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    Home » Sides » Broccoli Salad

    Broccoli Salad

    Published: Jun 19, 2019 · Modified: Mar 15, 2021 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Best broccoli salad recipe! This easy recipe is made with bacon, cheese, and cranberries and has a simple homemade dressing.

    Broccoli Salad in a white mixing bowl.

     The first time that I had 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.

    I can never get enough easy side salads during the summer, and I liked the idea of making a coleslaw-like side salad with that was made with broccoli. I just wanted to make a lighter, tastier version that let the flavor of the ingredients come through.

    So, I came up with this recipe that uses a few lighter swaps to give it plenty of crunch without drowning the salad in overly sweet dressing. 

    What makes this the best healthier broccoli salad?

    It seems like everyone has their own spin on broccoli salad, and I'm no different.

    • I add 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 to make broccoli salad

    Broccoli bacon cranberries carrots and other broccoli salad ingredients and dressing

    Step 1: Begin by chopping the veggies.

    Top tip >> I buy broccoli florets to cut down on the prep when I make this, but you can also chop the broccoli into florets.

    Step 2: Add the chopped veggies to a large mixing bowl along with cheese, bacon, cranberries, and ¾ cup sunflower seeds.

    Step 3: In a separate small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

    Top tip >> Start by adding less sugar, and then add more to taste.

    Broccoli salad and dressing stirred together in a bowl.

    Step 4: Add the dressing to the bowl with the veggies, and toss to combine everything. Either serve immediately or cover and chill until ready to serve.

    Step 5: Top with remaining sunflower seeds just before serving.

    Close up photo of broccoli salad in a mixing bowl.

    Tips

    The best broccoli salad is going to be the one that you customize with the ingredients that you like.

    • I use broccoli, celery, and carrots. However, feel free to add a little thinly sliced red onion if you prefer.
    • Feel free to substitute other types of cheese in place of the sharp cheese. I often buy cheese cubes if I'm short on time.
    • I like the tang of the dried cranberries, but golden or dark raisins will work in place of the cranberries.
    • For mayonnaise, I use olive oil mayo, but feel free to use whatever type you like.
    • I use non-fat Greek yogurt, but 2% or whole milk yogurt will also work.
    White bowl full of broccoli salad.

    How long will it keep?

    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!

    • Southwestern Layered Salad
    • Easy Grape Salad Recipe
    • Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
    • Waldorf Salad California Pizza Kitchen Copycat

    If you’ve tried this broccoli salad recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who've made my recipes!

    You can subscribe to receive my latest recipe newsletters or follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for even more delicious food.

    Broccoli Salad in a white mixing bowl.

    Broccoli Salad

    Broccoli Salad is an easy side salad that's made with broccoli, dried cranberries, bacon, and lots of other yummy ingredients!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 179kcal
    Author: Kate @ I Heart Eating

    Ingredients

    Salad

    • 5 cups broccoli florets cut into small pieces
    • 1 ½ cups sliced carrots
    • 1 cup chopped celery
    • ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese in small cubes
    • 3 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
    • 1 cup sunflower seeds divided
    • ½ cup dried sweetened cranberries

    Dressing

    • ½ cup mayonnaise1
    • ½ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt2
    • 2-4 tablespoons granulated sugar depending on desired sweetness (I use 3 T.)
    • ¼ cup cider vinegar
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl, stir together vegetables, cheese, bacon, ¾ 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 ¼ cup sunflower seeds just before serving.

    Video

    Notes

    1. Regular or light ok.
    2. Can use 2% or whole milk yogurt. 
    3. Nutrition values are estimates.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 218mg | Potassium: 295mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 3005IU | Vitamin C: 35.1mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Rate it below. Mention @i_heart_eating on Instagram & tag #ihearteating!

    Originally published 6/3/13. Updated 6/19/19.

     

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    About Kate

    Kate got her first cookbook when she was five years old, and she hasn't stopped cooking since then! Her delicious recipes have been featured on Food Network, MSN, Better Homes & Gardens, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, and more. When she's not cooking or baking, she can be found on her mini farm with her husband and her five kids.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kate

      May 08, 2021 at 2:10 pm

      If you want to make this vegetarian, substitute chopped smoked almonds for the bacon.

      Reply
      • Kate

        May 11, 2021 at 1:06 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    2. Marie

      June 26, 2019 at 8:26 am

      5 stars
      My husband LOVED this salad! He always goes for broccoli salad on a salad bar and this was sooooo much better. Will make again and again.

      Reply
      • Kate

        June 26, 2019 at 8:32 am

        Thank you! I'm so glad that it was a hit! =) Thank you for taking the time to comment!

        Reply
    3. Ashlee

      August 28, 2018 at 7:25 pm

      5 stars
      Love! I made this to take to a barbeque, it was gone right away. Everyone liked it and I liked it was fresher and healthier.

      Reply
      • Kate

        August 28, 2018 at 7:44 pm

        I'm so glad! Thank you for coming back to comment! =)

        Reply
    4. Jen

      April 28, 2018 at 1:04 am

      5 stars
      I love this broccoli salad! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Kate

        April 28, 2018 at 1:20 am

        I'm so glad you liked it! Thanks!

        Reply
    5. Sarah

      April 11, 2018 at 9:04 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe! I've been making it for years. The flavors are fantastic, and I like that the dressing isn't just mayonnaise.

      Reply
      • Kate

        April 11, 2018 at 9:19 am

        Thank you! Glad you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to come back and comment!

        Reply
    6. Barb

      February 25, 2014 at 7:25 am

      We 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!

      Reply
      • Kate

        February 26, 2014 at 1:25 pm

        I'm glad that you and your family enjoyed the salad! =)

        Reply
    7. Julie @ This Gal Cooks

      June 13, 2013 at 8:06 pm

      Yum yum. This looks good, Kate! :)

      Reply
      • kateheartseating

        June 14, 2013 at 11:33 pm

        Thanks so much, Julie!! =)

        Reply
    8. Lisa@ Cooking with Curls

      June 12, 2013 at 11:07 pm

      I have never had broccoli salad before, but yours looks delicious! I'll try just about anything with bacon in it :)

      Reply
    9. Sherri @The Well Floured Kitchen

      June 12, 2013 at 3:24 pm

      I'll admit I never liked broccoli salad, but this combination of flavors is making me rethink. Cheese, Bacon, sunflower seeds.. yum!

      Reply
      • kateheartseating

        June 12, 2013 at 9:35 pm

        Thanks! Well, I hope you enjoy this version if you try it! =)

        Reply
    10. DEBRA ELLIOTT

      June 12, 2013 at 8:46 am

      I love broccoli! Yummy in my tummy! Stopping by from Wednesday Whatsits.

      Reply
      • kateheartseating

        June 12, 2013 at 11:21 am

        Thanks so much for stopping by!! =)

        Reply
    11. Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!

      June 11, 2013 at 10:46 pm

      I'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!
      https://dessertnowdinnerlater.blogspot.com

      Reply
      • kateheartseating

        June 12, 2013 at 11:21 am

        Yup! That's practically the motto around my house. =)

        Reply
    12. Lyuba@willcookforsmiles

      June 07, 2013 at 8:49 pm

      I do love a broccoli salad! This sounds so delicious :)

      Reply
      • kateheartseating

        June 07, 2013 at 10:53 pm

        Thanks so much!! =)

        Reply
    13. Don Hedger

      June 07, 2013 at 5:40 pm

      Your 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.

      Reply
      • kateheartseating

        June 07, 2013 at 10:55 pm

        Water 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! =)

        Reply
    14. Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry

      June 07, 2013 at 3:57 am

      Perfect healthy summer salad - looks full of flavour and very colourful.

      Reply
      • kateheartseating

        June 07, 2013 at 10:59 pm

        Thanks!! =)

        Reply
    15. Purabi Naha

      June 04, 2013 at 1:25 pm

      I am really impressed by the yummilicious picture….I think, I can eat this salad with broccoli the whole day and day after day….

      Reply
      • kateheartseating

        June 05, 2013 at 10:15 am

        Thanks so much!! =)

        Reply
    16. Sarah

      June 03, 2013 at 9:42 am

      Broccoli 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!

      Reply
      • kateheartseating

        June 04, 2013 at 1:17 am

        I 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!! =)

        Reply
    17. Happy Valley Chow

      June 03, 2013 at 9:42 am

      Oh wow that salad looks incredible! Perfect side for a summer party :)

      Happy Blogging!
      Happy Valley Chow

      Reply
      • kateheartseating

        June 04, 2013 at 1:16 am

        Thanks! =)

        Reply
    18. marcie@flavorthemoments

      June 03, 2013 at 9:25 am

      I love broccoli salad as a side dish during the summer months, especially. It's so fresh and crunchy! Yours looks just delicious!

      Reply
      • kateheartseating

        June 04, 2013 at 1:16 am

        Thanks so much!! =)

        Reply

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    I’m Kate Dean- mom to five young kids, recipe developer, and photographer. Here at I Heart Eating®, I share my family’s favorite tried-and-true recipes.

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