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    You are here: Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Salad / Easy Broccoli Salad

    Easy Broccoli Salad

    Published: Mar 7, 2020 · Modified: Jul 25, 2022 by Anna 24 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    This easy Broccoli Salad is made with fresh broccoli florets, slivered almonds, dried cranberries, red onion and celery tossed in a light creamy dressing, perfect for holidays and potlucks.

    Broccoli can be turned into many delicious dishes, like this salad. You may also like my  Roasted Broccoli, my perfect Steamed Broccoli and my Creamy Broccoli with Bacon.

    Easy Broccoli Salad in a white bowl.

    Creamy Broccoli Salad is one of our favorite dishes made with this green vegetable. It's easy, delicious and perfect for holiday dinners (especially when you are assigned with bringing a side dish), weekend dinners, summer BBQ and potlucks. You will love the creamy dressing that is not loaded with mayo but lightened up with natural sour cream and honey in place of sugar.

    Ingredients (your shopping list)

    • fresh broccoli
    • dried cranberries or raisins
    • slivered almonds
    • red onion
    • celery
    • bacon
    • mayonnaise
    • sour cream
    • apple cider vinegar
    • lemon juice
    • honey
    • salt and pepper

    Instructions

    • Cut fresh broccoli head into florets. Slice the big florets in half, to make each piece bite size.
    • Chop red onion and celery.
    • Place all vegetables in a large bowl. Add dried cranberries or raisins and slivered almonds.
    • Next, make the dressing. In a measuring cup, whisk together natural sour cream, mayo, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper and dried dill, if desired.
    • Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat.
    broccoli, dried cranberries, almond, celery and red onion in a bowl

    No mayo dressing

    Mayonnaise dressing is the classic option for a broccoli salad. However, it is quite simple to skip it and still make a creamy dressing. Use natural sour cream or Greek yogurt as they have a creamy consistency and are not as thick as regular sour cream. Add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, honey and salt and pepper. You can also decrease the amount of mayo to 2 tablespoons (like I did in this recipe) and use mostly natural sour cream.

    Storing

    If you have leftovers of this salad (as in the dressing is mixed in with the veggies), you can keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. If keeping the salad and dressing separately, it will last up to 4 days.

    creamy broccoli salad on plate

    Can I make it a day ahead?

    Absolutely! Save time and make the salad and the dressing and keep both separate and mix in until ready to serve OR toss it all together, cover the salad bowl with saran wrap and chill to serve the next day. My Hubby likes when the salad has the time to chill and the flavors mix together before eating.

    More salad recipes:

    • Greek Salmon Salad
    • Cucumber Tomato Salad
    • Black Bean Taco Salad
    • Perfect Caesar Salad
    • Creamy Coleslaw
    • Chickpea Quinoa Salad

    For more recipes, browse our Salad category.

    If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment! 😀

    Easy Broccoli Salad in a white bowl.

    Easy Broccoli Salad

    Author: Anna
    Fresh broccoli florets, slivered almonds, dried cranberries, red onion and celery tossed in light creamy dressing, perfect for holidays and potlucks.
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine American
    Servings 5 people
    Calories 233 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    for the salad:

    • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
    • 1/2 medium red onion
    • 3 celery ribs
    • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
    • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
    • 2 slices bacon I used turkey

    for the dressing:

    • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
    • 1/2 cup natural sour cream or Greek yogurt
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Chop bacon and cook in skillet until crispy. Remove from skillet onto paper towel lined plate to grain grease. 
    • Place broccoli florets, chopped red onion, chopped celery, almonds and dried cranberries in a large bowl. Add bacon.
    • In a measuring cup, whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper. Pour over salad and toss gently to coat.

    Notes

    • If you don't have dried cranberries, use raisins. If you don't have or like celery, use Granny Smith apple. If you don't have natural sour cream on hand, you can use store-bought Ranch dressing.
    • To make ahead: store salad and dressing separate. It will last up to 4 days in the fridge. If you have leftovers: store in a bowl, covered with saran wrap, up to 2 days in the fridge.
    • I used turkey bacon because it's lower in fat than regular bacon. Chopping it before cooking saves on time. You can use regular bacon, if desired. 
    • Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 378mg | Potassium: 430mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 560IU | Vitamin C: 68.8mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

    This recipe was originally published on March 21st, 2018 and updated on March 7th, 2020.

    More Salad Recipes

    • Chickpea Quinoa Salad
    • Olive Garden Salad Dressing
    • Homemade Ranch Dressing and Dip
    • Leftover Turkey Salad

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Shirley S McCurry says

      March 26, 2021 at 7:00 pm

      5 stars
      Really liked our first serving of this salad and can hardly wait for more! I added some sunflower seeds and chopped pecans because I was out of slivered almonds. These work too!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        March 26, 2021 at 10:36 pm

        Thank you, Shirley! I love your addition of nuts and seeds!

        Reply
    2. Krissy Allori says

      March 08, 2020 at 6:39 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my go to recipes for any summer picnic. It's always a hit with everyone.

      Reply
    3. wilhelmina says

      March 08, 2020 at 1:23 pm

      5 stars
      This salad has the perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, sweet! It's a perfect cookout side dish!

      Reply
    4. Katie says

      March 07, 2020 at 6:18 pm

      5 stars
      Looks so good! I know my family would go nuts over this.

      Reply
    5. Sara Welch says

      March 07, 2020 at 5:04 pm

      5 stars
      Perfectly light and creamy with just the right amount of crunch! Was just what I needed for lunch today; so delicious!

      Reply
    6. Billy says

      October 18, 2019 at 6:21 am

      5 stars
      Seriously LOVE this broccoli salad and the combo of flavors. It is my absolute go to salad to bring to family get togethers.

      Reply
    7. Stephanie says

      October 17, 2019 at 10:25 pm

      5 stars
      I love the grapes you added in this broccoli salad! Such a great idea.

      Reply
    8. Sara Welch says

      October 17, 2019 at 10:13 pm

      5 stars
      What a perfectly flavorful and crunchy salad! This made the best lunch this afternoon; can't wait to serve it as a side salad with Thanksgiving dinner!

      Reply
    9. Julie Blanner says

      October 17, 2019 at 7:35 pm

      5 stars
      This salad is amazing! I love all the textures in it, and it was a hit at the potluck I brought it too!

      Reply
    10. Kristyn says

      October 17, 2019 at 1:49 pm

      5 stars
      Broccoli salad is one of the easiest & tastiest side dishes! I love all the ingredients combined with the dressing.

      Reply
    11. Barbara says

      April 13, 2019 at 11:21 am

      Wonderful recipe, a favourite of my family. I make large batches of salad and dressing separately for family gathering in the summer and dress it just before serving. Always so popular. Thank you for reposting. Love your web site, always look forward to seeing it. B

      Reply
    12. Sandra says

      March 26, 2018 at 9:11 am

      5 stars
      What a gorgeous and flavorful salad! Love all those colors!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        March 26, 2018 at 11:10 pm

        Thank you, Sandra!

        Reply
    13. Dee says

      March 24, 2018 at 2:29 am

      5 stars
      I love how bright and colorful this is. Perfect for our Easter menu!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        March 26, 2018 at 11:11 pm

        Thank you, Dee!

        Reply
    14. Amy says

      March 23, 2018 at 8:21 am

      Summer BBQ's just got way better!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        March 23, 2018 at 11:08 am

        Thank you, Amy!

        Reply
    15. Abeer says

      March 22, 2018 at 11:19 am

      I love salads very much! I would love to try your recipe!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        March 23, 2018 at 11:12 am

        I hope you love it!

        Reply
    16. Miryam says

      March 22, 2018 at 8:06 am

      This is totally up my alley. The perfect salad recipe! Love broccoli.

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        March 23, 2018 at 11:12 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    17. Jen says

      March 21, 2018 at 11:36 pm

      I don't think I need to worry about leftovers with this salad! It'll be gone in a pinch!!

      Reply
    18. Dorothy says

      March 21, 2018 at 9:09 pm

      I have always used mayo in my broccoli salads. I can't wait to try your alternate dressing choices!

      Reply

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