Best broccoli salad recipe! This easy recipe is made with bacon, cheese, and cranberries and has a simple homemade dressing.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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Broccoli Salad
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
- Regular or light ok.
- Can use 2% or whole milk yogurt.
- Nutrition values are estimates.
Nutrition
Originally published 6/3/13. Updated 6/19/19.
Kate
If you want to make this vegetarian, substitute chopped smoked almonds for the bacon.
Kate
Thank you!
Marie
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.
Kate
Thank you! I'm so glad that it was a hit! =) Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Ashlee
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.
Kate
I'm so glad! Thank you for coming back to comment! =)
Jen
I love this broccoli salad! Thanks!
Kate
I'm so glad you liked it! Thanks!
Sarah
Great recipe! I've been making it for years. The flavors are fantastic, and I like that the dressing isn't just mayonnaise.
Kate
Thank you! Glad you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to come back and comment!
Barb
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!
Kate
I'm glad that you and your family enjoyed the salad! =)
Julie @ This Gal Cooks
Yum yum. This looks good, Kate! :)
kateheartseating
Thanks so much, Julie!! =)
Lisa@ Cooking with Curls
I 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
I'll admit I never liked broccoli salad, but this combination of flavors is making me rethink. Cheese, Bacon, sunflower seeds.. yum!
kateheartseating
Thanks! Well, I hope you enjoy this version if you try it! =)
DEBRA ELLIOTT
I love broccoli! Yummy in my tummy! Stopping by from Wednesday Whatsits.
kateheartseating
Thanks so much for stopping by!! =)
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!
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
kateheartseating
Yup! That's practically the motto around my house. =)
Lyuba@willcookforsmiles
I do love a broccoli salad! This sounds so delicious :)
kateheartseating
Thanks so much!! =)
Don Hedger
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.
kateheartseating
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! =)
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry
Perfect healthy summer salad - looks full of flavour and very colourful.
kateheartseating
Thanks!! =)
Purabi Naha
I am really impressed by the yummilicious picture….I think, I can eat this salad with broccoli the whole day and day after day….
kateheartseating
Thanks so much!! =)
Sarah
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!
kateheartseating
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!! =)
Happy Valley Chow
Oh wow that salad looks incredible! Perfect side for a summer party :)
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
kateheartseating
Thanks! =)
marcie@flavorthemoments
I love broccoli salad as a side dish during the summer months, especially. It's so fresh and crunchy! Yours looks just delicious!
kateheartseating
Thanks so much!! =)