Easy Broccoli Salad – Quick, Crunchy, and Crowd-Pleasing

There’s something comforting about a classic salad that doesn’t require hours of chopping, mixing, or fancy ingredients. This Easy Broccoli Salad has been a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and weeknight dinners for as long as I can remember. The combination of fresh, crunchy broccoli with sweet, creamy dressing, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon makes every bite a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. It’s the kind of recipe you can pull together in minutes and still get raving reviews from everyone around the table.

I first discovered broccoli salad at a summer picnic decades ago, and it quickly became my go-to side dish. The freshness of raw broccoli combined with the richness of creamy dressing and the savory crunch of bacon is a combination that hits all the right notes. Unlike complicated recipes, this one is forgiving—you can tweak it to suit your taste by adding more cheese, extra bacon, or even a handful of sunflower seeds for a little crunch. It’s flexible, simple, and impossible not to love.

What makes this broccoli salad so appealing is its ease and versatility. You don’t have to cook anything beyond the bacon, and if you use pre-cooked bacon, the prep is literally just chopping and mixing. The salad can sit in the fridge for a few hours, letting the flavors meld together, so it’s perfect for meal prep or last-minute gatherings. It’s also a hit with both adults and kids, which is rare for a dish centered around vegetables!

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Easy Broccoli Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 12 ounce bags of raw broccoli

• 1/2 cup of red onion chopped

• 1 cup of mild cheddar cheese shredded

• 1/2 cup of cooked bacon chopped

• 1 cup of creamy coleslaw dressing

Instructions:

Here is the super easy part, in large bowl combine all ingredients, mix well and chill in fridge for 2 hours and your done! The best thing about this easy broccoli salad is you can add more dressing, more cheese, etc.

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Tips and Possible Variations

• Extra Crunch: Add sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or chopped pecans for an additional layer of texture.

• Cheese Options: Mild cheddar is classic, but you can try sharp cheddar or even pepper jack for a little kick.

• Dressing Tweaks: If you like it tangy, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing. Some people like to mix in a tablespoon of sugar or honey for extra sweetness.

• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use roasted chickpeas or toasted nuts for crunch and protein.

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Serving Ideas and Occasions

This broccoli salad is a perfect side dish for nearly any meal. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches for a weeknight dinner. It’s also a hit at potlucks, picnics, and holiday gatherings because it can be made ahead of time and tastes even better after chilling in the fridge. The combination of fresh broccoli, creamy dressing, and melty cheddar makes it a crowd-pleaser, and the bacon adds just the right amount of indulgence.

It’s also a great option for meal prep. Make a big batch at the beginning of the week, and you have a ready-to-go side dish for lunches or dinners. The salad keeps its crunch if you store it properly, and you can adjust the dressing as you go so it’s never too dry or too heavy.

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Storage Tips

Store broccoli salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to make it a day ahead, the flavors will meld even more, but it’s best to add bacon last-minute if you want it to stay crispy. You can also pack it in individual containers for lunches or portion it out for parties. Avoid freezing, as the broccoli and dressing texture may not hold up well.

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FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: It’s best to use raw, fresh broccoli for this salad to maintain its crunch. Frozen broccoli tends to release water and make the salad soggy.

Q: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: Yes! Use a dairy-free cheese and a vegan coleslaw-style dressing. Skip the bacon or replace with smoked tempeh or roasted nuts.

Q: Can I adjust the amount of dressing?
A: Absolutely. Some like it lightly coated, while others prefer it creamy and indulgent. Start with the suggested amount and add more to taste.

Q: How long should I chill the salad?
A: At least 2 hours, though chilling it overnight helps the flavors meld beautifully.