Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe

There's something incredibly satisfying about the crunch of fresh broccoli paired with a creamy, tangy dressing. This Easy Broccoli Salad brings it all together—crisp veggies, a touch of sweetness, a little salty crunch, and just enough creamy richness to make every bite irresistible.

this Recipe

I first made this salad for a last-minute BBQ and was blown away by how quickly it disappeared. It’s now a go-to dish for everything from potlucks to weekday lunches because it’s quick to make, super customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Let’s dive into why you’ll love this simple and delicious broccoli salad.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Broccoli Salad

Get ready to meet your new favorite side dish. This Easy Broccoli Salad checks all the boxes when it comes to flavor, texture, and convenience.

First and foremost, it’s unbelievably easy to make. We’re talking about a no-cook recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes. All you need to do is chop, mix, and chill—perfect for those moments when you need something fast but still crave homemade flavor.

It’s also a total budget win. With just a handful of common ingredients—most of which you probably already have—you can whip up a salad that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

What makes it even better is how family-friendly it is. Even picky eaters who turn up their noses at green veggies find themselves going back for seconds, thanks to the creamy, sweet-savory combo that makes broccoli taste like a treat.

And don’t forget how versatile it is. Whether you’re tossing in some extras like bacon, nuts, or dried cranberries, or keeping it simple and classic, this salad adapts to whatever you have on hand.

Now, let’s talk about what goes into this irresistible bowl of goodness.

Ingredient Notes

The magic of this broccoli salad lies in its fresh ingredients and a creamy dressing that brings everything together. Each element plays a key role in building the salad’s addictive flavor and texture.

Fresh broccoli florets are the heart of this recipe. You’ll want to use raw broccoli, cut into small bite-sized pieces for the best crunch and easy eating. Make sure it’s super fresh—bright green with tightly packed florets and firm stems—for that signature crisp texture.

Red onion adds just the right amount of bite and sharpness to balance the sweetness in the dressing. Thin slices or finely diced pieces work best here so they don’t overpower the rest of the salad. If raw onion is too strong for your taste, you can soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.

Sunflower seeds bring a salty, nutty crunch that really elevates the salad. Roasted and salted ones add the most flavor, though you can use unsalted if you prefer to control the salt level yourself. If you’re out of sunflower seeds, slivered almonds or chopped pecans are great alternatives.

Dried cranberries lend a touch of chewy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing and crunchy veggies. Raisins or chopped dried apricots can work in a pinch, but cranberries give the best balance of tart and sweet.

The dressing is where the magic happens. A simple mix of mayonnaise, a splash of vinegar, and a little sugar creates a creamy, tangy-sweet coating that ties the whole salad together. You can use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayo for a lighter version that still tastes amazing.

You won’t need any special equipment for this recipe—just a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a large mixing bowl. If you have time, a salad spinner helps dry the broccoli thoroughly after rinsing, which helps the dressing cling better.

How To Make This Easy Broccoli Salad

Whipping up this broccoli salad couldn’t be simpler. It’s a straightforward process that yields big flavor with minimal effort.

Start by preparing your broccoli. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water, then cut it into small, bite-sized florets. Make sure they’re evenly sized so every forkful is perfectly crunchy. If you're using the stems, peel the tough outer layer and chop the tender inside into small pieces.

Next, finely dice your red onion. You’ll only need about a quarter to half of a medium onion, depending on how strong you like it. If you're worried about it being too pungent, give the chopped onion a quick soak in ice water, then drain well.

In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Toss everything together gently so the ingredients are evenly distributed and ready for dressing.

Now it’s time to make the creamy dressing. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, and sugar until smooth. You’re aiming for a balanced dressing that’s tangy but slightly sweet—taste and adjust as needed.

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and stir gently until everything is well coated. Make sure every floret gets a bit of that creamy goodness—it’s what makes this salad so addictive.

For best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together and softens the broccoli just a bit while keeping that satisfying crunch. It’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to two days in the fridge.

Storage Options

This broccoli salad stores beautifully, which makes it perfect for meal prep or making ahead for parties and gatherings.

Once assembled, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and crisp for up to 3 days, though it’s best eaten within the first 48 hours for peak texture.

If you're planning to make it ahead of time, consider keeping the dressing separate and tossing it in just before serving. This helps preserve the crunch even longer.

Freezing this salad isn’t recommended, as the texture of raw broccoli and the creamy dressing don’t hold up well to thawing. Stick with refrigeration for the best results.

To re-serve, give it a quick stir to redistribute the dressing. If it looks a little dry after sitting, you can add a spoonful of mayo or a splash of vinegar to freshen it up.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this salad is how easy it is to customize based on your preferences or what you’ve got in the pantry.

If you're looking to add more protein, crispy bacon bits make an amazing addition. Just cook a few strips until nice and crispy, chop them up, and stir them into the salad right before serving for a smoky, salty boost.

For a vegetarian protein boost, try adding shredded cheddar cheese or small cubes of feta. The creaminess and sharpness of the cheese pair perfectly with the crunchy veggies and sweet-tangy dressing.

Want to lighten things up? Swap some or all of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. It adds a slight tang and cuts down on calories while still keeping things creamy and satisfying.

If you’re not a fan of dried cranberries, try golden raisins or even chopped fresh apples for a juicy, fruity twist. The sweetness helps balance the savory notes and adds a fun pop of flavor.

You can also switch up the seeds or nuts. Pumpkin seeds, chopped walnuts, or pecans all bring a delicious crunch and nutty flavor that works beautifully in this salad.

Don’t be afraid to make it your own. This easy broccoli salad is meant to be a flexible, no-fuss favorite that you can adapt to fit your mood, your menu, or whatever you have on hand.

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