Broccoli Salad

This Broccoli Salad is full of fresh, vibrant broccoli, raisins, sliced almonds, mushrooms and sweet mandarin oranges topped with a sweet, creamy dressing. A perfect summer salad that is both hearty and filling!

As a child I wouldn’t have touched this broccoli salad recipe with a ten foot pole. I was a veggie hating kid and I didn’t discriminate. I hated all vegetables equally.

Now that I’m an adult, my tastes have drastically changed. I can’t get enough of those fresh, vibrant, nutrient-packed veggies. The more a recipe has, the better! I’ve turned into a broccoli lover.

My mom’s easy broccoli salad is a recipe that I can easily have two full servings. It’s delicious and filling on it’s own. A family favorite that tastes even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Broccoli Salad

• The creamy homemade dressing takes this classic side dish to the next level of YUM
• A great recipe for summer gatherings for the whole family to enjoy
• Takes little time to make and is a super easy recipe
• Can easily customize ingredients based on personal preference
• Perfect side dish to pair with a variety of main dishes

Ingredients

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The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

Salad Ingredients

• Broccoli florets
• Golden raisins
• Bacon
• Sliced almonds
• Mandarin oranges
• Red onion
• Mushrooms

Broccoli Salad Dressing Ingredients

• Eggs
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Dry mustard powder
• White wine vinegar
• Water
• Mayonnaise

How to Make the Best Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad Dressing Directions

• Step One: In a medium saucepan, whisk eggs, sugar, cornstarch and mustard powder. Stir in vinegar and water.

• Step Two: Heat over medium heat, whisking frequently, until thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat. Stir in mayonnaise. Set aside to cool.

Broccoli Salad Directions

• Step One: Add broccoli florets to a large bowl. Pour in cooled dressing and stir to combine. Let sit for 2 hours in the fridge to marinate.
• Step Two: Stir in remaining ingredients and serve.

Equipment Needed

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• Salad spinner
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls

What to Serve with Fresh Broccoli Salad

• Grilled chicken. Try this Maple Dijon Grilled Chicken or Honey Sriracha Chicken.
• Baked salmon. Try my Honey Garlic Baked Salmon.
• Pulled pork, beef or chicken. Try this Slow Cooker Pulled Pork or Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken.
• Grilled pork chops or steak. Try my Blackened Steak.
• Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes. Try these Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes or Twice Baked Potato Casserole.
• Burgers. Try my Stuffed Burgers or Taco Chicken Burgers.

Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for the white wine vinegar.
• Try sour cream or plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing.
• Don’t feel like making dressing? Use bottled ranch dressing instead.
• Use bacon bits instead of bacon.
• Try sunflower kernels or pumpkin seeds instead of sliced almonds.
• Slivered almonds will also work in place of the sliced almonds.
• Add cubes of cheddar cheese (extra sharp cheddar is delicious!) or goat cheese.
• Add dried cranberries to your creamy broccoli salad.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover classic broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I find it tastes even better the longer it marinates!

Can I Freeze?

I wouldn’t recommend it. The mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and become watery and the broccoli can become mushy. Not a great experience so don’t do it!

What are Pre-made Dressings I Can Use?

• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard dressing
• Balsamic vinaigrette
• Caesar dressing
• Poppy seed dressing
• Lemon garlic vinaigrette

How can I lighten it up?

Easy peasy! Just make a few small tweaks to make a healthy broccoli salad.

• Instead of a mayonnaise-based dressing, use a vinaigrette. I like mine made with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt and pepper.
• Include more fresh veggies. Add some bell peppers, cucumbers or cherry tomatoes. Chop the bell peppers and cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
• If you still want a creamy dressing, try Greek yogurt. It’s lower in fat and calories than mayonnaise and still flavorful. Mix it with herbs, spices and lemon juice to give it some taste.
• Omit or lessen the amount of bacon. I love real bacon, but if you are wanting a lighter salad, leave it out.
• Leave out the sugar or use a natural sweetener. I like honey or maple syrup.

Tips and Tricks

• Use fresh ingredients. Fresh veggies taste better than frozen or canned varieties.
• Blanch the broccoli. Boil it for a minute or two to slightly soften it. It will still be nice and crispy. If you have time try it, if not, no worries!
• Chill the salad. Don’t skip this step! It tastes better when cold and it also gives the chance for the ingredients to mingle.
• Experiment. Try different ingredients and flavors to make this salad your own.

FAQ

Salad Recipes

• Chicken & Broccoli Salad
• Christmas Salad
• Beet Salad
• Waldorf Salad
• Macaroni Salad
• Cucumber Salad
• Chicken Salad with Grapes
• Hot Chicken Salad
• Cheeseburger Salad
• Fall Salad

You’ll also enjoy Broccoli Cheddar Soup and Broccoli Swamp.

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