. This looks good, Kate! :)
kateheartseating
June 14, 2013 at 11:33 pmThanks so much, Julie!! =)
[email protected] Cooking with Curls
June 12, 2013 at 11:07 pmI have never had broccoli salad before, but yours looks delicious! I’ll try just about anything with bacon in it :)
Sherri @The Well Floured Kitchen
June 12, 2013 at 3:24 pmI’ll admit I never liked broccoli salad, but this combination of flavors is making me rethink. Cheese, Bacon, sunflower seeds.. yum!
kateheartseating
June 12, 2013 at 9:35 pmThanks! Well, I hope you enjoy this version if you try it! =)
DEBRA ELLIOTT
June 12, 2013 at 8:46 amI love broccoli! Yummy in my tummy! Stopping by from Wednesday Whatsits.
kateheartseating
June 12, 2013 at 11:21 amThanks so much for stopping by!! =)
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!
June 11, 2013 at 10:46 pmI’ll admit I have never had broccoli salad with cubes of cheese, but hey, cheese makes everything better right? Thanks for sharing at Sweet & Savory Saturdays #16!
~Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!
http://dessertnowdinnerlater.blogspot.com
kateheartseating
June 12, 2013 at 11:21 amYup! That’s practically the motto around my house. =)
[email protected]
June 7, 2013 at 8:49 pmI do love a broccoli salad! This sounds so delicious :)
kateheartseating
June 7, 2013 at 10:53 pmThanks so much!! =)
Don Hedger
June 7, 2013 at 5:40 pmYour broccoli salad sounds interesting. I must try the cheddar in my next salad. I use water chestnuts, red onions and sweet red peppers with fat free miracle whip along with sunflower seeds and broccoli.
kateheartseating
June 7, 2013 at 10:55 pmWater chestnuts would be great! I thought about putting red peppers in, but I wasn’t sure about them. Next time I’ll have to try it with the red pepper and water chestnuts. Thanks for the tip! =)
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry
June 7, 2013 at 3:57 amPerfect healthy summer salad – looks full of flavour and very colourful.
kateheartseating
June 7, 2013 at 10:59 pmThanks!! =)
Purabi Naha
June 4, 2013 at 1:25 pmI am really impressed by the yummilicious picture….I think, I can eat this salad with broccoli the whole day and day after day….
kateheartseating
June 5, 2013 at 10:15 amThanks so much!! =)
Sarah
June 3, 2013 at 9:42 amBroccoli salad is hands-down my favorite side salad. But too often it is like what you described… overly sweet, mayonnaise-y (a total turn-off for this gal), and full of raisins (also a turn-off). I love your version! I’m giving it a go pronto!
kateheartseating
June 4, 2013 at 1:17 amI didn’t even know there was a raisin version! This is our fav side salad, so I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!! =)
Happy Valley Chow
June 3, 2013 at 9:42 amOh wow that salad looks incredible! Perfect side for a summer party :)
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
kateheartseating
June 4, 2013 at 1:16 amThanks! =)
[email protected]
June 3, 2013 at 9:25 amI love broccoli salad as a side dish during the summer months, especially. It’s so fresh and crunchy! Yours looks just delicious!
kateheartseating
June 4, 2013 at 1:16 amThanks so much!! =)