The BEST Broccoli Salad I’ve ever had! Packed full of broccoli, bacon, grapes, almonds and tossed together with a creamy dressing, every bite is delicious! The perfect addition to any BBQ, party, or potluck! I could eat this by itself for lunch but love serving it with the grilled chicken made with my favorite Chicken Marinade and Ambrosia Salad for dessert!
Broccoli Salad
I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to share my mom’s broccoli salad recipe here but the day has FINALLY come. We went over to our friend’s house this weekend for a barbecue and I was asked to bring dessert and a salad.
I immediately thought of this one. It’s always such a big hit and my mom brought this to almost every family gathering. It was requested ALL THE TIME.
Now, I have had SO many different types of broccoli salads over the years but this one is BY FAR my favorite. And don’t think it’s because I’m biased because it’s my mom’s 🙂 It is by far the best broccoli recipe that I make and it’s the most frequently requested by friends and family.
Does the Broccoli Need to Be Blanched?
I never cook the broccoli before making this salad. If you want to, it’s really easy and only adds a few minutes to the prep time.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the broccoli to the water and cook for 1 minute.
- Immediately drain the broccoli florets, and place in an ice bath for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the broccoli to a salad spinner, and spin the broccoli dry.
- Place broccoli on a kitchen bowl and continue to let dry and drain while you prep the rest of the salad.
What Makes This So Special?
There are several key components that make this easy broccoli salad so delicious and special:
- First, the fresh seedless grapes. I’ve heard this salad referred to as a broccoli grape salad because it’s such a unique twist on this classic recipe. The grapes provide a pop of sweetness and juiciness to the salad that other salads made with dried fruit just can’t compare with. The grapes are sliced in half and scattered throughout the salad so that every bite is accompanied with a pop of freshness.
- Second, it’s the toasted slivered almonds that do it for me every time. I love the nutty, crunchiness the almonds add to the salad and I try to get one in every bite.Truth time: My most vivid memories of this salad stem from the fact that my mom would burn at least one batch of the almonds while toasting them. I can remember hearing her shouting from the kitchen “Shoot!” and in another batch would go.Word to the wise: DO NOT LEAVE THE KITCHEN WHILE TOASTING ALMONDS. They will burn.
- Third. BACON. Bacon, bacon, and more bacon. I think it’s the bacon that converted my husband because for some reason “Broccoli Salad” didn’t sound that appealing to him all on it’s own. But then he found out about the bacon. Sold.
Broccoli Salad Dressing
The dressing is poured over all this awesomeness and everything is tossed together. The dressing is super easy to make and can be made in advance. My mom used to mix the dressing up in advance and assemble the salad separately. When we arrived wherever we were going, she would quickly toss the salad with the dressing. It’s awesome to be able to get this step out of the way if you’ve got a busy cooking day ahead.
The dressing is just four simple ingredients:
- mayonnaise – not a lot, just enough to make the broccoli salad dressing nice and creamy
- sugar – this little sweetness really complements the vinegar
- red wine vinegar – provides the tang in the dressing
- celery seeds – something extra that my mom always did and I love the added flavor and the pop of the seeds in the dressing
Can It Be Made In Advance?
This broccoli salad recipe can be made in advance and is a wonderful addition to holiday festivities.
- Mix the salad dressing separately and store in the refrigerator.
- Combine the rest of the salad ingredients in a large bowl.
- Toss everything together and refrigerate for up to 4 hours if not serving immediately.
Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad
- Don’t forget to toast the slivered almonds before adding to the broccoli salad. Watch them carefully when toasting, they burn easily!
- The salad can be made in advance. Just prep the dressing separately and toss together when ready to serve.
- Make sure the broccoli pieces are bite-sized – keeping kids in mind as well.
- You can’t go wrong with more bacon. Feel free to add in more if you want.
This salad is perfect year-round but is especially well-received at summer gatherings, picnics, potlucks, barbecues and more. But it’s also a staple for us during the holidays. What can I say? We just LOVE this broccoli salad!
If you love broccoli salad, I urge you to give this one a try! I know you’ll love it just as much as I do!
More Great Salads To Try
- Wild Rice Three Bean Salad
- Ambrosia Salad
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Watergate Salad
- Pineapple Cucumber Salad
What To Serve With Broccoli Salad
- Mac and Cheese – my 5 star homemade baked mac and cheese, you don’t want to miss this!
- Pot Roast and Gravy – the ultimate comfort food!
- The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak with gravy!
- Stuffed Shells – easy, cheesy, delicious! A favorite with the kids!
- Easy Lazy Day Lasagna – serve with some garlic bread and this broccoli salad!
How To Make Broccoli Salad
Best Ever Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup light mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp celery seed
- 2 heads broccoli broken down into small florets
- 12 oz bacon cooked and chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup almonds toasted, slivered
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1 1/2 cups red seedless grapes halved
Instructions
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, red wine vinegar, and celery seed in a small bowl. Place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Combine broccoli, bacon, toasted almonds, green onions, celery and grapes in a large serving dish.
- (To toast almonds, place on a large baking sheet and bake at 350F for 3-5 minutes stirring in between. Do not walk away! They will burn easily. The almonds are toasted when they turn light brown.)
- Toss the dressing with the rest of the salad ingredients and stir.
- Dressing can be added at the last minute if desired.
Video
Nutrition
Originally published July 14, 2015.
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Lin collins says
Grated carrots and chopped cucumber added in makes it even more delicious 😋
Dixie Flood Vert says
I watched this over and over… tried numerous times to spin the broccoli to get it to that bite size!!!!! Never worked for me!! Had to cut it.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
??? You just have to spin it harder…
Alta Smutz says
I make this salad haven’t used celery or celery seed though and I use cashews and red onions I actually like bacos instead of bacon because it doesn’t get as soggy in the dressing and I’ve used cauliflower too
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I’ve often thought of trying cauliflower in this salad! Totally going to give it a try!
Gabriel Johnson says
I think the mixture of both with red onion would work like the St.Louis, Salad… if using a red onion soak it n cold water for 10 mins before putting n a salad so it… want be so strong.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Sure, red onions would be a nice addition and soaking them is a great way to mellow them out. Great idea!
Jerry Hooper says
I’ve made it hundreds of times. It’s my “please bring to our church dinners”. Requested all the time. A lot of times I don’t do the sunflower seeds and just do the p-nuts.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
So good! Thanks Jerry!
Laura R. says
I absolutely HATE mayo, so I used Greek yogurt! Fabulous!
Anita says
Sounds so delicious thank you
Linea says
I love broccoli, thanks for the recipe
Andrea says
A super easy way to toast almonds (or other nuts for that matter) is in the microwave. Lay slivered almonds out flat on a glass pie plate, try not to overlap, leaving the centre of the plate open (they will burn to a crisp in the centre). Using 1 – 2 minute increments, toast your almonds. It usually takes 4 – 5 minutes, it all depends how toasted you want them. When nearing the end, toast them 30 seconds at a time.
Macy Brown From MakeTheBread says
This is fabulous Trish, and it looks was an awesome & sounds soo delicious with more beautiful colored…i will try to making this for my kid..Thanks for sharing….!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks so much!
Grace says
This salad is also really good with baby peas and finely chopped red onion. I never put the celery in because I’m not a fan but I’m sure it would be great for those who do like it.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Great additions for sure Grace! Thank you!
Andrea says
This truly is the best broccoli salad I have ever eaten! I ‘ve been following your recipes for quite a while now and most often manage to find substitutes for ingredients you use in USA and that are not common or available here in Germany, so it is a lot of fun always!
I have tried the one or other recipe, but this salad is my personal favourite so far. I dislike grapes, so I substituted them with mandarin-orange slices and believe me, this just rocks!
Keep the great recipes going!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You are TOO sweet Andrea! I’m so excited I have a reader in Germany lol! Have a great week!
Carla says
Looks yum, did you blanch the broccoli or put it in raw? Is that a stupid question??
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Not a stupid question at all – I put it in raw but you could absolutely blanch if you prefer.
Carol Guchek says
Blanch the broccoli. Makes it bright green and just a bit more tender.
Susan says
yummy recipe! Just took it to a church luncheon & brought an empty dish home! thx for sharing it ?!
Gwen says
This recipe was delicious! I made it as a side to go with cast iron steaks. Everyone loved it. Thanks so much!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s amazing Gwen – thank you!
Kay says
I came close to making it as written. I only added 1/2 cup of slivered carrots for additional color. It was delicious. I cut up all the veggies the night before as well as frying the bacon and toasting the almonds. I put each item into its own plastic bag and refrigerated them all. I also made the dressing and put it in a jar in the refrigerator. The next afternoon, 10 minutes before serving, I emptied all the bags into a bowl, stirred in the dressing and served it to compliments. So easy for a party, tasting fresh and summery! Definitely company worthy. Surprisingly, the few leftovers the next day after were still crisp, not soggy.
Regina says
Sounds delish. Anyone actually made this exactly as Is? No Variation? I’don’t really like to try it exactly as described any would really appreciate someone’s result.
Harmonium guide says
It looks really good!
Ivory says
These salads look soooo yummy
Elaine Freimuth says
Looks wonderful, and I love all the ingredients! Thanks for sharing!
Lisa says
Looks terrific! I noticed you have your salad bowl lined with parchment paper, yet you don’t mention this in your recipe steps. Reason?? Thank you.
Olivia Burgess says
Hey Trish!! This salad looks delish. I made up my own broccoli salad the other day with what I had on hand. I used broccoli, red cabbage, bacon, carrots, almonds, pecans, oranges and apples. For the dressing, I have made two different kinds. One with mayo, corn syrup and milk, salt and pepper. The second one with simple syrup, mayo and milk. Milk because I wanted to thin the mayo out and not have such a strong flavor. I added only a tiny amount of the simple syrup and or corn syrup. My hubby loved it. I will have to try yours with the grapes and red wine vinegar. 🙂
Edi @ SunCakeMom says
Sure it was requested salad at all the time with a 1/2 cup of sugar poured into it 😀
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Oh goodness Edi! This salad is meant to be shared with 9 other people 🙂
ELIZABETH DOBSON says
This was seriously THE BEST. I am vegan, so I modified this. I used 1/2 C of Vegenaise and only 1 TBSP of coconut sugar. I subbed the red wine vinegar for orange muscat champagne vinegar from Trader Joes. I thought I was going to be sad without all the sugar, but it was EFFING DELICIOUS!!! Thank you for such a fantastic recipe!
Kaye says
I made your recipe yesterday. I liked the idea of adding grapes instead of raisins.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I think it adds quite a burst of freshness Kaye – so glad you like it!
Kit says
Do you cook the broccoli? Or is it raw?
Michelle says
All veggies is raw in recipe. PropAbly wash and rinse I assume. That’s how I make mine.
Trin says
I can’t wait to try this, it’s all my faves in one dish! I’m cutting down on my mayo intake. Do you think I could make an avocado based dressing without losing out on the wonderful flavor of mayo? Thanks for sharing, pinned.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I think it’s worth a try Trin! Avocado is so creamy and delish on it’s own it would definitely be a new take on this recipe 🙂
Trin says
Thanks Trish, I just went shopping, and am looking forward to making it tomorrow. I’ll give it a try with the avocado dressing and let you know how it turns out.
Ashlyn ~ Dollop of Yum says
This broccoli salad looks amazing and I love all the ingredients you included! I am always looking for more healthy and easy recipes. I featured it in my latest post, “Kick Start The New Year #3: 15 Healthy Lunches”!
Carol says
I’m requested to make my version of broccoli salad at every event! In mine I use, broccoli (duh), raisins, sunflower seeds and cheddar cheese! The dressing is simply mayo and sugar to taste. It’s pretty good. I sometimes switch out the raisins for cranberries or the seeds for pecans but the original is always best! Can’t wait to try your version.
Mary noblin says
I make it with shredded carrots broccoli , red onion cashew cheddar cheese celery seed raisins cranberries, and Helmand mayonnaise sugar red wine vinegar. I think you could add anything together and it be a success. I love it and can eat it every day. It’s great roughage and virtually very healthy
Jackie says
Can I use regular mayo instead of light if that’s what I already have?
Mary Busby says
I want to make this the night before and serve next day….should I wait until serving time to put the dressing on. I’m excited about trying it as it has EVERY ingredient that I enjoy!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Yes Mary! That’s exactly right. Just toss the salad with the dressing right before serving 🙂
Gwen @SimplyHealthyFamily says
Oh this does look amazing!!! Pinning to make for lunch and bring to all of our summer potlucks 😉
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Sounds like a plan to me Gwen! Thanks for stopping by!
Manila Spoon (Abby) says
My eyes are feasting on this delectable salad! How vibrant and yummy!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Abby!
Alisa Fleming says
I’m a huge broccoli fan, so I must try this! Pinning.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
This salad looks so good! What a treat! I love the red grapes and the toasted almonds – I’m looking forward to trying this!
Kaitie says
This looks amazing. I definitely will be making this one night this week. Easy and delicious! I’m sold!
Melissa says
I have a broccoli salad that is a lot like this, but with Craisins and walnuts instead of grapes and almonds. But your version sounds DIVINE, especially with that dressing!
Ala says
Broccoli salad is by far my favorite mayo-based salad! Yes for textures! I love the grapes, too–definitely saving that idea for the next potluck. Hooray!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
Love the addition of grapes to your broccoli salad! Such a perfect summer side salad!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
I LOVE broccoli salad. I could eat that whole batch 🙂 It’s all the crunch and textures and flavors in one and this one looks like a true winner! Pinned 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Me too Averie! Thanks so much for the pin!