If there’s one dish that always steals the spotlight at picnics and potlucks, it’s Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. This vibrant salad brings together crisp broccoli florets, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, a hint of red onion, and the irresistible sweetness of dried cranberries, all blanketed in a luscious, tangy-sweet dressing. Whether you’re looking for a make-ahead lunch, a refreshing dinner side, or a crave-worthy potluck hero, this salad is a guaranteed hit. The best part? It’s all about big flavors and textures in every bite—you won’t believe how something so easy to toss together can be so satisfying.

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients really shine here, with each one offering a burst of color, taste, or crunch to our Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need—and why you won’t want to skip a single thing!

Broccoli florets: The hearty, crunchy foundation that holds all the tasty bits together; chop into bite-sized pieces for best texture.
Bacon: Adds smoky, savory depth—you can use regular or thick-cut, just make sure it’s cooked until crisp!
Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and a creamy finish; feel free to use mild or sharp cheddar according to your taste.
Red onion: Provides a pop of color and a bite of just-right zing in every forkful.
Dried cranberries: These gems add bright, chewy sweetness that perfectly balances the savory flavors.
Sunflower seeds: For extra crunch and a subtle nutty note that makes the salad irresistible.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that ties the dressing together—use real mayo for fullest flavor.
Sour cream: Adds extra tang (Greek yogurt is a great lighter option if you want to mix things up).
Apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the creaminess with just the right dose of acidity and brightness.
Honey: Balances out the tanginess and saltiness for a perfectly rounded finish.
Salt: Enhances every single flavor—don’t skip this tiny ingredient!
Black pepper: A finishing touch for just a hint of fresh peppery bite.

How to Make Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli and Ingredients

Start by chopping your fresh broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces—this ensures every forkful gets the perfect balance of flavor and crunch. Cook your bacon until it’s golden and crispy, then crumble it once cooled. Finely dice your red onion and shred your cheddar if you haven’t already. Lay everything out so you’re ready to build your salad with no last-minute scrambling!

Step 2: Mix the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped broccoli, those irresistible bacon crumbles, vibrant shredded cheddar, finely diced red onion, sweet dried cranberries, and crispy sunflower seeds. This is where all those colors and textures come together to promise a salad that’s anything but boring.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and glossy. This creamy dressing transforms the ordinary into the unforgettable—it’s the secret that pulls all the flavors into one happy bowl.

Step 4: Toss and Chill

Pour the dressing over your salad base and toss until every crunchy piece is generously coated. Don’t rush this step; take your time so every bite gets a perfect slick of that creamy, tangy-sweet goodness. Once mixed, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This brief chill gives the flavors a chance to mingle and develop, making the Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Just before serving, give your salad a quick toss to refresh and redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled, and get ready for rave reviews—this dish disappears fast!

How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Garnishes

For that finishing touch, sprinkle a few extra sunflower seeds or bits of bacon just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a gorgeous green pop and extra flavor. These simple garnishes help your Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing look and taste even more inviting!

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, or fresh summer sandwiches. It’s right at home among a spread of other picnic classics—think potato salad, deviled eggs, and fruit salad—or as a bright counterpoint to richer mains like pulled pork or fried chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-ready presentation, try serving Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing in individual mason jars or small cups—perfect for grab-and-go portions. You can also layer it in a clear trifle dish for maximum color wow-factor, or use lettuce leaves as “boats” for a fun finger food alternative at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing keeps surprisingly well! Just transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor only gets better as the ingredients soak up more of that dreamy dressing, though the bacon may lose a bit of its initial crunch.

Freezing

This salad isn’t a candidate for the freezer—fresh veggies and creamy dressings don’t love to be frozen and thawed, as the texture turns a bit watery and the broccoli becomes mushy. For best results, stick to enjoying it fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

No reheating needed—Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing is best served cold and refreshing! In fact, a quick stir from the fridge is all it takes to revive it. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it several hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to meld and intensify. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. If possible, hold off on topping with extra bacon or sunflower seeds until right before serving to maintain the crunch.

How do I make this salad lighter?

For a lighter twist, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream, or even swap Greek yogurt for part of the mayo in the dressing. The result is still creamy and tangy, but with a boost of protein and a little less fat!

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Fresh broccoli is highly recommended for the best crunch and color. If you must use frozen broccoli, thaw it thoroughly and pat it dry really well. Keep in mind, the texture won’t be quite as crisp.

What other mix-ins can I try?

Feel free to get creative! Toasted almonds, chopped walnuts, sliced grapes, or even diced apples all play well with the classic flavors of Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Just be careful not to overload it, so the dressing can shine.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing is naturally gluten-free as written—just double-check that your bacon and other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be surprised if Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing becomes an instant classic in your kitchen. There’s just something magical about the way the creamy dressing, sweet cranberries, smoky bacon, and crisp veggies mingle—it’s irresistible every time. Give it a whirl for your next gathering or weeknight treat, and watch it disappear!

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing is a delightful combination of fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, tangy cheddar cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds tossed in a creamy, flavorful dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for potlucks, picnics, or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Salad:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup sunflower seeds

Creamy Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Main Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.

Creamy Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve chilled.

Notes

For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and part of the mayonnaise.
You can make this salad a day ahead; it tastes even better the next day.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American