Description
The Best Broccoli Salad is a creamy, crunchy, and flavor-packed side dish made with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and sliced almonds. Tossed in a simple tangy dressing, this easy recipe comes together in minutes and is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1⅓ lbs broccoli florets, finely chopped into bite-size pieces
- 8 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped
- ⅓ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup sweetened dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, bacon, red onion, cranberries, and almonds.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours to let flavors blend.
- Toss again before serving and enjoy.
Notes
For best flavor, chill the salad before serving.
For a softer texture, blanch broccoli for 1–2 minutes, then cool quickly.
Cut broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces for better texture.
Adjust vinegar to taste if you prefer a milder tang.
Swap almonds for pecans or use raspberry vinegar for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 283 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 205 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 13 mg