This is the best Broccoli Salad recipe! Watch the video showing you how to make this recipe, then scroll to the bottom of this post to print out the complete recipe.
I have a big sister, and her name is Susie. Susie was off to college when I was only in elementary school, so we didn’t really get a chance to do many things together. As I got older, I often visited her in the summers, and we began to share recipes and talk on the phone a lot. I’ve always considered her “fashion-forward” and someone who has a good eye for design.
Although I have a house of my own, it’s Susie’s house that is adorable. She seems to know just what kind of paint looks good in her bedroom and what furniture will work in the family room, and she comes up with the greatest DIY projects that I could never think of on my own. I guess I just really admire my big sis 🙂
Another talent of Susie’s is that she has always been an excellent cook. At our family reunion this summer, she brought this delicious Broccoli Salad to share (her creation after looking at a handful of recipes).
It’s full of all kinds of goodies, and it’s tossed in a creamy- but light- dressing. It’s a good way to get everyone to eat their vegetables.
How do you make Broccoli Salad?
Start with fresh broccoli of course- about 1 large bunch. Cut it into small, bite-sized florets. Put in in a large bowl.
Add diced red onion.
Then toss it all with the creamy dressing (see the recipe for details).
Hey, there’s my nephew (Susie’s son) Matt peeking in on the recipe! He’s a cutie. But sorry girls… he’s taken.
Add the rest of the goodies, including tomatoes, raisins, cashews and BACON.
Toss it all again, and you’ve got Susie’s Broccoli Salad!
I love this salad every time I make it, and everyone else seems to love it too!
And there is Susie- my wonderful sister. She’s a teacher, she loves to travel, she writes a book review blog called NOVEL VISITS, and she lives in the Northwest. And she actually happens to be single, so if you know anyone… be sure to let me know. Of course she’s going to DIE when she reads this. But that’s okay. I’m a pretty good matchmaker. I set up a college roommate once and she’s been happily married to the guy ever since.
Anyway, the broccoli salad… it’s good! It got several raves at our family reunion from the people who would actually approach a salad with broccoli in it (because you KNOW there are people who are adverse to the whole idea).
No need to fear a broccoli salad though. It’s good stuff. And it’s awfully nice to bring a salad to a party these days that isn’t your same-old greens/potato/pasta/ salad. This is something a little different. Thanks, Susie!
If you’re looking for a few more salad recipes that are good to contribute to dinner, try my Waldorf Salad or this Italian Pasta Salad. I’m also pretty crazy about Grilled Corn Salad, Greek Panzanella Salad and Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad.
If you happen to be following the Weight Watchers WW plan, you’ll find a link to the WW Points on the recipe card below.
Broccoli Salad
Recipe Details
Ingredients
DRESSING:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (light or regular)
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
SALAD:
- 8 cups broccoli florets (1 large bunch)
- 1 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
PREPARE THE DRESSING:
- In a medium bowl, stir together the dressing ingredients and set aside.
PREPARE THE SALAD:
- Rinse the broccoli and the flowerette ends into bite-sized pieces (discard the stems). Place the broccoli in a large bowl. Add the onions. Add just enough of the dressing to coat the broccoli- add a little, toss, add a little more- until you have coated the broccoli lightly with the dressing (you may not use it all). Add the tomatoes, raisins, cashews and bacon. Gently toss to blend all of the ingredients evenly. Add more dressing, if needed (only if the salad is looking dry). Refrigerate until ready to serve. Can be prepared up to a few hours in advance, but it's best to toss with the dressing about an hour before serving.
Video
Notes
- Notes about the broccoli- Yes, it is served raw. And No, don't use frozen broccoli.*For easy clean-up, cook your bacon in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400℉. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top. Spray the rack with nonstick spray. Lay the bacon slices on the rack. Bake it for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp. Timing will vary depending on the thickness of your bacon.
- Nutritional information and WW Points were calculated using "Light Mayonnaise."
I really loved ❤️❤️🥰🥰this recipe
It’s made with apple cider vinegar everyone…
I’ve been making a variation of this…..broccoli and cauliflower florets, grapes, and scallions.
For the dressing I substituted agave syrup for the sugar (which doesn’t always dissolve).
Excellent.
I need the nutritional values!
On a diet… how many calories?
I do not have that- but you can use an online recipe calculator to figure that out, if you need to!
I just made this salad and I’m devouring it at lunch! It is really yummy! Just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. Thanks for this great refreshing salad recipe!
This is one of my favorite salad recipes. I use mandarin oranges instead of tomatoes with a little orange juice in the dressing.
I learned the recipe for the dressing when I was in the 6th grade home ec. class and use it to this day also with coleslaw salad, adding a little garlic powder and most of the time Balsamic Vin. I am now 76 lol
Great tip on how to prepare the bacon. Never thought about baking it. Turned out great!
Love the receipe just the way it is . Love the tips because I was wondering if you have to blanch the broccoli, this makes this even better. Thank you.
I need a replacement for the mayo and sugar
This is different from the one I make but sounds like another good one to try. Thanks! Pinned it!
I made this yesterday for a family holiday party and it was a huge success! Pretty to look at with the bright green and red served in a clear green Depression glass bowl, and yummy too! Thanks!
This recipe looks and sounds really good I’m going to try it. I’ll let you know how it is.
I LOVE raw broccoli and have made several versions of this salad. I’m going to try this with greek yogurt for the dressing. I’m always on the lookout for easy recipes that have an additional benefit of getting your veges in. Thank you!
I made this and let it sit in the fridge for a day to season, it is absolutely delicious. Followed recipe exactly, do yourself and your family a favor it is very tasty.
This is my favourite salad recipe too! @ Judy, I’m allergic to tomatoes too, so I just leave it out! 🙂 I don’t like raw onions either, so I fry them! There is always a plan to make! Sometimes I use toasted pinenuts instead of the cashews, or even pecans! They are ALL GOOOOOOD!!! For those of you who are “scared” of the idea of raw broccoli, try this: Pour boiling water over your broccoli, cover with a plate and let it stand for 3 – 5 minutes, then strain and let it cool. It takes the “rawness” away, but the broccoli is still lovely crunchy and far from cooked! I have 2 very fussy boys and that made all the difference! Now its their favourite salad too!
For fuss free bacon place directly on stone bar pan in 400 degree oven. Easy cleanup and no splatter or turning.
I love broccoli salad, can’t wait to try your recipe with yogurt instead of mayo tho 😉
Loved this fun post starring my two beautiful, caring and talented daughters. So proud! Cute photo of my grandson too!
I love this salad! Such a great way to get some good veggies in your day. Just perfect!
I love broccoli salad and your sister’s version looks delicious! My sister and I are only a year apart in age, but she has been living overseas for 20+ years. My food blog has helped us connect more regularly – she and her daughters read and comment on the recipes and we’ve shared lots of great memories through the foods of our childhood. Thanks for sharing this story and for posting a picture of your beautiful sis!
This is my favorite dressing for pasta salad, also. Please try it. It’s delicious.
Shredded cheddar is also delicious in broccoli salad. Love your site.Thanks.
My mouth is watering– great recipe…thanks to your big sis 🙂
This is so wonderful! And, I completely agree with it all. I remember when I first went away from home to school and Susie was living nearby. I did not really know her, because like you, there was just enough difference in our ages. But then, I got to know her and we became close and I have loved and admired my cousin ever since. But you know, she is going to kill you over that matchmaking part – lol!!!
Yummy…the bacon! And hmm, the NorthWest..as in Seattle or Portland…I do know a few gentlemen here:).
Hi Susie and Lori too! I make something really similar but I use crasins, sunflower seeds and chopped granny smith apple…Yummy and always a hit…thank you for sharing your recipe!
Hi Susie! I make something really similar but I put in crasins and sunflower seeds and chopped granny smith apple…it is so yummy, its always a hit!!
I’m probably the only person I know that can handle eating raw broccoli and I know I would LOVE this salad!!! I think I’ll make a mini version for me!!
Hi Judy. You certainly aren’t annoying. Everyone has preferences.
Try a mix of equal parts broccoli and cauliflower florets. Add in whatever you think sounds good for color and flavor — maybe just the bacon and cashews or add chunks of a favorite cheese. Dress it with this dressing or substitute another. Just enjoy your broccoli . . . your way.
This is one healthy delicious salad!!!
Love the post, little sis!
Oh Yum!!! Perfect for this weekend’s get togethers.
What a delish looking broccoli salad! LOVE all the ingredients you tossed in along with the broccoli, too. Too tasty!
I had a version with grapes and pecans and it was luscious!
Okay, I’m going to unstalk as well, but possibly be annoying (I’m sorry!). I love the idea of broccoli salad. I love me some broccoli. Problem is, I HATE onion, especially raw, and am allergic to tomatoes. That’s a dangerous pairing, because if a recipe doesn’t have both, it invariably has one or the other. Do you (or any other commenters) have any suggestions for things that could be used to substitute (that isn’t some form of pepper)?
It’s great to have such a sibling love. And also great salad!
Oh my word, that salad looks good. I love broccoli in the first place, but with all those other goodies? Susie is brilliant. Thank you for sharing her recipe!
This sounds like such a great salad!
Your sister is adorable, you two look a lot alike in the eyes. I love sharing recipes with my family, that’s where most of my favorites come from! And I love the addition of the cashews.
This salad is actually one of the few edible things my mother in law makes – so I have a great affection for it! 😉
You and your sister are the cutest!! This salad looks dreamy!! Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend! xoxo
This looks wonderful, can’t wait to try it!
I have been stalking your recipes for a while now, but I dont think I’ve ever left a comment – thanks for all your good stuff and for making the recipes so easily printable!
Glad you came out of stalkville 🙂 You’re welcome!
I’m going to put this on my Labor Day menu! Wish I knew someone perfect for your sister. She’s so pretty.
I love!! broccoli salad and broccoli slaw dressing. It was one of the first recipes I ever made on my blog! Yours is just gorgeous, Lori!
Love, love, love this, Lori. That broccoli salad looks scrumptious!
What a great simple recipe. You are so right that it is different than the normal salads you tend to bring to people’s houses. I’ll have to try it this weekend for Labor Day!
Awwww, what a sweet post! That broccoli salad looks delicious, I love when someone brings that to a picnic. I’ve yet to make it myself!!
That’s a lot of raw broccoli.. it kind of scares me 😮
Nevertheless, I shall be fearless and will try this in the very near future 🙂 I might however go for the grape version (and add some pecan nuts maybe).