This delightful and easy-to-make Broccoli Salad is a vibrant blend of fresh broccoli florets, crunchy slivered almonds, sweet dried cranberries, crisp red onion, and tender celery, all coated in a light, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful dressing. It’s the ultimate side dish, perfect for enhancing any holiday feast, summer BBQ, or casual potluck gathering.

Broccoli, a versatile and nutrient-packed green vegetable, is the star of countless delicious recipes. While this refreshing salad offers a fantastic way to enjoy it, don’t miss out on other incredible broccoli preparations. Explore options like our perfectly Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli, simply delicious Steamed Broccoli, or the rich and comforting Creamy Broccoli with Bacon. Each offers a unique way to savor this healthy cruciferous vegetable, but this salad truly shines for its ease and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Why You’ll Adore This Easy Broccoli Salad

Our creamy broccoli salad isn’t just another side dish; it’s a culinary favorite that consistently earns rave reviews. What makes it so special? For starters, its simplicity. This recipe proves that incredibly delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. You can whip it up in minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when you need a reliable dish to bring to a potluck. The vibrant colors and diverse textures make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Beyond its ease, the flavor profile is truly exceptional. It strikes a perfect balance between savory and sweet, crunchy and creamy. The fresh crunch of broccoli and celery contrasts beautifully with the soft chewiness of dried cranberries and the satisfying bite of slivered almonds. The red onion adds a subtle zing that brightens every mouthful. This salad is versatile enough to grace any table, whether it’s a festive holiday dinner (especially when you’re tasked with bringing a standout side), a relaxed weekend meal, or a lively summer BBQ.

One of the true stars of this recipe is the dressing. Unlike many traditional broccoli salads that rely heavily on mayonnaise, our version offers a lighter, fresher take. We achieve that coveted creamy texture by using natural sour cream and a touch of honey instead of granulated sugar. This thoughtful combination creates a dressing that is rich and luxurious without feeling heavy, allowing the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine through. It’s a healthier twist that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it a guilt-free pleasure you’ll want to make again and again.

The Essentials: Ingredients for Your Perfect Broccoli Salad

Crafting this delightful broccoli salad requires a handful of fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital for the best possible outcome:

• Fresh Broccoli: The foundation of our salad. Opt for bright green, firm heads of broccoli. We’ll be using the florets, which provide a fantastic crunch and absorb the dressing beautifully. Broccoli is packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and other essential nutrients, making this salad a healthy powerhouse.
• Dried Cranberries or Raisins: These add a burst of sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the crispness of the vegetables. Dried cranberries offer a slightly tart note, while raisins are sweeter. Feel free to use your preferred dried fruit, or even a mix!
• Slivered Almonds: A critical element for that satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Almonds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E. Toasting them lightly before adding can enhance their flavor even further.
• Red Onion: Provides a subtle sharpness and beautiful color. Red onion is milder than yellow onion, making it perfect for raw salads. If you find raw onion too strong, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes, then drain and pat dry, to mellow its flavor.
• Celery: Adds another layer of refreshing crunch and a hint of earthy flavor. Choose crisp, firm celery stalks.
• Bacon: (Optional, but highly recommended!) Crispy bacon bits contribute a smoky, savory depth that elevates the entire salad. We recommend using turkey bacon for a leaner option, or traditional pork bacon if you prefer.

For the Creamy, Lightened-Up Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: We use a reduced amount to keep the dressing light, but it still provides that classic creamy base and a touch of richness.
• Natural Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: This is our secret to a lighter dressing. Natural sour cream offers a tangy creaminess, while plain Greek yogurt can be used for an even healthier, protein-packed alternative. Both provide a wonderful, thick consistency without excess fat.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy acidity that cuts through the richness and balances the sweetness. It also contributes to the salad’s refreshing quality.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Enhances the brightness and adds another layer of tangy citrus flavor. Always opt for freshly squeezed for the best taste.
• Honey: Used instead of granulated sugar, honey provides natural sweetness and a lovely depth of flavor. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into harmony. Use kosher salt for best results.
• Dried Dill (Optional): A pinch of dried dill can add an aromatic, herbaceous note that complements the other flavors beautifully.

Crafting the Best Broccoli Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this incredible broccoli salad is incredibly simple and quick. Follow these easy steps to create a show-stopping side dish that will impress everyone:

1. Prepare the Broccoli: Start with a fresh head of broccoli. Wash it thoroughly under cold water. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the broccoli head into bite-sized florets. It’s important to ensure each floret is small enough to be easily eaten in one bite. If you have larger florets, slice them in half or quarters. Don’t discard the stems entirely! The tender parts of the stem can also be peeled and finely diced for extra crunch and to minimize waste.
2. Chop Your Veggies: Finely chop the red onion and celery. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and consistent texture throughout the salad. Remember the tip for mellowing red onion if you prefer.
3. Crisp the Bacon (If Using): If you’re adding bacon, chop it into small pieces before cooking. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s wonderfully crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon bits from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. This ensures your bacon stays perfectly crisp in the salad.
4. Assemble the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared broccoli florets, chopped red onion, chopped celery, slivered almonds, and dried cranberries (or raisins). If you cooked bacon, add the cooled, crispy bacon bits to the bowl as well.
5. Whisk the Dressing: In a separate smaller bowl or a measuring cup, whisk together all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, natural sour cream (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper. If you like, this is also the time to add a pinch of dried dill for extra flavor. Whisk until the dressing is completely smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary – you might want a little more honey for sweetness or lemon juice for tang.
6. Dress and Toss: Pour the freshly made creamy dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are thoroughly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the broccoli; you want to maintain its texture.
7. Chill (Optional, but Recommended): For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the broccoli to slightly soften, enhancing the overall taste and texture.

Creating a No-Mayo Broccoli Salad Dressing

While a touch of mayonnaise offers that classic creaminess, you can easily lighten up your broccoli salad or even make a completely mayonnaise-free dressing without sacrificing flavor or texture. The key is using creamy alternatives that provide a similar consistency and tangy profile.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt Base: Natural sour cream or plain Greek yogurt are excellent foundations for a lighter dressing. They both have a wonderfully creamy texture and a pleasant tang. Greek yogurt, in particular, offers a higher protein content and a thicker consistency, making it a fantastic healthy swap. For a completely mayo-free dressing, simply increase the amount of sour cream or Greek yogurt to compensate for the mayo, aiming for a total of ¾ to 1 cup of creamy base, depending on your desired consistency and the amount of salad.

Flavor Boosters: Once you have your creamy base, load it with vibrant flavors. Incorporate plenty of freshly squeezed lemon juice and apple cider vinegar for brightness and acidity. Honey is a natural sweetener that works beautifully, but you could also use a touch of maple syrup or even a sugar substitute if preferred. Don’t forget salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For an herbaceous twist, consider adding dried dill, a touch of garlic powder, or a hint of onion powder. These additions will create a complex and satisfying dressing that stands on its own.

Reducing Mayo: In our featured recipe, we’ve already significantly reduced the amount of mayonnaise, using only 2 tablespoons alongside natural sour cream. This approach gives you the best of both worlds: a nod to the traditional flavor with a much lighter feel. Experiment to find your perfect balance!

Recipe FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered

Explore More Delicious Salad Recipes

If you loved this broccoli salad, you’ll surely enjoy these other fantastic salad creations that are perfect for any occasion:

If you try this delightful recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to rate it if you enjoyed it! Your feedback helps us create more recipes you’ll love.

Easy Broccoli Salad

Author: Anna

Fresh broccoli florets, slivered almonds, dried cranberries, red onion and celery tossed in light creamy dressing, perfect for holidays and potlucks.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 10 mins

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Servings: 5 people

Calories: 233 kcal

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Ingredients

for the salad:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• ½ medium red onion
• 3 celery ribs
• ½ cup slivered almonds
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 2 slices bacon (I used turkey)

for the dressing:

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• ½ cup natural sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Chop bacon and cook in skillet until crispy. Remove from skillet onto paper towel-lined plate to drain grease.
2. Place broccoli florets, chopped red onion, chopped celery, almonds, and dried cranberries in a large bowl. Add cooked bacon.
3. In a measuring cup, whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour over salad and toss gently to coat.

Notes

• If you don’t have dried cranberries, use raisins. If you don’t have or like celery, consider using a finely diced Granny Smith apple for a similar crunch and a touch of tart sweetness. If you don’t have natural sour cream on hand, you can use store-bought Ranch dressing for a quick alternative to the dressing.
• To make ahead: store the salad ingredients and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They will last up to 4 days. If you have leftovers where the dressing is already mixed with the veggies, store them in a bowl, covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 2 days in the fridge.
• I used turkey bacon because it’s lower in fat than regular bacon. Chopping it before cooking saves time and ensures even crisping. You can use regular pork bacon if desired.
• Please note that the nutrition value can vary depending on the specific products and brands you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use a calorie counter you are familiar with for precise dietary planning.

Nutrition

Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 378mg | Potassium: 430mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 560IU | Vitamin C: 68.8mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 1mg

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This recipe was originally published on March 21st, 2018, and updated on March 7th, 2020, to provide even more helpful tips and delicious details.