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Crunchy, savory, packed with veggies & ultra easy to whip up, this easy broccoli salad checks ALL the boxes for the perfect side dish.
You need to try this Recipe for Broccoli Salad
When it comes to main dishes and desserts, I’m usually pretty clear on what I want to serve. But side dishes? They were a different story until I discovered this quick, my-kids-will-eat-it, I-actually-enjoy-broccoli-now recipe for broccoli salad. Now, it’s my go-to for the busy week nights, potlucks and days I need a lunch that’s going to nail it.
Here’s why you’re going to love this broccoli salad – from chopping to fork in mouth, it only takes a few minutes to prep. The creamy sauce is slightly sweet but the salad is also jam packed with the good kind of bacon so it still feels savory. The broccoli adds a crunch but isn’t giant so chewing it is actually manageable. Unlike other similar recipes, there is actually enough dressing to go around so it’s not dry and bonus bonus, we use greek yogurt so it’s not as heavy. Additionally, I know that things like craisins or shredded carrots aren’t for everyone, so I give you TONS of topping options to choose from so you can craft *your* perfect salad every time.
What ingredients go in a Broccoli Salad?
The BEST part about this recipe is that you get to create it exactly how YOU like it. For this particular broccoli salad recipe, broccoli, bacon, red onion, dried cranberries (craisins), almonds and parmesan cheese are the ingredients included. But here are a bunch of other options you can choose from to zest it up however you’d fancy:
- broccoli
- bacon
- red onion
- shredded carrots
- dried cranberries
- dried cherries
- raisins
- grapes
- apples
- almonds
- sunflower kernels
- walnuts
- pecans
- parmesan cheese
How to make Broccoli Salad with Bacon
- Prepare the broccoli by cutting it down into small bite sized pieces.
- Gather the rest of your ingredients and toss them into a large bowl with the small pieces of broccoli. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, milk, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper until smooth.
- Pour 2/3 of the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Reserve the remaining 1/3 to add to the salad right before serving. (The broccoli will soak up the dressing in the refrigerator)
- Store in the refrigerator until serving. Toss the remaining dressing into the salad, if needed.
Can I make this Broccoli Salad Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make this salad up to 24 hours ahead of time without losing quality of the salad. I would suggest waiting to add in the bacon until right before serving if planning on making it ahead of time.
How to store Broccoli Bacon Salad
Broccoli bacon salad is a great candidate for making ahead of time! You can make it up to 24 hours in advance without losing quality of the salad. Mix your salad together and store in an airtight bowl in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. When you’re getting ready to eat, add the remaining 1/3 of the salad dressing to make sure it stays moist!
What should I serve with Broccoli Salad?
A few of my favorite main dishes to serve with this side are:
- French Dip Sandwiches
- Honey Mustard & Bacon Chicken Kabobs
- Grilled Chicken
- Homemade Chicken Salad Recipe
Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe FAQs
Yep! Absolutely. Just make sure to wash it well before mixing into your salad.
You absolutely can – especially if it has been kept cold properly!
Best Broccoli Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli, bite sized pieces
- 1 cup bacon bits
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
Dressing
- 3/4 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp milk
- 1 1/2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli by breaking it down into small bite sized pieces.
- Toss the small pieces of broccoli with the bacon bits, dried cranberries, chopped almonds, shredded parmesan cheese and onion in a large bowl. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, milk, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper until smooth.
- Pour 2/3 of the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Reserve the remaining 1/3 to add to the salad right before serving. (The broccoli will soak up the dressing in the refrigerator)
- Store in the refrigerator until serving. Toss the remaining dressing into the salad, if needed.
Great recipe. So easy and yummy. Great easy and tasty way to get more veggies in my diet.