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5 SECRETS TO GETTING DINNER ON THE TABLE...FAST!

You are here: Home / Recipes / Appetizers and Sides / The BEST Broccoli Salad with Bacon

The BEST Broccoli Salad with Bacon

June 15, 2019

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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 with grapes and bacon in serving dish

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.

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the broccoli to the water and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Immediately drain the broccoli florets, and place in an ice bath for 5 minutes.
  4. Transfer the broccoli to a salad spinner, and spin the broccoli dry.
  5. Place broccoli on a kitchen bowl and continue to let dry and drain while you prep the rest of the salad.

broccoli salad ingredients

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.

best broccoli salad recipe broccoli salad with dressing

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:

  1. mayonnaise – not a lot, just enough to make the broccoli salad dressing nice and creamy
  2. sugar – this little sweetness really complements the vinegar
  3. red wine vinegar – provides the tang in the dressing
  4. 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.

easy broccoli salad with creamy dressing

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!

broccoli salad recipe with bacon

More Great Salads To Try

  1. Wild Rice Three Bean Salad
  2. Ambrosia Salad
  3. Strawberry Spinach Salad
  4. Watergate Salad
  5. Pineapple Cucumber Salad

What To Serve With Broccoli Salad

  1. Mac and Cheese – my 5 star homemade baked mac and cheese, you don’t want to miss this!
  2. Pot Roast and Gravy – the ultimate comfort food!
  3. The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak with gravy!
  4. Stuffed Shells – easy, cheesy, delicious! A favorite with the kids!
  5. Easy Lazy Day Lasagna – serve with some garlic bread and this broccoli salad!

How To Make Broccoli Salad

Print Pin
4.86 from 7 votes

Best Ever Broccoli Salad

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!
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword broccoli salad
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 269kcal
Author Trish - Mom On Timeout

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

Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 368mg | Potassium: 488mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 725IU | Vitamin C: 92mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published July 14, 2015.

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5 SECRETS TO GETTING DINNER ON THE TABLE...FAST!

By Trish - Mom On Timeout June 15, 2019 Appetizers and Sides, Christmas, Christmas Recipes, Favorites, Holiday Recipes, Recipes, Salad, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Recipes

Previous article:
« The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak Recipe with Gravy
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Zucchini Quiche with Bacon and Hash Brown Crust »

Comments

  1. Lin collins says

    August 30, 2020 at 7:15 AM

    Grated carrots and chopped cucumber added in makes it even more delicious 😋

    Reply
  2. Dixie Flood Vert says

    September 9, 2019 at 10:52 AM

    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.

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      September 9, 2019 at 5:00 PM

      ??? You just have to spin it harder…

      Reply
  3. Alta Smutz says

    September 9, 2019 at 10:51 AM

    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

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      September 9, 2019 at 5:01 PM

      I’ve often thought of trying cauliflower in this salad! Totally going to give it a try!

      Reply
      • Gabriel Johnson says

        May 13, 2020 at 9:54 PM

        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.

        Reply
        • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

          May 14, 2020 at 7:24 AM

          Sure, red onions would be a nice addition and soaking them is a great way to mellow them out. Great idea!

          Reply
  4. Jerry Hooper says

    September 9, 2019 at 10:49 AM

    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.

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      September 9, 2019 at 5:00 PM

      So good! Thanks Jerry!

      Reply
  5. Laura R. says

    August 11, 2019 at 9:26 AM

    I absolutely HATE mayo, so I used Greek yogurt! Fabulous!

    Reply
  6. Anita says

    June 19, 2019 at 12:17 PM

    Sounds so delicious thank you

    Reply
  7. Linea says

    June 19, 2019 at 1:03 AM

    I love broccoli, thanks for the recipe

    Reply
  8. Andrea says

    June 18, 2019 at 6:53 AM

    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.

    Reply
  9. Macy Brown From MakeTheBread says

    June 17, 2019 at 3:32 AM

    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….!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      June 19, 2019 at 6:47 PM

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  10. Grace says

    December 19, 2018 at 12:55 AM

    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.

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      December 21, 2018 at 2:03 PM

      Great additions for sure Grace! Thank you!

      Reply
  11. Andrea says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:49 AM

    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!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      October 8, 2018 at 8:31 AM

      You are TOO sweet Andrea! I’m so excited I have a reader in Germany lol! Have a great week!

      Reply
  12. Carla says

    June 22, 2018 at 4:47 PM

    Looks yum, did you blanch the broccoli or put it in raw? Is that a stupid question??

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      May 18, 2019 at 8:05 PM

      Not a stupid question at all – I put it in raw but you could absolutely blanch if you prefer.

      Reply
  13. Carol Guchek says

    May 9, 2018 at 6:55 PM

    Blanch the broccoli. Makes it bright green and just a bit more tender.

    Reply
  14. Susan says

    August 13, 2017 at 2:44 PM

    yummy recipe! Just took it to a church luncheon & brought an empty dish home! thx for sharing it ?!

    Reply
  15. Gwen says

    July 22, 2017 at 1:32 PM

    This recipe was delicious! I made it as a side to go with cast iron steaks. Everyone loved it. Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      July 24, 2017 at 7:35 AM

      That’s amazing Gwen – thank you!

      Reply
  16. Kay says

    July 13, 2017 at 3:47 PM

    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.

    Reply
  17. Regina says

    July 7, 2017 at 12:59 PM

    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.

    Reply
  18. Harmonium guide says

    July 7, 2017 at 10:52 AM

    It looks really good!

    Reply
  19. Ivory says

    June 3, 2017 at 5:23 PM

    These salads look soooo yummy

    Reply
  20. Elaine Freimuth says

    May 28, 2017 at 7:04 AM

    Looks wonderful, and I love all the ingredients! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  21. Lisa says

    May 27, 2017 at 1:54 PM

    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.

    Reply
  22. Olivia Burgess says

    January 15, 2017 at 1:03 AM

    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. 🙂

    Reply
  23. Edi @ SunCakeMom says

    November 21, 2016 at 4:51 AM

    Sure it was requested salad at all the time with a 1/2 cup of sugar poured into it 😀

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 22, 2016 at 9:51 AM

      Oh goodness Edi! This salad is meant to be shared with 9 other people 🙂

      Reply
  24. ELIZABETH DOBSON says

    April 19, 2016 at 9:53 AM

    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!

    Reply
  25. Kaye says

    March 2, 2016 at 5:02 AM

    I made your recipe yesterday. I liked the idea of adding grapes instead of raisins.

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      March 2, 2016 at 5:39 PM

      I think it adds quite a burst of freshness Kaye – so glad you like it!

      Reply
  26. Kit says

    February 15, 2016 at 1:06 AM

    Do you cook the broccoli? Or is it raw?

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      July 2, 2017 at 1:30 PM

      All veggies is raw in recipe. PropAbly wash and rinse I assume. That’s how I make mine.

      Reply
  27. Trin says

    February 5, 2016 at 5:37 PM

    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.

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      February 7, 2016 at 6:52 AM

      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 🙂

      Reply
      • Trin says

        February 7, 2016 at 8:31 PM

        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.

        Reply
  28. Ashlyn ~ Dollop of Yum says

    January 5, 2016 at 5:41 PM

    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”!

    Reply
  29. Carol says

    December 3, 2015 at 1:55 PM

    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.

    Reply
    • Mary noblin says

      January 12, 2017 at 6:21 PM

      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

      Reply
  30. Jackie says

    November 13, 2015 at 5:21 AM

    Can I use regular mayo instead of light if that’s what I already have?

    Reply
  31. Mary Busby says

    September 26, 2015 at 5:45 PM

    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!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      September 27, 2015 at 6:48 PM

      Yes Mary! That’s exactly right. Just toss the salad with the dressing right before serving 🙂

      Reply
  32. Gwen @SimplyHealthyFamily says

    July 22, 2015 at 11:30 AM

    Oh this does look amazing!!! Pinning to make for lunch and bring to all of our summer potlucks 😉

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      July 29, 2015 at 7:59 AM

      Sounds like a plan to me Gwen! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  33. Manila Spoon (Abby) says

    July 21, 2015 at 8:29 PM

    My eyes are feasting on this delectable salad! How vibrant and yummy!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      July 29, 2015 at 8:00 AM

      Thank you so much Abby!

      Reply
  34. Alisa Fleming says

    July 19, 2015 at 5:42 PM

    I’m a huge broccoli fan, so I must try this! Pinning.

    Reply
  35. Patricia @ Grab a Plate says

    July 19, 2015 at 9:36 AM

    This salad looks so good! What a treat! I love the red grapes and the toasted almonds – I’m looking forward to trying this!

    Reply
  36. Kaitie says

    July 19, 2015 at 8:39 AM

    This looks amazing. I definitely will be making this one night this week. Easy and delicious! I’m sold!

    Reply
  37. Melissa says

    July 14, 2015 at 6:44 PM

    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!

    Reply
  38. Ala says

    July 14, 2015 at 3:12 PM

    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!

    Reply
  39. Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says

    July 14, 2015 at 9:38 AM

    Love the addition of grapes to your broccoli salad! Such a perfect summer side salad!

    Reply
  40. Averie @ Averie Cooks says

    July 14, 2015 at 6:22 AM

    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 🙂

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      July 14, 2015 at 6:57 AM

      Me too Averie! Thanks so much for the pin!

      Reply

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