Name: Broccoli Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Ingredients: 5-6 cups raw broccoli florets ((usually about 2.5 head of broccoli) chopped into small pieces); 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 2/3 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup crumbled bacon bits; 1/2 cup salted sunflower seeds ((sometimes i use pumpkin seeds and I like those too)); 1/2 cup red onion (diced into small pieces); 3/4 cup mayo; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 3 tbsp sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper

This simple broccoli salad is a family recipe that serves as a great dish for any potluck or party. It’s super fast to make and even better after it has sat in the fridge for a bit.

Made with sunflower seeds, bacon, dried cranberries, parmesan cheese, and homemade dressing, this is a family favorite side dish that can be prepared in under 15 minutes!

The first time I tasted this salad was at our engagement BBQ 16 years ago! And I honestly didn’t think broccoli salad sounded like something I would like. But since my future mother-in-law made it, I figured I had to at least try it. I was immediately shocked by how much I loved the flavor combination. So much so that I went back for seconds! This salad has become a staple at our house, especially for summer BBQs and potlucks. The major bonus is that every one of my kids loves this salad too and that’s a lot to be said about a bowl of raw broccoli!

The salty bacon and savory parmesan cheese are a great contrast to the sweet cranberries and sugar in the dressing. All the ingredients combine to make the perfect crunchy summer salad.

For the best tasting salad, I like to let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to let the flavors meld together. The nice this about broccoli is that it holds up really well. Meaning you can prepare this broccoli salad up to 3 days in advance of serving. So great news…it makes such good leftovers. Not a lot of salads, especially lettuce based ones, can say the same.

Broccoli Salad Family Recipe

Broccoli Salad

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salad

5-6 cups raw broccoli florets (usually about 2.5 head of broccoli) chopped into small pieces
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
2/3 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup crumbled bacon bits
1/2 cup salted sunflower seeds (sometimes i use pumpkin seeds and I like those too)
1/2 cup red onion diced into small pieces

For the Dressing

3/4 cup mayo
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

Combine broccoli florets, parmesan cheese, dried cranberries, bacon , sunflower seeds, and onion in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour dressing over the broccoli salad and toss till evenly coated.
Broccoli salad may be served immediately, but for the best flavor refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

If you’re in need of a quick and easy salad to whip up for a Memorial Day get together, I’ve got you covered with this sweet, savory, and crunchy broccoli salad recipe. And be sure to tag me @remingtonavenue if you make it! I also have some other great BBQ worthy recipes here on the blog too, if you’re in need of a crowd-pleasing potluck dish.

Add to favorites or read later