If you’re searching for the perfect crowd-pleasing salad, look no further than this Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe. It’s a colorful mix of crisp broccoli, sharp cheddar, chewy sweet cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and smoky bacon, all tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing. This classic dish is a staple at family gatherings and potlucks for a reason: every bite is bursting with flavor and texture! Even folks who usually skip their greens will come back for seconds of this irresistible salad.

Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe is its simplicity! Every ingredient shines and adds its own magic touch, making every forkful a little celebration of color, crunch, and flavor.

Broccoli Florets: The star of the show! Fresh, crisp, and full of vibrant crunch, use two small heads of broccoli for the best bite.
Red Onion: Adds a mellow, zesty kick and a pop of color; chop finely for perfect distribution throughout the salad.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Offers savory richness and melds smoothly into every creamy bite.
Dried Cranberries: Lend a little sweetness that offsets the richness of the dressing and the saltiness of the bacon.
Sunflower Seeds: These bring nutty crunch and an extra layer of flavor you’ll absolutely love.
Bacon: Six slices, cooked and crumbled, bring smoky depth and a touch of indulgence that makes this salad unforgettable.
Mayonnaise: Gives the dressing its signature silkiness—swap for some Greek yogurt if you’d like to lighten things up!
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds the perfect tangy balance to the creamy dressing, pulling all the flavors together.
Honey: A drizzle adds gentle sweetness that rounds out the dressing.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all those bright flavors and tying everything together.
Black Pepper: A little zip goes a long way in this classic combination!

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables and Mix-ins

Begin by chopping the broccoli into bite-sized florets and dicing the red onion finely. Shred your cheddar cheese if it isn’t already, and cook the bacon to crispy perfection before crumbling it. Gather your sunflower seeds and dried cranberries—these little touches amp up both flavor and texture in your Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Base

In a spacious bowl, toss together the broccoli florets, red onion, shredded cheddar, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and that irresistible crumbled bacon. Think of this as setting the stage for all the goodness to come; every ingredient brings a different note of taste and color to your finished salad.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and luxurious. This quick dressing balances tang, creaminess, and a hint of sweetness—the signature flavor that makes this Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe so memorable.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the dressing all over the broccoli mixture and start tossing! Make sure every floret and sprinkle of cheese gets an even coating of the creamy dressing for the best possible flavor in every bite. This is where the salad transforms into something special.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover your finished salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This rest time is key; it allows the flavors in your Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe to mingle and become even more delicious. Give everything a gentle toss just before serving to redistribute any dressing that might have settled at the bottom.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle a few extra sunflower seeds, an extra pinch of shredded cheddar, or some freshly cracked black pepper on top. If you’re feeling fancy, a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley can brighten up the presentation and add freshness to each serving.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe pairs perfectly with the classics! It’s a natural star alongside grilled chicken, burgers, barbecued ribs, or even a crusty loaf of bread. Its cool, creamy crunch also makes it a fantastic side choice for potlucks and picnics, easily standing up to heartier main courses while brightening your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in individual mason jars for a playful picnic vibe or as a layered salad in a clear glass bowl where all those gorgeous layers can shine. Mini lettuce cups make for bite-sized appetizers, and a sprinkle of microgreens on top will create that wow factor at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors in this Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe often deepen and meld beautifully after sitting—just give it a good stir before enjoying again.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad; the creamy dressing and fresh veggies just don’t hold up well to the thawing process. The broccoli can become watery and the texture of the cheese, seeds, and cranberries may be compromised.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be eaten cold, straight from the fridge! If you wish, you can let it sit at room temperature for a bit, but heating is not necessary or suggested, as it can alter the creamy dressing and crisp veggies.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or use your favorite plant-based bacon alternative. The salad still packs plenty of flavor and texture even without the meat.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Fresh broccoli is best for this recipe, as it keeps its delicious crunch and bright color. If you must use frozen, thaw it completely and pat it dry, but expect a softer texture.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?

For a lighter twist, replace half or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt. It gives a lovely tang and cuts down on calories while maintaining creaminess.

How far in advance can I make this Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe?

You can make the salad up to one day in advance. In fact, letting it chill overnight gives the flavors extra time to develop. Just stir before serving for the best texture.

Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Certainly! Chopped apples, grapes, or nuts can be fantastic additions if you want to customize this Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe. Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

I hope you dive into making this Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe and experience for yourself just how fun, flavorful, and irresistible it can be. This dish has earned rave reviews every time I’ve shared it, and now it’s your turn to see why. Gather your ingredients and share the love—your friends and family will thank you!

Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe is a delightful combination of fresh broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Broccoli Salad:

5 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 small heads)

Additional Ingredients:

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine broccoli, red onion, cheddar cheese, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine: Pour dressing over broccoli mixture and toss until coated.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve: Toss again before serving.