Some recipes come and go, but this broccoli salad recipe? It’s been sticking around for decades—like that old friend who always brings the best stories (and never overstays their welcome). No one remembers exactly where it came from, but one thing’s for sure—people can’t stop asking for the recipe. Crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, sweet golden raisins, and a tangy homemade dressing? Yes, please! Whether it’s a potluck, a BBQ, or just a regular Tuesday night, this broccoli salad recipe is so good, you just might want to call it your own.

Sure, this broccoli salad recipe is delicious, but it’s nutritious, too. Broccoli isn’t just a crunchy, green addition to your plate; it’s loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, plus minerals like calcium and iron. This powerhouse veggie supports your immune system, promotes heart health, and even boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

One of broccoli’s superstar compounds is sulforaphane, a bioactive chemical linked to reducing inflammation and protecting against chronic diseases. Pair that with protein-packed bacon, fiber-rich raisins, and a tangy homemade dressing, and you’ve got a dish that’s as good for you as it is crave-worthy.

So whether you’re sharing this at a gathering or just treating yourself to a flavorful side, one thing’s for sure—this is a broccoli salad recipe worth keeping.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

This broccoli salad recipe is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:

Broccoli: Fresh is best for a crisp texture, but if you’re in a pinch, blanched frozen broccoli can work. Just drain it well to avoid a watery salad.
Golden Raisins: These add a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy dressing. No raisins? Try dried cranberries or chopped dates for a similar effect.
Red Onion: Milder than yellow or white onions, red onion gives a little bite without overpowering the dish. Soaking chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes can mellow the sharpness if needed.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that ties everything together. For a lighter version, swap in Greek yogurt or a mix of mayo and sour cream.
Apple Cider Vinegar: The tang that wakes up all the flavors! White vinegar or lemon juice will do in a pinch.
Sugar: Just enough to balance the acidity. You can cut back if you prefer or use honey.
Black Pepper: A little kick that ties all the flavors together.
Bacon: Smoky, salty, and a must-have in my book. If you need a substitute, try turkey bacon or crispy prosciutto.
Slivered Almonds: Adds crunch and a bit of nuttiness. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped pecans work well if you need a nut-free alternative.

How to Make Broccoli Salad in Minutes

This broccoli salad comes together faster than you can say, “Why don’t I make this more often?” Start by tossing your chopped broccoli, sweet golden raisins, and diced onion into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk up the dressing—mayonnaise, vinegar, a touch of sugar, and a sprinkle of pepper—until smooth and creamy. Pour it over the broccoli mixture and give everything a good toss.

Now, let it chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This gives the flavors time to mingle. Just before serving, stir in the crispy bacon and sunflower seeds for that irresistible crunch. And that’s it! Fresh, flavorful, and ready to steal the show at your next meal.

MORE: Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Copycat Recipe: Easy, Creamy & Delicious

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best things about this broccoli salad recipe (besides how ridiculously delicious it is) is that it actually gets better as it sits. If you’re prepping ahead for a party or just thinking ahead for the week, you’re in luck—this salad is a mealprepper’s dream.

For best results, make the salad up to 24 hours in advance, but hold off on adding the bacon and sunflower seeds until just before serving. This keeps them crispy instead of letting them turn sad and soggy. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a quick toss before serving to make sure all the flavors are evenly distributed.

Got leftovers? No problem! This salad keeps well for up to 3 days, though you may want to add a little extra dressing if the broccoli soaks up too much. And if you’re wondering whether it freezes well—nope! Raw broccoli loses its crunch after thawing, so it’s best to enjoy this one fresh.

best broccoli salad recipe in a bowl raisins almonds bacon

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5 from 2 votes

Mary's Famous Broccoli Salad

This is one of those recipes that’s been around for so long, no one remembers exactly where it came from—but one thing’s for sure: it never sticks around long at a party. It’s crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory, all in one bite. Feel free to claim it as your own—I won’t tell.

Prep Time15

Chill Time (optional, but recommended)30

Total Time45

Course: Salad, Side Dish, vegetable

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 535kcal

Ingredients

5 cups chopped fresh broccoli bite-sized pieces
½ cup golden raisins
¼ cup chopped red onion
1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon black pepper
12 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
¾ cup slivered almonds or other nuts

Instructions

In a large bowl, toss together the chopped broccoli, raisins, and red onion.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and black pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (if you have the time—this helps the flavors meld).
Just before serving, stir in the crumbled bacon and slivered almonds for the perfect crunch.

Notes

Make it ahead: This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, but don’t mix in the bacon and nuts until just before serving.
No golden raisins? Regular raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates work just as well.
Need a lighter version? Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt, and use turkey bacon instead of regular.
Nut-free option: Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great alternatives.

Nutrition

Question: What’s the one dish you bring to every potluck that people always ask you for the recipe? Let’s hear your go-to crowd-pleasers in the comments below.

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Please keep your comments positive, encouraging, helpful, brief,
and on-topic in keeping with EC Commenting Guidelines

Ann says:

March 15, 2025 at 3:59 pm

Was going through the Broccoli Salad article, very good, and remembered a different broccoli salad recipe.
2-3 heads of broccoli cooked chopped
1bunch green onions
Several cherry tomatoes sliced in half
Ranch dressing

Susan Warren says:

March 10, 2025 at 11:11 am

I am giving this delicious recipe 5 stars now just because I could taste it as I read the wholesome ingredients AND how easy this dish comes together. Thank you for sharing! Richmond, VA

kanzamom says:

March 10, 2025 at 11:03 am

Try broccoli and cauliflower.
Salty, sweet, crunch……mmmmm!

The Best Broccoli Salad Recipe (So Good, You’ll Want to Call It Your Own!)

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

How to Make Broccoli Salad in Minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips