Dinner

Best Broccoli Salad Recipe

ByClara Bennett June 25, 2026June 25, 2026

Introduction

This Best Broccoli Salad is a perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and tangy flavors. It’s quick to prepare and makes a refreshing side dish for any meal. Packed with fresh veggies, bacon, and a creamy dressing, it’s sure to become a favorite.

A bowl filled with a broccoli salad shows three main layers: bright green broccoli florets with a rough texture, thin slices of purple and white onion scattered on top and through the salad, and small chunks of crispy brown bacon. On top of these layers, there are also scattered sliced almonds with a light tan color and a few dark red dried cranberries. The salad has a light creamy white dressing drizzled unevenly over the broccoli and onions. The bowl is white and placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Kosher salt
3 heads broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces
2 carrots, shredded
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and generously season with kosher salt. Prepare a large bowl filled with ice water.
Step 2: Cook the broccoli in the boiling water until fork-tender, about 1 to 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the broccoli to the ice water to cool, then drain thoroughly.
Step 3: Place the cooled broccoli in a large bowl. Add the shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds.
Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and stir well to combine.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, toast the sliced almonds lightly before adding to the salad.
Swap dried cranberries for raisins or dried cherries for a different fruity note.
Add shredded cheddar cheese for a richer flavor.
For a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store the broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be gently stirred and served chilled after storage. Avoid storing for too long to maintain crispness and prevent the dressing from making the broccoli soggy.

How to Serve

This image shows a white bowl filled with a broccoli salad that has several layers and textures. The bottom layer is made up of bright green broccoli florets, fresh and crisp, mixed with thin slices of purple-red onion. On top of this, there are pieces of crispy brown bacon and crunchy almond slices scattered around. There are also some dark raisins adding color and texture. A creamy white dressing is drizzled unevenly over the salad, giving a glossy look to some parts. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface alongside a glass of light beige dressing and a partial view of a white plate with some salad remnants. A metal spoon rests in the bowl, showing a scoop of salad ready to be served. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the broccoli and dressing separately a day ahead. Combine and toss them shortly before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Is this salad suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check packaged items like bacon and dried cranberries for any gluten-containing additives.