Broccoli salad recipe

Name: Broccoli salad recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small (use 2 cups for 2 people; double for 8); ½ cup red onion, finely chopped; ½ cup shredded carrots; ½ cup dried cranberries; ½ cup sunflower seeds; ¾ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Ever need a side dish that feels fresh but still filling enough for everyone at the table? This broccoli salad recipe is crisp, creamy, and full of simple flavors that work for everyday dinners or relaxed weekend meals. It’s made with crunchy broccoli, a lightly sweet dressing, and a mix of textures that make every bite interesting. I usually toss it together while the main dish is cooking, and it always disappears faster than I expect. Made for 4 people, it’s just the right size for a family meal, but it’s easy to scale up when you’re feeding a bigger group.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Looking for a salad that doesn’t feel boring or plain? This broccoli salad recipe brings crunch, creaminess, and a little sweetness all in one bowl. It’s cozy enough for potlucks and simple enough for weeknight dinners when you want something fresh on the side.
Trying to keep meals budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor? The ingredients are affordable and easy to find, and the salad holds up well in the fridge. It’s make-ahead friendly, which means you can prepare it earlier in the day and let the flavors blend. It’s also flexible, so you can adjust it for 2 people or double it for a crowd. This is one of those recipes you’ll want to save for busy weeks and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small (use 2 cups for 2 people; double for 8 people)
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup shredded carrots
½ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Worried about the broccoli being too hard? Wash and dry the broccoli well, then chop it into small, bite-sized pieces so it’s easy to eat. Place it in a large mixing bowl along with the red onion, carrots, cranberries, and sunflower seeds.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Not sure how to make the dressing smooth? In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until creamy and fully blended. The mixture should look glossy and slightly thick but still easy to pour.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Concerned about uneven coating? Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently with a large spoon until everything is evenly covered. Make sure the dressing reaches the bottom so no dry pieces remain in the bowl.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Wondering how long it should sit before serving? Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors come together. For a smaller batch serving 2, chilling time stays the same. Larger batches may need extra tossing before serving.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Need something you can prep ahead without stress? This salad comes together in about 15 minutes and tastes even better after resting in the fridge. You can make it in the morning and serve it at dinner for your family of four. It also travels well, so it’s great for packed lunches or simple gatherings later in the week.

Tips & Tricks

Wondering why your salad feels watery? Make sure the broccoli is fully dry after washing. Extra moisture can thin the dressing. If making a half batch for 2 people, dry the smaller amount just as carefully to keep the texture right.
Frustrated when the flavor tastes flat? Taste the dressing before mixing and adjust salt or vinegar slightly. If doubling the recipe for more than 4 people, mix the dressing in a larger bowl so it blends evenly before pouring over the vegetables.
Not sure how small to chop the broccoli? Cut the florets into small pieces so they catch more dressing. For a bigger crowd, keep the size consistent across all batches so every serving has the same crunch.
Worried about strong onion flavor? Soak chopped red onion in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain well. If preparing for just 2 people, you can reduce the onion slightly, but keep proportions balanced when scaling up.

Variations

Meaty version
Looking to make it more filling for dinner? Add ½ cup of cooked, chopped turkey bacon to the salad for a smoky touch. For 2 servings, use about ¼ cup. If doubling the broccoli and dressing for 8 people, double the turkey bacon as well to keep it balanced.

Vegetarian option
Trying to keep it fully vegetarian but richer? Stir in ½ cup of cubed cheese like cheddar for extra creaminess. For a smaller 2-person batch, use about ¼ cup. When increasing the recipe size, add cheese gradually so it doesn’t overpower the crunch.

Ingredient swap
Out of sunflower seeds? Use chopped almonds or pumpkin seeds in the same amount. If you’re serving more than 4 people, increase the substitute evenly so every bowl still has that nutty bite.

Flavor or herb boost
Want a slightly tangier taste? Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a spoonful of plain yogurt to the dressing. For larger batches, adjust slowly and taste as you go so the flavor stays balanced.

Serving Suggestions

With Grilled Chicken
Looking for a simple dinner plate idea? Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken and rice. The creamy crunch pairs well with warm dishes. For 2 people, halve the salad ingredients. For larger gatherings, double everything and serve in a big bowl.
Picnic Side Dish
Need something easy to bring outdoors? Pack the salad in a sealed container and keep chilled until serving. It holds its texture well. If feeding more than 4 people, prepare a larger batch and toss again before serving.
In a bread bowl
Light Lunch Bowl
Want a quick lunch option? Spoon the salad over mixed greens or quinoa for a filling midday meal. For a smaller household, prepare half the recipe to avoid leftovers, or keep extras chilled for the next day.
Holiday Table Addition
Planning a family meal? Add this colorful salad to your spread for a fresh contrast to heavier dishes. If hosting a bigger group, double or triple the recipe so everyone gets a generous serving.

Storage Instructions

Fridge storage
Worried about keeping it fresh? Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing. For a 2-person batch, use a smaller container to limit air exposure.
Reheating
Wondering if it needs reheating? This salad is meant to be served cold, so no reheating is needed. If it sits out for a while, return it to the fridge promptly. Larger portions should be kept chilled until serving time.
Freezing
Thinking about freezing leftovers? Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise dressing can separate and the broccoli may lose its crunch. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.
Make-ahead tips
Short on time before dinner? Chop the vegetables and mix the dressing separately up to a day ahead. Store them in separate containers and combine before chilling. For larger servings, prep in batches to keep everything crisp.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Rest Time: 30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes

Nutrition Information

Curious about the numbers per serving? Each portion (¼ of the recipe) contains around 220–280 calories and about 4–6 grams of protein. It also provides fiber from broccoli and small amounts of vitamin C and iron. Values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, prepare it a few hours in advance and chill until ready to serve.

The broccoli may not have been dried well before mixing.

Yes, slightly reduce it if you prefer a less sweet dressing.

You can replace part of it with plain yogurt for a lighter texture.

Conclusion

Need a fresh side dish that doesn’t take much effort but still feels thoughtful? This broccoli salad recipe is easy to prepare, simple to adjust, and reliable for a family of four. You can keep it classic or add your own twist depending on what you have at home. It’s the kind of dish that fits into busy weeks and relaxed weekends alike. Save it, try it once, and you’ll likely come back to it whenever you want something crisp, creamy, and comforting on your table.