Crisp broccoli, bacon, cranberries, and sunflower seeds tossed in a tangy dressing—this broccoli salad is a crowd favorite every time.
Broccoli Salad Recipe
Looking for a fresh way to get more veggies in? This creamy Broccoli Salad is the perfect side for a sandwich, turkey burger, or whatever protein you’re grilling. It’s a go-to for summer BBQs, potlucks, and even holiday tables—and it’s easy to make ahead! Customize it with chopped nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries for extra flavor and crunch. Love broccoli? Don’t miss my Italian Sub Broccoli Salad, or browse all my healthy salad recipes for more inspiration. It also pairs perfectly with grilled mains like grilled chicken or grilled pork chops.
This easy Broccoli Salad recipe is from my friend Lisa’s cookbook, Downshiftology Healthy Meal Prep. Her book offers over 100 make-ahead recipes that can be frozen or repurposed into different meals. I polled my audience on Instagram to see which recipe they wanted me to share from her book, and this one was the winner. I’m so glad because I really enjoyed it!! If you want serve it as a main you can double the portion.
Why This Works
This broccoli salad is lighter and healthier than most recipes you’ll find on the internet.
- Great for Potlucks: Best broccoli salad recipe to bring to a backyard party and perfect to make ahead!
- Healthy: Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Sunflower seeds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and nutrients.
- Lighter: Goat cheese is a lower-fat alternative to other types of cheese and is a good source of protein and calcium.
- Protein Boost: The Greek yogurt in the dressing boosts the protein content and gives the salad a creamy texture without adding too much fat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic broccoli salad recipe. See exact measurements in the recipe card below.
- Bacon: Use real bacon. I like center cut because it’s leaner. Bacon bits would also work in a pinch.
- Fresh Broccoli: Cut a head of broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Red Onion: For flavor.
- Dried Cranberries: Unsweetened dried cranberries add a touch of tartness and sweetness.
- Raw Sunflower Seeds: Add healthy fats, nutrients and texture.
- Goat Cheese: for creaminess
- Broccoli Salad Dressing: Greek yogurt and mayonnaise (light or regular) make an easy creamy dressing.
How to Make Broccoli Salad
The only cooking you’ll need to do here is cook the bacon. So while it cooks, prep the rest of the ingredients. See recipe card below for printable directions.
- Lean Center Cut Bacon: Cook the bacon in the skillet or place the bacon on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F.
- Vegetables, seeds and cheese: In a large bowl combine broccoli florets, red onion, cranberries, seeds, and cheese.
- Light Dressing: Stir the mayo and yogurt in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture, and add the crumbled bacon.
What to Serve with Broccoli Salad
This salad recipe would go great with any almost protein, like burgers, pork chops, chicken, or steak. I also like it on its own for an easy lunch.
Storage
Store broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This salad isn’t ideal for freezing due to the raw broccoli and creamy dressing.
Variations:
- Broccoli: If you prefer to blanch your broccoli, you can by boiling it for about 1 minute. Drain it, rinse it with cold water to stop it from overcooking, and dry it before mixing the broccoli with the other ingredients.
- Fruit: Swap dried cranberries for raisins, dried dates, or diced apples.
- Vegetarian Broccoli Salad: Omit the bacon.
- Seeds: Substitute sunflower seeds with pumpkin seeds, walnuts, or pecans.
- Cheese: Sub goat cheese with feta or shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Dairy Free: omit the goat cheese and use dairy free yogurt.
More Broccoli Recipes You’ll Love:
- Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad with Capers
- Sesame Orange Broccoli
- Broccoli and Cheese Tots
- Roasted Broccoli with Smashed Garlic
- Broccoli and Orzo
Broccoli Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 slices center cut bacon
- 1 large head broccoli florets , sliced into bite-sized pieces
- ⅓ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup dried unsweetened cranberries
- ½ cup shelled raw sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese, omit for dairy-free
- ½ cup mayonnaise, I used Hellman's Light
- ¼ cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt, or dairy-free yogurt
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and browned, about 4 minutes on each side.
- If you prefer to bake it, bake on a sheet pan in a preheated 400°F oven to (200°C) 15 to 20 minutes, until crispy
- Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Chop or crumble.
- While the bacon is cooking, in a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and goat cheese.
- In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and yogurt.
- Add the bacon and dressing to the mixing bowl and toss to combine.
