The Ultimate Classic Broccoli Salad Recipe: A Creamy, Crunchy Crowd-Pleaser
There are certain recipes that simply define a gathering, and Broccoli Salad stands as a timeless classic among them. It’s that delightful, tried-and-true dish you can reliably find gracing tables at nearly every barbecue, picnic, or potluck. While more modern twists like an Asian Broccoli Slaw offer exciting flavors, there’s an undeniable charm and satisfaction that comes with this traditional, creamy broccoli salad. Its irresistible combination of crisp-tender broccoli, savory bacon, sharp cheese, and sweet-tangy dressing makes it a perennial favorite that consistently earns rave reviews and requests for the recipe.
The Enduring Appeal of Classic Broccoli Salad
This classic broccoli salad recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. It’s a supremely popular item to bring to any social event because it caters to a wide range of palates. The magic lies in its perfect balance of textures and tastes: the refreshing crunch of fresh broccoli florets, the irresistible salty crispness of crumbled bacon, the creamy richness of diced cheese, and the subtle bite of finely chopped onion. These vibrant components are all brought together by a lusciously smooth, sweet, and tangy dressing, featuring brown spicy mustard, dried dill, and vinegar. The harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and acidic notes ensures every spoonful is bursting with flavor, leaving everyone craving a second helping. It’s fresh, satisfying, and remarkably easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy hosts and potluck attendees alike.
RELATED: If you love a good classic side dish, you might also enjoy this recipe for Nana’s Macaroni Salad or our comforting Broccoli Casserole.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Broccoli Salad
Crafting this delicious broccoli salad requires just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients that combine to create its signature taste and texture. Each component plays a vital role:
- ½ lb Bacon: Cooked until crispy, then drained and finely diced. This adds a crucial smoky, salty, and savory crunch.
- ½ cup Monterey Jack Cheese: Diced into small cubes, this offers a mild, creamy, and slightly buttery counterpoint to the other ingredients. Cheddar or a Colby-Jack blend can also work beautifully.
- 1 medium Onion (about 1 cup), diced fine: Whether you choose a white or red onion, finely dicing it ensures its sharp flavor is evenly distributed without overpowering the salad. Red onion adds a beautiful pop of color.
- 1 pound Fresh Broccoli (about 3 ½ cups), chopped into florets: The star of the show! Fresh, crisp broccoli is essential. Ensure florets are cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating and optimal dressing coverage.
Crafting the Delicious Dressing
The dressing is what truly ties this classic broccoli salad together, infusing it with its signature sweet and tangy creaminess. It’s incredibly simple to whisk up, yet delivers complex flavors:
- ¼ cup Sugar: Provides the perfect touch of sweetness, balancing the savory and tangy notes.
- ⅓ cup Mayonnaise: Forms the rich, creamy base of the dressing. For a lighter version, you can opt for a reduced-fat mayonnaise.
- 1 tablespoon Brown Spicy Mustard: Adds a delightful zing and depth of flavor that elevates the dressing beyond a simple mayo base.
- 2 teaspoons White Wine Vinegar: Contributes a bright, acidic tang that cuts through the richness and enhances the overall freshness of the salad.
- ¼ teaspoon Dried Dill: Imparts a subtle, herbaceous note that pairs wonderfully with the broccoli and the creamy dressing.
- ⅛ teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper: A hint of pepper rounds out the flavors and adds a touch of warmth.
Essential Kitchen Tools
While this recipe is straightforward, having the right tools on hand can make the preparation process even smoother and more enjoyable:
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient quantities, especially for the dressing.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two – one for the dressing and a larger one for tossing the salad ingredients.
- Whisk: Indispensable for thoroughly combining the dressing ingredients into a smooth, emulsified mixture.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife is crucial for efficiently cutting broccoli florets, dicing bacon, cheese, and onion.
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface for all your chopping needs.
- Large serving bowl: For presenting your finished masterpiece.
Expert Tips for Broccoli Salad Success
Achieving the perfect broccoli salad is easy with a few simple techniques and considerations:
- Vinegar Variations: Don’t feel limited to white wine vinegar. Any flavorful vinegar can be substituted based on your preference. I’ve personally experimented with Tarragon vinegar for a more aromatic touch and rice wine vinegar for a slightly milder, sweeter acidity, and both have yielded delicious results. Apple cider vinegar can also provide a pleasant tang.
- The Importance of Chilling Time: One of the absolute keys to a truly exceptional broccoli salad is allowing sufficient time for the vegetables to marinate and soak up the dressing. If you serve it immediately after mixing, the dressing might sit at the bottom, and the flavors won’t be fully integrated. Chilling for at least 2-4 hours, or ideally overnight, allows the broccoli and other ingredients to absorb the dressing, tenderizing the broccoli slightly and deepening the overall flavor profile. This also ensures a perfectly chilled and refreshing salad.
- Calorie-Conscious Adjustments: If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count without sacrificing flavor, there are a few safe adjustments you can make. You can use less bacon or completely substitute it with leaner turkey bacon. Additionally, the sugar content can often be safely reduced by half, or you can opt for a natural sugar substitute if desired. Using a light mayonnaise is another excellent way to lighten the dressing.
- Broccoli Preparation: When cutting your broccoli, aim for uniform, bite-sized florets. This ensures even dressing distribution and a pleasant texture in every mouthful. Wash the broccoli thoroughly before chopping.
- Onion Mellowing: If you find raw onion too pungent, you can soak the diced onion in a bowl of cold water for about 10-15 minutes, then drain thoroughly before adding to the salad. This helps to mellow its sharpness.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: This broccoli salad is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Preparing it a day in advance actually enhances its flavor as the ingredients have more time to meld. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Classic Broccoli Salad
Follow these simple instructions to create your own irresistible broccoli salad:
- Prepare the Bacon: Begin by cooking your bacon until it is wonderfully crispy. This can be done in a skillet on the stovetop, baked in the oven, or even microwaved on paper towels. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. After it has cooled slightly, dice the crispy bacon into small pieces and set it aside. This step adds incredible flavor and texture.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: sugar, mayonnaise, brown spicy mustard, white wine vinegar, dried dill, and freshly ground pepper. Use a whisk to vigorously blend these ingredients together until the dressing is completely smooth and well-emulsified. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess if desired.
- Chop the Broccoli: Wash the head of fresh broccoli thoroughly. Trim off the tough stem and then cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Ensure the pieces are roughly uniform in size for consistent texture. Place the chopped broccoli florets into a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Main Ingredients: To the large bowl containing the broccoli, add the finely diced onion, the diced Monterey Jack cheese, and the crispy diced bacon that you prepared earlier.
- Dress and Toss: Pour the whisked dressing evenly over the broccoli, onion, cheese, and bacon mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently yet thoroughly toss all the ingredients together until every floret and piece is well coated with the creamy dressing. Ensure there are no dry spots.
- Chill to Perfection: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate the broccoli salad for a minimum of 2 hours. For optimal flavor development and to allow the broccoli to slightly soften and absorb the dressing, chilling it for 4 hours or even overnight is highly recommended. Serve chilled and enjoy!
This delicious classic broccoli salad is an absolute must-have for your next gathering, potluck, or even a simple family meal. Its robust flavors and satisfying crunch make it a versatile side that pairs well with virtually any main course, from grilled chicken and burgers to roasted meats. It’s also incredibly convenient for meal prepping, as it keeps beautifully in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing the flavors to deepen and mature over time. This makes it an excellent choice for a healthy, flavorful lunch throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Broccoli Salad
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this popular side dish:
- Can I use frozen broccoli? While fresh broccoli is highly recommended for its crisp texture, you can use frozen broccoli in a pinch. Thaw it completely and pat it very dry before adding to the salad to prevent a watery dressing. However, be aware that the texture may be softer than with fresh broccoli.
- How long does broccoli salad last in the refrigerator? When stored in an airtight container, classic broccoli salad can last for up to 5-7 days in the refrigerator. The flavors often improve over time!
- Can I make this salad dairy-free or vegetarian? Absolutely! To make it dairy-free, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based shredded cheese alternative. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and consider adding toasted nuts (like sunflower seeds or slivered almonds) for crunch and flavor, or even a smoky tempeh bacon.
- What other ingredients can I add? This salad is wonderfully adaptable! Consider adding:
- Dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
- Toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or slivered almonds for extra crunch.
- Shredded carrots for color and a hint of sweetness.
- Red bell pepper for additional crunch and visual appeal.
- Different cheeses like sharp cheddar or feta.
- Is it okay to use store-bought crumbled bacon? Yes, for convenience, store-bought pre-cooked crumbled bacon can be used. Just ensure it’s high quality to maintain the best flavor.
- What can I serve with broccoli salad? This salad is incredibly versatile! It pairs perfectly with grilled meats (chicken, steak, ribs), burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, wraps, pulled pork, or as part of a larger buffet spread.
Explore More Delightful Salad Recipes
Are you looking for more fantastic salad recipes like this classic broccoli salad to bring to your next potluck, BBQ, or family gathering? We’ve got a wonderful collection of crowd-pleasing options. Check out some of our favorites below for more fresh, flavorful ideas that are sure to impress!
- Easy Tuna Pasta Salad
- Classic Cucumber Salad
- Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes
- Simple & Savory Pea Salad
- Refreshing Vegetable Quinoa Salad
- Vibrant Corn and Chickpea Salad
- Spicy Cajun Chicken Salad
- Unique & Delicious Spaghetti Salad
- Sweet & Refreshing Watermelon Salad
Broccoli Salad
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- ½ lb bacon cooked then diced
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese diced
- 1 cup onion 1 medium onion, diced fine (white or red)
- 1 pound broccoli chopped into bite-sized florets (about 3 ½ cups)
Dressing
- ¼ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon brown spicy mustard
- 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Things You’ll Need
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk
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Chef’s knife
Before You Begin (Expert Tips)
- Any flavorful vinegar can be used in place of the white wine vinegar. I’ve also used Tarragon vinegar and rice wine vinegar and it’s always delicious.
- One of the keys to this broccoli salad is allowing time for the vegetables to soak up the dressing. If you serve it immediately, the vegetables may end up sitting in a pool of dressing.
- If you’d like to reduce the calorie count for this recipe, use less bacon or substitute with turkey bacon. You may also safely reduce the sugar by half.
Instructions
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Dice bacon, cook until crispy, drain well, and set aside.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, mayonnaise, brown spicy mustard, white wine vinegar, dried dill, and freshly ground pepper until smooth.
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Cut broccoli into bite-size pieces and place into a large bowl. Add the diced onion, Monterey Jack cheese, and the cooked bacon. Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss gently to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
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Cover the bowl and store in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours (or preferably overnight) until ready to serve.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published here on June 4, 2012