Broccoli is hands-down one of my favorite vegetables. I love it roasted, steamed, air fried — and especially in this Easy Broccoli Salad. It’s crunchy, creamy, and perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness.
This is one of those go-to side dishes that pairs with just about anything — from grilled steak to frozen pizza. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and full of fresh flavor.
The best part? This broccoli salad comes together with only three main ingredients plus a simple, creamy dressing. But don’t worry — I’ll share a few optional add-ins so you can make it your own.
🥗 Basic Broccoli Salad Formula
Broccoli Salad = Broccoli + Dried Cranberries + Sliced Almonds (all tossed in dressing).
That’s it! Simple, fresh, and delicious.
🌟 Ingredients
Base Salad
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 large heads or 600g)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
🥣 Directions
- Prepare the broccoli.
Wash and chop the broccoli into small bite-size florets. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, blanch the broccoli for 30 seconds in boiling water, then transfer to ice water to stop cooking. - Make the dressing.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, shallot, cayenne, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the salad.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until evenly coated. - Chill & serve.
Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
🥓 Optional Add-Ins
Want to make this salad your own? Try adding:
- Crispy bacon or bacon bits for a smoky crunch
- Sunflower seeds for extra nuttiness
- Chopped bell pepper for color and freshness
- Shredded cheddar cheese for creaminess
- Mini pepperoni slices for a fun twist
- Chopped hard-boiled eggs for added protein
💡 Tips for Success
- Keep it crunchy: Don’t overcook the broccoli — you want a crisp bite!
- Make ahead: This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This Easy Broccoli Salad is the perfect side dish for:
- Summer BBQs and potlucks
- Weeknight dinners
- Picnic lunches
- Holiday buffets
It’s fresh, colorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.
