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Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe

If you are looking for a summer side dish that is slightly healthier than the typical potato or pasta salad, this creamy broccoli salad recipe is perfect for you! It is just the right mix of sweet, salty & tangy and combines some of my favorite foods!

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I’m not going to lie, I love all of the classic summer BBQ side dishes that you would normally have each year. Luckily, we all love this salad so much that it has become one of our go-to recipes for most BBQ’s!

What You Will Need

fresh broccoli florets

dried cranberries

red onion

bacon

walnuts

cheddar cheese

scallions

mayonnaise

white vinegar

sugar

salt & pepper

For this recipe, I prefer to use regular Hellmann’s mayonnaise but you could use Miracle Whip, vegenaise or whatever mayonnaise alternative you prefer.

Looking to make it even healthier? You could also substitute plain Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise in the recipe!

Mixing the dressing first gives the sugar time to dissolve. The dressing is better if made at least one hour prior to serving.

For another delicious side dish, try out my Pesto Pasta Salad recipe!

Make sure that your broccoli is nice and fresh! Crisp, fresh broccoli is the star of the show and should be washed really well and cut into bite-sized pieces.

I normally use either chopped walnuts or pecans for this recipe but almonds, pepitas or even sunflower seeds would also work really well.

Using diced sharp cheddar provides the perfect little bite of cheese but shredded cheddar is also delicious in this recipe.

How to Make

In small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt & pepper. Set aside.

In large bowl, combine broccoli florets, dried cranberries, walnuts, scallions, cheddar cheese, bacon & red onion.

Pour sauce over salad ingredients. Stir to combine.

Cover & refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Enjoy!

Allow the salad to sit (covered & refrigerated) for an hour prior to serving to allow all of the flavors to come together.

This salad will keep for up to two days in the refrigerator and the leftovers are just as delicious!

I hope you enjoy this delicious creamy broccoli salad recipe!

Print

Broccoli Salad

Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people

Ingredients

  • 6 cups broccoli florets
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • cup red onion, chopped
  • cup cooked, chopped bacon (approximately 6 slices)
  • cup walnuts, chopped
  • cup cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 2 tbsp. scallion greens, sliced
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp. white vinegar
  • 3 tbsp. sugar
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. ground black pepper

Instructions

  • In small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt & pepper. Set aside.
  • In large bowl, combine broccoli, dried cranberries, walnuts, scallions, cheddar cheese, bacon & onion.
  • Pour sauce over salad ingredients. Stir to combine.
  • Cover & refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
  • Enjoy!
Luriaco

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