Easy Broccoli Salad

Easy Broccoli Salad is a refreshing, crunchy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a quick side for any meal.

With crisp broccoli, savory bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy coleslaw dressing, this salad strikes the perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Plus, it’s incredibly simple to prepare—just mix, chill, and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Crunchy & Flavorful – The fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese create an irresistible combination of textures and tastes.

Quick & Simple – With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, this salad is incredibly easy to make.

Make-Ahead Friendly – The flavors meld together beautifully as it chills, making it a perfect dish to prepare in advance.

Versatile & Customizable – You can adjust the dressing, add nuts or dried fruit, or swap ingredients to suit your taste.

Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a summer BBQ, or a holiday gathering, this salad is always a hit!

Key Ingredients:

Broccoli – Fresh, crisp, and nutritious, forming the base of the salad.

Red Onion – Adds a mild sharpness and a pop of color.

Cheddar Cheese – Brings a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy flavor.

Bacon – Provides a smoky, crispy, and savory element.

Creamy Coleslaw Dressing – Binds everything together with a smooth, slightly tangy, and sweet flavor.

Easy Broccoli Salad

Ingredients

2 12-ounce sachets of raw broccoli

1/2 cup chopped red onion

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon (bacon bites can be used)

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the raw broccoli, chopped red onion, grated cheddar cheese, and chopped cooked bacon.

Add your preferred creamy coleslaw dressing (such as Kraft brand) and mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend.

Before serving, give it a quick stir and adjust the dressing or cheese to your preference.

Notes:

Use Fresh Broccoli – For the best crunch and flavor, use raw broccoli florets. If you prefer a softer texture, blanch them for 30 seconds and immediately cool in ice water.

Customize the Dressing – While coleslaw dressing works great, you can use a mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, a little vinegar, and a pinch of sugar for a homemade touch.

Add Extra Crunch – Toss in sunflower seeds, almonds, or chopped pecans for additional texture.

Make it Sweeter – A handful of dried cranberries or raisins can balance out the savory flavors.

Let it Chill – Refrigerating for at least 2 hours enhances the flavors, making the salad even better.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Calories: ~230 kcal | Protein: ~9g | Carbohydrates: ~9g | Fiber: ~2g | Sugar: ~4g | Fat: ~18g | Saturated Fat: ~7g | Cholesterol: ~30mg | Sodium: ~400mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Fresh broccoli is best for this salad because it stays crisp and has a better texture.

If using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.

How long can I store broccoli salad in the refrigerator?

Broccoli salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it a few hours ahead allows the flavors to blend better.

However, for the best texture, add the bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.

What can I substitute for coleslaw dressing?

You can use Greek yogurt, sour cream, mayonnaise, or a mix of these with a little vinegar, honey, and seasoning for a homemade dressing.

Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Absolutely! Some great additions include sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or a dash of lemon juice for extra flavor and texture.

Do I need to cook the broccoli before making the salad?

No, the broccoli is used raw to keep it crunchy.

However, if you prefer a softer texture, you can blanch it for 30 seconds, then immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Can I make this salad the night before?

Yes! Preparing it a few hours or even the night before helps the flavors meld together.

Just wait to add the bacon until right before serving to keep it crispy.

How can I make this salad healthier?

For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise instead of coleslaw dressing.

You can also reduce the cheese and bacon or add more veggies like shredded carrots or bell peppers.

What’s the best way to mix the dressing into the salad?

Use a large mixing bowl and a spatula or spoon to toss everything well.

This ensures the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients without crushing them.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While cheddar is traditional, you can substitute it with pepper jack, mozzarella, feta, or even parmesan for a different flavor profile.