Classic Broccoli Salad

This Classic Broccoli Salad is a fresh, flavorful side dish that always disappears fast at potlucks, cookouts, or dinner tables. Loaded with crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a creamy homemade dressing, this recipe is perfect for any season. It’s easy to make in just 20 minutes—and even better the next day!

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Salad

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep.
Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after chilling.
Crowd favorite: A go-to side dish for holidays, barbecues, and meal prep.
Balanced flavors: Smoky bacon, creamy dressing, tangy cranberries, and salty sunflower seeds come together beautifully.

Ingredients

8 slices bacon
5 cups broccoli florets (from 1 large head)
⅓ cup red onion, diced
½ cup dried unsweetened cranberries
½ cup sunflower seeds
¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup plain yogurt

Instructions

Cook the bacon: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper, lay out the bacon slices, and bake for 15–18 minutes until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool.
Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add broccoli, red onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and goat cheese. Once the bacon is cool, crumble it over the top.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and yogurt until smooth.
Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until evenly coated.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s a great side for grilled meats, burgers, sandwiches, or alongside your holiday spread. It also makes an excellent light lunch when paired with soup or a wrap.

Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad

Chop broccoli small: Bite-sized florets make it easier to eat and better for soaking up the dressing.
Customize the mix-ins: Try almonds or pecans instead of sunflower seeds, or swap goat cheese for feta or cheddar.
Make it ahead: This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. Just wait to add the bacon until serving for maximum crunch.
Lighten it up: Use all yogurt in place of mayo for a lighter version with extra protein.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 406 kcal
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Protein: 11 g
Fat: 34 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Cholesterol: 33 mg
Sodium: 379 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 10 g

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Final Thoughts

This Classic Broccoli Salad is the definition of simple comfort food. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or bringing a side to a gathering, this salad delivers bold flavor, great texture, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together. Save it, pin it, and make it often—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!