This recipe for Broccoli Salad has been 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!
- 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.
- 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.
Patricia says
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!)
Monica Parlee says
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!
Catherine Lindley says
Made these to go along with the ribs. Really yummy!
Monica Parlee says
I’m glad you liked it Catherine, it is one of my favourites!
Donna Shank says
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
Monica Parlee says
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
Judy C (Judy Cowan) says
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!
Monica Parlee says
Judy, I love it with dried cranberries!
Sarah says
This is the BEST recipe!!! Super easy, and delicious!!! :o) I will be making this again and again! Thank you!
Monica Parlee says
Awhhh…thank you Sarah, I’m so happy you liked it.
Deanna T. (@MapleLeafMommy) says
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.
Monica Parlee says
My favourite thing about this recipe Deanna is being able to customize to suit your own family’s needs!
Robyn says
Could you use regular white vinegar instead of the white wine vinegar?
Anna W says
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!
Monica Parlee says
You are very welcome Anna, I am so happy that you love it too!
Tyanne says
Cannot wait to make this Sunday for Easter. Can you use regular vinager instead if white wine vinager?
Yuen C says
Great recipe! Saved it in my recipes to make list!
Monica Parlee says
Thanks so much Yeun, it is definitely a favourite of ours!
Laurette Friedrich says
How many people does this recipe feed?
Monica Parlee says
Hi Laurette,I would say this recipe would serve 6 – 8 decent sized servings.
Derek says
Fantastic dish! I put it together in 15mins… easy to customize for preferences. Thanks for the recipe Monica!
Monica Parlee says
You are very welcome Derek and I am so happy you liked it!
Connie Bennett says
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.
Monica Parlee says
Thank you Connie! What a great idea to add some tortellini to the salad…love it!
Kate/Massachusetts says
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!
Monica Parlee says
Yum…that sound delicious Kate, I’m going to try this the next time I make this salad.
Lisa says
Delicious! I added craisins and used an extra sharp cheese.
Monica Parlee says
Thanks Lisa, I’m so glad you liked it!
Cathy says
Absolutely love this salad. Pomegranate seeds add a unique taste and texture so I always add them when they’re available.
Monica Parlee says
What a great idea to add pomegranate seeds! Thanks Cathy, I am definitely going to try adding them.
Cynthia says
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 ?
Monica Parlee says
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
Monica Parlee says
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
Bonnie says
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
Monica Parlee says
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.
mac says
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
Monica Parlee says
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
Monica Parlee says
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
Connie Tonn says
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!!
Sally says
Hi there,
Any idea how many weight watchers points are in this?
Thanks!
Monica Parlee says
Hi Sally, I’m so sorry, but I don’t know how many Weight Watchers Points.
Lauren nugent says
This is the best recipe ever!especially with the dried cranberries and sunflower seeds!
Monica Parlee says
Awhhhh…thanks so much Lauren!
Judy says
Neighbors are grilling fish and I’m taking this salad. It’s delish!
Monica Parlee says
Hi Judy, I apologize for my tardy response, I have been away on vacation. I agree, Broccoli salad is delish and a family favourite for us! Hope you had a great BBQ and fun at your neighbours.
Jessie Rex says
Love this salad. I don’t use cheese, but do add water chestnuts and raisins. I also use half broccoli, half cauliflower. Prefer green onions to red onions.
Donna says
How many does this feed?
Monica Parlee says
Donna, I would say, roughly 6-8 as a side salad
Monica Parlee says
Donna, I would say, roughly 6-8 as a side salad.
Donna says
Thanks I have 10 coming, so I’ll make extra
Kristen stanley says
This popped up and I literally had to go to the store and grab the ingredients to make this ASAP ! I used walnuts and dried cranberries !! Thank you !!
Monica Parlee says
I’m so happy you love this as much as we do, Kristen, .
..going to add walnuts and cranberries the next time I make it, thank you!!
SHIRLEY says
This looks like an awesome broccoli salad.
Monica Parlee says
Thank you, Shirley, it’s one of our favourite salads!
The Redhead Riter says
Yummy and so healthy for you without being just a “bland” broccoli floret! The right onions really spice it up!
Monica Parlee says
Love, love, love this salad! It’s one I make time after time.
Dianne Havird says
Very good salad! I like to quickly blanch the broccoli to soften a bit! I have 2 requests , from men, for this salad as a Christmas gift !! Better get busy! Merry Christmas!
Monica Parlee says
Hahaha…it is Christmas gift worthy! Have a Merry Christmas, Dianne!
Sandy says
Sounds delicious! I look forward to preparing this dish for Easter dinner! Love all the suggestions and variations from previous posts! Thank you from Texas!
Monica Parlee says
Hi Sandy, thank you so much, we almost always make this for a Easter dinner too! I wish I was in Texas…could use the warmth, we still have lots of snow on the ground! Monica
Ashley says
This is my go-to Broccoli Salad recipe! All of my friends and family rave about it and ask for the recipe.
Thanks for sharing :)
Monica Parlee says
Thank you, Ashley…so happy to hear you love it too!
Wanda says
I LOVEEEEE this recipe. I had to meet it so many times I can do it with my eyes closed!! My family loves it, my friends love it and I love it. Everyone either ask for the recipe or asked me to make them their own personal bowl of salad, Which I have done several times. THANK YOU
Monica Parlee says
Awwwhhhh….thank you SO MUCH, Wanda, you’ve made my day!