Get ready to make the best broccoli salad recipe, perfect for a side dish or for a pot-luck!
Cold salads are a go-to staple during the summer months, especially for grilling or cookouts. The best broccoli salad recipe is easy to make too, just a few simple ingredients and no cooking needed, plus it’s naturally gluten-free.
What does Broccoli Salad pair well with?
Broccoli Salad goes well with grilled meats, such as grilled chicken or beef. It’s a great option for a cookout with hamburgers, steaks, or hot dogs. This salad is usually a common side dish during the summer months at cookouts.
It’s also a great option paired with barbecue meats such as smoked bologna or brisket.
Can you make Broccoli Salad in advance?
Broccoli Salad is best when it’s chilled, so making it in advance is perfectly fine. It needs to be chilled for at least an hour before serving, but it’s good for up to 4 days in the fridge.
That means you can make it a day or two in advance and then it will be nice and chilled to serve.
Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep the vegetables fresh. If you know that you will be waiting several days to serve it, you can also store the vegetables separate from the dressing and then mix it just before serving.
Do you need to cook the broccoli first?
The broccoli does not need to be cooked prior to making this salad, simply trim up and wash the raw broccoli and add it to the mixture.
Tips for making the Best Broccoli Salad Recipe:
Be sure to use broccoli florets, and trim the stems, this will allow the tops of the broccoli to be the most prominent part of the salad.
It’s also necessary to use ‘cider vinegar’ do not substitute this for white vinegar or you will not yield the same result. As mentioned above, be sure to chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
The sunflower seeds need to be shelled, many times this is referred to as a sunflower nut.
This salad is meant to be served cold, the colder the better especially if you’ll have it sitting outside during a cookout or barbecue.
As always you can get creative by adding almonds to this recipe too, it’s up to you!
Let’s get started on the best broccoli salad recipe!
Enjoy!
If you enjoy this salad, be sure to check out this Three Bean Salad from More than Meat and Potatoes!
Broccoli Salad (Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
- 6 Cups Broccoli Florets Chopped
- 1/4 Cup Red Onions Thinly Sliced
- 1/2 Cup Cooked Bacon Chopped
- 1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries
- 1/4 Cup Sunflower Seeds Shelled
- 1/2 Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Cup Mayo
- 3 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Cider Vinegar
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, onion, bacon, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and cheddar cheese.
- In a small bowl whisk together the mayo, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss well to combine.
- Place in the fridge for 1 hour and toss together once more before serving.
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Comments & Reviews
This looks delicious. I will have to try this recipe.
oh so yummy I have made salads like this before and they are always a hit thanks for sharing
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You are right, salads like this are perfect side dishes for the summer. Can’t wait to try this one. #HomeMattersParty
LOVE this!!!! I omitted cider vinegar, salt, and sunflower seeds to keep the sodium content lower. This was extremely easy to make.( and it just might be my new favorite!)