This recipe for Broccoli Salad has been floating around since long before Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook and probably even the Internet itself! I have several variations scribbled on bits of paper and tucked into “old-school” recipe boxes and books.
There is a very good reason for the longevity of Broccoli Salad. It is simple to make, delicious can be made ahead of time (bonus!) and is easily customizable to suit your own family’s likes and needs. Set your imagination free and switch up the ingredients to make this recipe your own:
- I have added cauliflower florets (it was very good!)
- Change up the cheese, I just add whatever cheese I happen to have on hand, pretty well any cheese would work (just crumble or tear into small pieces if using a soft cheese)
- You don’t need to stick to the options I have listed, you could use any type of fruit (dried or fresh), seed or nut.
This is my most recent version, but as I said above, you can easily change it up and make it your own!
Broccoli Salad
Author: Monica
Recipe type: Salad
Ingredients
- 5 cups broccoli florets,uncooked
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup roasted, unsalted sunflower seeds*
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup old cheddar cheese, grated
- DRESSING:
- 1 cup Hellman's Light Mayonnaise
- 4 Tbsp. white sugar
- 3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar (You may also use regular white vinegar)
- *OPTIONS:
- In place of or in addition to the sunflower seeds you may use any of the following:
- raisins, dried cranberries, (delicious!), chopped dried apricots, banana chips, or most any dried fruit; walnuts, pecans, almonds, peanuts and any other type of seed.
Instructions
- Prepare and toss together salad ingredients.
- Whisk together dressing ingredients.
- Pour dressing over salad and mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate, stir occasionally to blend salad and dressing.
- Let stand in fridge a few hours to overnight.
This is the perfect dish for all your family barbecues or to take to a potluck dinner! I hope you will enjoy it and if you have any questions, feel free to let me know and I will do my best to answer them.
This has been a summer favorite for a very long time in our household. Like you, I have several recipes from different friends and have tried them all. (I must admit that this is one of the best…esp. as I use dried cranberries as well!)
I love this recipe Pat and it is definitely a “go to” favourite! It is so versatile and I love that you can customize it to suit the needs and likes of your own family!
Made these to go along with the ribs. Really yummy!
I’m glad you liked it Catherine, it is one of my favourites!
Hello from snowy Virginia!!
Just happened on your site and made the broccoli salad last night to accompany dinner.
Husbunny wanted seconds and said that this ranked in the “make it again” category.
Thank you! And I’m enjoying finding another older mommy branching out, trying new adventures.
Donna
Hello from snowy New Brunswick! Thank you and I’m so happy to hear you and your hubby liked the broccoli salad. It’s great to meet you too Donna, we older mommys need to stick together…lol
Love these salad! Have never thought about switching it up with different nuts/dried fruits – will have to try that this summer when I make it!
Judy, I love it with dried cranberries!
This is the BEST recipe!!! Super easy, and delicious!!! :o) I will be making this again and again! Thank you!
Awhhh…thank you Sarah, I’m so happy you liked it.
My aunt makes a similar recipe, which I’ve always loved. But minus the sunflower seeds, which sound like the perfect addition. Definitely trying that next time.
My favourite thing about this recipe Deanna is being able to customize to suit your own family’s needs!
Could you use regular white vinegar instead of the white wine vinegar?
We made this last night and it was delicious, all of my kids gobbled it down (even my 5 year old!) My daughter put walnuts in hers and loved it too. Great salad, I will defiantly be making it again. Thank you!
You are very welcome Anna, I am so happy that you love it too!
Cannot wait to make this Sunday for Easter. Can you use regular vinager instead if white wine vinager?
Great recipe! Saved it in my recipes to make list!
Thanks so much Yeun, it is definitely a favourite of ours!
How many people does this recipe feed?
Hi Laurette,I would say this recipe would serve 6 – 8 decent sized servings.
Fantastic dish! I put it together in 15mins… easy to customize for preferences. Thanks for the recipe Monica!
You are very welcome Derek and I am so happy you liked it!
Your recipe is wonderful. It is as simple to put together as it is tasty. I parboiled 2cups of frozen cheese tortellini and added it to the salad. It makes a perfect meal. Thanks for the great recipe.
Thank you Connie! What a great idea to add some tortellini to the salad…love it!
I have had this salad made with Blue Diamond Smokehouse almonds instead of bacon. It was delicious! You chop the nuts and add them just before serving. I just love this salad…it is so good!
Yum…that sound delicious Kate, I’m going to try this the next time I make this salad.
Delicious! I added craisins and used an extra sharp cheese.
Thanks Lisa, I’m so glad you liked it!
Absolutely love this salad. Pomegranate seeds add a unique taste and texture so I always add them when they’re available.
What a great idea to add pomegranate seeds! Thanks Cathy, I am definitely going to try adding them.
This looks great.. can’t wait to try it! Any idea how many portions this would make? Should I double it for a bbq party side dish ?
Hi Cynthia,
I would say this would serve about eight people as a side dish. If you are expecting a crowd you could easily double it. Good luck and enjoy your bbq party!
Monica
Hi Cynthia,
This would make about eight side dish portions. If you are expecting a crowd you could easily double the recipe. Good luck and enjoy the bbq party!
Monica
Well I’m the happiest Nana around, why you ask.
Because with this salad my grandson’s eat every veggie I so choose to put in.
As well this is know my favorite web site for recipes.
Thank-you
One Happy Nana
Thank you! It’s certainly a great way to sneak in a few extra veges Bonnie. I’m so happy you like this, it is one of my favourites.
Found this version after a desperate last minute broccoli already chopped
Search for my usual. like this one better. Have always done the variations
Used Apple cider vinegar, I like the fruity undertone. once all I had was red
Wine vinegar. tasted great but an odd pink dressing. Thanks for saving my
Carry in salad
Hi Mac, glad we were able to help! Like your idea of using apple cider vinegar, will try that next time I make the recipe. Monica
Hi Mac, glad we were able to help! Like your idea of using apple cider vinegar, will try that next time I make the recipe. Monica
I LOVE Broccoli Salad! May I make a suggestion? When I make mine, I don’t use ALL broccoli. I use 1/2 broccoli and 1/2 cauliflower. It is delicious!! However, I love it so much that I would eat it no matter what!! Soooo good!!
Hi there,
Any idea how many weight watchers points are in this?
Thanks!
Hi Sally, I’m so sorry, but I don’t know how many Weight Watchers Points.
This is the best recipe ever!especially with the dried cranberries and sunflower seeds!
Awhhhh…thanks so much Lauren!