We used to think that broccoli is just a healthy vegetable, without thinking about the fact that it can be incredibly delicious, crunchy, hearty and even sweet if combined with the right dressings and additives. This article has 12 of the best recipes broccoli salad to make for every occasion, from light and refreshing salads for summer to hearty and nutritious options with cheese, bacon and nuts. There are classic combinations, unexpected flavors, and even options for keto and paleo diets.
Ready to really get to know broccoli and marvel at how different it can be? Then let’s get started!
1. Best Broccoli Salad Recipe with a Secret Homemade Dressing
Broccoli salad is a pleasant surprise every time. The secret to this salad is the homemade dressing. It’s creamy, tangy, and has the perfect balance of flavors – delicate but not too heavy. This salad is great to make ahead of time, for a picnic, barbecue, or just as a quick side dish for dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup sharp cheddar, grated or diced
- ⅓ cup sunflower seeds (or chopped almonds for extra crunch)
- ½ cup of crispy bacon, cut into chunks
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries or raisins
For the secret homemade dressing:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise if you want a richer flavor)
- 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp. honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to prepare:
- Prepare the broccoli. Cut into small pieces. If you want it a little softer, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 30 seconds and then immediately transfer to ice water. If you prefer a crunchier version, leave raw.
- Chop the rest of the ingredients. Finely chop the onion, crumble the bacon, dice or grate the cheese.
- Make the dressing. In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, mustard, honey and garlic. Add salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the flavor if necessary.
- Mix all ingredients together. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cheese, seeds, cranberries and bacon. Pour in the dressing and mix well to let everything soak in.
- Refrigerate before serving. Let the salad infuse in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld and it will taste even better.
Serve chilled in a nice serving bowl, such as glass or ceramic. Here’s a great serving bowl on Amazon that will make serving even more appealing.
2. Easy Raw Broccoli Salad That’s Surprisingly Delicious
Imagine raw broccoli in a salad that is really delicious! This salad is fresh, crunchy, and best of all, no cooking required. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a light snack.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
- ½ cup carrots, grated or shredded
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup pumpkin seeds (or walnuts)
- ½ cup dried cranberries (or sliced dates for natural sweetness)
For the dressing:
- 3 tbsp. cold-pressed olive oil
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to prepare:
- Slice the broccoli. The smaller the pieces, the tastier the salad will be! You can even mash the broccoli with your hands to help it absorb the dressing.
- Add the rest of the ingredients. Put the carrots, red onion, seeds, and cranberries all in a large bowl.
- Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt and pepper.
- Mix in the salad dressing. Pour the dressing into the bowl and mix well so that all ingredients are coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Allow to infuse. Although you can eat it right away, it’s better to wait 15-20 minutes – the broccoli will absorb the dressing and the flavor will become more interesting.
Serve in a deep wooden bowl – it will give the serving a natural style, like this beautiful wooden bowl on Amazon.
3. Healthy Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and a Tangy Dressing
Crunchy broccoli, sweet cranberries, nuts and a tangy dressing are not only delicious, but also incredibly healthy. After all, broccoli is rich in antioxidants, cranberries boost your immune system, and nuts add healthy fats.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped into small pieces
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup walnuts, lightly chopped
- ⅓ cup red onion, sliced into thin half rings
- ½ cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled
For the dressing:
- 3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to prepare:
- Prepare the broccoli. Cut into small pieces and add to a bowl.
- Add the cranberries, walnuts, onion and feta. Stir to combine.
- Make the dressing. Whisk together vinegar, oil, mustard, honey, salt and pepper until smooth.
- Mix everything together. Pour over the dressing, mix thoroughly.
- Let stand in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This will make the flavor more intense.
Serve chilled, in a deep glass bowl.
4. Simple Broccoli Salad with Raisins and a Crunchy Twist
This salad is healthy, packed with fiber and protein and is perfect as a stand-alone dish or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped into small pieces
- ½ cup raisins (can be substituted for dried cherries or cranberries)
- ⅓ cup toasted almonds (or pecans)
- ½ cup grated carrots
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, diced (optional)
For the dressing:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or 50/50 mix with mayonnaise)
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. honey
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to prepare:
- Prepare the broccoli. Cut it into small pieces, you can crush it slightly with your hands so that it absorbs the dressing.
- Add the rest of the ingredients. Combine the raisins, nuts, carrots, onion and cheese in a deep bowl.
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt and pepper.
- Mix everything together. Pour over the dressing, mix well and let stand for 15-20 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
This salad is best served chilled, in a nice and convenient salad bowl.
5. Italian-Style Broccoli Salad with Chickpeas and Lemon Dressing
Thanks to chickpeas and broccoli, this salad is rich in protein and fiber, while the lemon-garlic dressing adds incredible freshness.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped
- 1 can of chickpeas (400 g), drained and rinsed
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- ⅓ cup black olives, chopped.
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup grated parmesan
For the dressing:
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 tsp. grated lemon zest
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to prepare:
- Prepare the broccoli. Cut into small pieces.
- Mix the chickpeas, tomatoes, olives, onions and parmesan.
- Prepare the dressing. Whisk together the oil, lemon juice, zest, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Mix everything together. Pour over the dressing, mix well.
- Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving.
Serve in a deep white plate to bring out the colors of the ingredients.
6. Paleo Broccoli Salad with Bacon and a Creamy Avocado Dressing
This salad is for those who follow a paleo diet. There are no processed foods, grains or refined oils – just natural ingredients high in healthy fats and protein. An avocado-based creamy dressing replaces traditional sauces, while bacon and nuts add crunchy texture and rich flavor.
Ingredients:
4 cups broccoli, chopped
- ½ cup bacon, fried and chopped
- ⅓ cup almonds, lightly toasted
- ½ cup red onion, sliced
- ½ cup hard-boiled eggs, diced (optional)
For the dressing:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. sugar-free mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to prepare:
- Prepare the broccoli. Cut into small pieces and put them in a bowl.
- Add the bacon, almonds, onion and eggs. Mix well.
- Prepare the dressing. Mash the avocado with a fork, add the rest of the ingredients and whisk until creamy.
- Mix everything together. Pour over the dressing, mix thoroughly and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Great with baked chicken, steak, grilled salmon or even paleo almond flour tortillas. You can top with fresh spinach or arugula leaves.
This hearty and nutritious salad is perfect for a paleo diet and keeps well in the fridge, so you can make it ahead of time.
7. Keto Broccoli Salad with a Cheesy Garlic Dressing
This is the perfect option for a keto diet as it is rich in healthy fats and protein, but contains no fast carbs. It’s free of sugar, grains and starchy vegetables, while broccoli, cheese, bacon and nuts provide your body with everything it needs to maintain ketosis.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped into small pieces
- ½ cup bacon, fried and chopped
- ½ cup grated parmesan or cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup almond tortillas (or toasted pecans)
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
For the dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a less fatty version)
- 2 tbsp. sour cream
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves of garlic, grated or pressed through a press
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to prepare:
- Prepare the broccoli. Cut into small pieces, you can crush it with your hands to help it absorb the dressing.
- Fry the bacon and nuts. Allow them to cool slightly before adding them to the salad.
- Prepare the dressing. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, cheese, salt and pepper.
- Mix everything together. Combine the broccoli, bacon, cheese, nuts and onions in a deep bowl, pour over the dressing and mix well.
- Refrigerate before serving.
This salad is perfect with baked chicken breast, roasted salmon, keto garlic buns on almond flour or even scrambled eggs. You can top it with avocado or chunks of grilled halloumi cheese to make it even more nutritious.
8. Broccoli Salad with Apples, Walnuts, and a Maple Dressing
The combination of sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy broccoli in this salad creates an incredibly rich flavor, while the maple dressing adds a subtle caramel note.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped
- 1 large apple, diced (sweet and sour is best, such as Granny Smith)
- ½ cup walnuts, lightly toasted
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled
For the dressing:
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp. maple syrup
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- A pinch of salt and pepper
How to prepare:
- Slice the broccoli and apples. To prevent the apples from darkening, splash them with lemon juice.
- Add the walnuts, cranberries and feta. Stir.
- Make the dressing. Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, salt and pepper.
- Mix all ingredients together. Pour over the dressing, mix well.
- Let stand for 15 minutes.
The salad goes well with roasted turkey, chicken with honey-mustard sauce or roast pork. Looks great on a serving wooden board, can be garnished with additional apple slices and nuts.
9. Chopped Broccoli Salad with a Sweet and Savory Raisin Mix
The sweetness of the raisins and honey blend perfectly with the tangy dressing, while the crunchy nuts add depth of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups finely chopped broccoli
- ½ cup golden raisins
- ⅓ cup toasted almonds or cashews
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup grated cheddar
For the dressing:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to prepare:
- Chop the broccoli as finely as possible.
- Add the raisins, nuts, onions and cheese.
- Prepare the dressing. Whisk together yogurt, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt and pepper.
- Mix all ingredients together. Pour over the dressing and mix thoroughly.
- Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving.
This salad should be served chilled to allow the dressing to soak in and the flavors to fully develop. It is perfect as a side dish for roasted chicken, turkey or even duck. It also goes well with fish, especially grilled salmon or baked cod.
10. Classic Broccoli Salad with Grapes and a Poppy Seed Dressing
In this salad, the combination of sweet grapes, crisp broccoli, salty bacon and a delicate poppy seed dressing makes for an incredibly delicious salad.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup grapes cut in half (red or green)
- ½ cup toasted almonds (or pecans)
- ½ cup bacon, fried and sliced
- ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled
For the poppyseed dressing:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a richer flavor)
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. poppy seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to prepare:
- Prepare the broccoli. Cut into small pieces, you can crush it lightly with your hands for a softer texture.
- Mix all ingredients. Combine the grapes, nuts, bacon, onion and feta in a deep bowl.
- Prepare the dressing. Whisk together yogurt, vinegar, honey, mustard, poppy seeds, salt and pepper.
- Mix into the salad. Pour over the dressing, mix well and let stand for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
The salad goes well with roasted chicken, turkey or pork, it can also be served with grilled fish or as a stand-alone dish, topped with crispy crackers or toasted slices.
11. Asian salad with broccoli, sesame seeds and a spicy soy-ginger dressing
This salad is inspired by Asian cuisine – it’s light, yet rich in flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli, cut into small pieces
- ½ cup carrots, grated or cut into thin strips
- ⅓ cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced.
- ⅓ cup cashews or almonds, lightly toasted
- 2 tbsp. sesame seeds
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced into rings
For the soy-ginger dressing:
- 3 tbsp. soy sauce
- 2 tbsp. rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp. sesame oil
- 1 tsp. grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp. honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
How to prepare:
- Slice the broccoli and prepare the vegetables. Broccoli is best chopped very finely or mashed slightly with your hands.
- Roast the walnuts and sesame seeds. Brown the cashews and sesame seeds in a dry pan to enhance their flavor.
- Prepare the dressing. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, honey, mustard, garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Mix the salad together. Combine all ingredients in a deep bowl, pour over the dressing and mix well.
- Refrigerate before serving. Let the salad stand in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let all the flavors unfold.
This salad is great as a main course or side dish with chicken, fish or even noodles.
12. Quick and Easy Broccoli Salad with an Italian Twist
A true Italian classic in an easy version! Fresh vegetables, tender mozzarella and a flavorful basil dressing – just perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- ½ cup mozzarella mini balls (or grated mozzarella)
- ⅓ cup black olives, sliced into rings
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crispy croutons (optional)
For the dressing:
- 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp. dried basil (or fresh, finely chopped)
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to prepare:
- Slice the broccoli. The smaller the pieces, the richer the flavor will be.
- Add the tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, onions and croutons. Mix everything well in a deep bowl.
- Prepare the dressing. Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, basil, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Mix into the salad. Pour over the dressing, stir and let stand for 10-15 minutes.
As a light side dish or on its own, this salad is best served on a large serving plate, like this handy ceramic plate on Amazon, which will emphasize the Mediterranean style of the salad.
Look for your perfect balance
As you can see, broccoli is a truly versatile vegetable that can be the base for a wide variety of salads. Love light and fresh flavors? Try it out and find your perfect balance of sweet and savory, spicy and salty.
What are your favorite recipes? Or maybe you have your own favorite broccoli salad variations? Share in the comments and let’s exchange ideas.
