The Best Crunchy Broccoli Salad
This is the best broccoli salad recipe! It’s an upgraded version of the classic broccoli salad made with cauliflower, sunflower seeds, crispy bacon and golden raisins.
Looking for the perfect summer salad? It’s right here! This is my favorite broccoli salad recipe because it’s an upgraded version of classic broccoli salad with cauliflower included!
In this easy broccoli salad recipe, I use salty bacon, sunflower seeds and juicy golden raisins to enhance the crunchy vegetables in this recipe.
I like to make this bacon broccoli salad recipe for summer picnics. It’s a classic side dish and pairs perfectly with anything you grill! When I have leftovers, I will often eat it for lunch as my main dish. Broccoli is full of protein and fiber, and quite filling.
For this creamy broccoli salad, I use a mayonnaise-based dressing. So, it’s quite important to use a high-quality mayonnaise. You can absolutely use light mayonnaise, but I would not recommend using Miracle Whip due to its use of less healthy oils and added sugars.
Looking for other delicious side dish recipes? Check out all of the side dish recipes on Blackberry Babe.
Recipe Substitutions:
- Instead of white vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar.
- Substitute plain Greek yogurt for the mayo in the creamy dressing.
- Instead of the crunchy sunflower seeds, used chopped pecans or slivered almonds. Walnuts would also work!
- Instead of broccoli and cauliflower florets, consider using shredded broccoli slaw!
- Instead of cooking up bacon strips, you can choose to use real bacon bits to save a bit of time.
- Instead of the white sugar in the dressing, try maple syrup or honey!
- If you have leftover broccoli stem, this is actually a great way to use it up! Just dice it into bite sized pieces.
Classic Broccoli Salad Recipe Additions
I think this is the perfect salad just as it is, but there are several additions you can make to suit your personal preferences. Here are few suggestions:
- diced green onion
- shredded or cubed cheddar cheese
- goat cheese
- dried cranberries
Serving Suggestions
I think this broccoli salad is the perfect side dish! It’s a wonderful side salad for any summer bbq or potluck.
Serve with grilled chicken, air fryer chicken wings, or Barbecued Pork Steaks!
Storing Leftover Broccoli Salad
Have leftover broccoli salad? No problem! Store leftover broccoli bacon salad in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
I hope you love this classic broccoli salad recipe with cauliflower! If you make it, I’d love to hear how it went in the comments below.
The Best Crunchy Broccoli Salad (Classic Recipe)
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients:
- ½ pound bacon, cooked and diced
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, roughly chopped, raw
- 3 cups cauliflower, diced, raw
- 1 small white or red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup raisins, I prefer golden raisins, look for them in your bulk foods section
- ⅓ cup unsalted sunflower seeds
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine raw broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, raisins and sunflower seeds. Toss to combine.
- In a smaller bowl, make the dressing. add mayonnaise, sugar and white vinegar. Whisk until well combined.
- Add mayonnaise dressing to broccoli mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Keep covered in refrigerator when not serving.
Notes
Love this easy Amish Broccoli Salad? Try my family’s long-time favorite Classic Country Cole Slaw, or my personal favorite Blackberry Crumble Dump Cake.
This is so easy and so delicious. Perfect with my my grilled chicken.
Thank you Amy!
This was a huge hit at our family picnic thank you!
This recipe changed since you originally posted it! I went to make it today and realized that it was completely different. I’m so sad!
Jen, I am so sorry! I put the cranberry/apple/maple broccoli salad recipe into draft mode to update the photos, and then totally forgot to re-publish it! A big goof on my part. It’s here if you need it: https://blackberrybabe.com/2025/04/21/broccoli-cranberry-salad-with-apples-and-maple-dressing/. Sorry again for the trouble!
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I like to parboil the veggies and chop them up a bit more so it’s easier to eat for seniors.
Great tip! It’s definitely a crunchy salad.
Looks fantastic but 1/2 cup sugar? Really?
Yes, really! It’s a very sweet, coleslaw style dressing and this makes a big batch. You are of course welcome to use less and see if it still tastes good!
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I am so excited to try this!! i looovvveeee brocolli salad!!!!!! yay!!!!
You will love it! I’ve made a bajillion times at this point. I love the bring the leftovers for lunch, it’s actually SUPER filling!
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I am always the one to bring healthier dishes to BBQ’s and this update to the classic broccoli salad is just what I need to make this summer!
I’m that person too. Although I also always bring something sweet. Moderation!
I love this!! I ate some sort of similar salad without cauliflower at my friend’s place and loved loved it! Here I am loving the idea of adding cauliflower!! Looks so delish!
I love the savory sweet flavor combo! Looks perfect for summer picnics!
Love to have a variety of salad recipes for the summer – this one looks great!
I love cool vegetable salads in the summer. So many wonderful ingredients. This one is a keeper!
Oh yum! This salad looks like it has so much flavor! So unique!
This salad looks amazing! I am a big salad lover, but my husband is not, so I find I am not eating it as often as I like. These simple recipes will keep you away from the diners in town 🙂
Yes! You can only eat so many reubens for lunch before having to size up. 😉 Thanks Kacey!