The Best Broccoli Salad You Will Ever Make
My sister in law has this amazing broccoli salad that she makes. A couple of weeks ago when we went camping together she made it and I just had to share it because it is AMAZING.
Along with this salad being delicious it also helps that the main ingredient is one of the most vitamin-rich vegetables around. High in fiber, calcium, Vitamin C, A, B1 and more you can read about all the health benefits here.
First, you will need to make the broccoli salad dressing. Combine the following ingredients together, mix, and set to the side.
- 1 cup Hellman’s Mayonnaise (DO NOT use miracle whip)
- 4 Tbs white sugar
- 3 Tbs white vinegar
Next, combine the following ingredients in a bowl
- 5 cups of chopped up broccoli
- 1/2 med red onion chopped into small pieces
- 8 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of broccoli slaw
Mix all of these ingredients together and pour dressing over top and mix all together. Now you have a sweet and creamy Broccoli salad that has the perfect amount of crunchiness. It’s pure deliciousness!
**Recipe tip, try adding 1/2 cup of raisins to the recipe
This salad is a great addition to any potluck and you can make it ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge!
Enjoy
Sunflower seeds are also good in thia
*this
Try red wine vinegar
And cauliflower
thank you for that idea
How much red vinegar?
Just switch the white vinegar for red. I like this with sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a great recipe!
That is a great idea!
I buy this salad from the Walmart deli. It is delicious but expensive! I’ll definitely make it at home now. SOOOO yummy! Will also add the raisins and sunflower seeds (already shelled!).
Go to HEB and buy the bacon vinaigrette and use that as your sauce. It it amazing.
What is HEB?
HEB is a grocery store in Texas! I’ve never seen it outside of Texas
What is HEB?
I too bought this at Walmart deli. I was just informed that they will no longer be making this. So glad to have found this recipe.
I can’t wait to dig in my plate? just waiting to dish out
How many calories?
Frozen peas are also good
I was thinking the same thing!! I love sunflower seeds in salad!!
Just use store bought coleslaw dressing. It is much better. Also using dried cranberries and sunflower seeds make this salad supreme along with the bacon and cheese.
Poppy seed dressing is great in this!!
Salted or Unsalted? Does it make a difference?
Yes I agree! I hate raisins so I use cranberries
We use cranraisins because our kids do not like regular raisins.
Why not miracle whip ?
I am not a fan, and it just tastes a little off to me. Although I guess if you are “team miracle whip” you may prefer it.
I am team miracle whip. It tastes fine lol. Also good w raspberry vinaigrette. 🙂
You don’t use miracle whip you use MAYO. It says don’t use Miricle Whip! It’s like a Cole slaw dressing.
Try it with the mayo you might like it.
Enjoy
I only have apple cider vinegar, can i use this in replacement of the white vinegar?
That is what I always use
TO THE PAN WHERE I HAD COOKED THE BACON i ADD THE SUGAR AND VINEGAR (USE RED WINE VINEGAR FOR EXTRA TANG), SIMMER TILL SUGAR DISSOLVES AND DRESSING GETS SMOOTHER.
Yes I agree! I hate raisins so I use cranberries
I use miracle whip. I also add pineapple, Mandarin oranges.
Miracle Whip has a completely different flavor than Mayonnaise. Miracle Whip will ruin this salad.
I prefer the taste of miracle whip. I think mayonnaise would ruin the salad as all I would taste is the mayo.
Miracle Whip is a sweet salad dressing that already has much sugar and vinegar in it. Mayonnaise is a very different flavor profile that is not sweet and does not have the tang of vinegar. To make the dressing as listed in the recipe you would not want to use miracle whip. The sweet and tang will be overpowering once you added the additional vinegar and sugar this recipe calls for.
Amen — took me a while to scroll through to find a comment such as yours and you are correct.
That’s so opposite for me if I had to use miracle whip it’s way to tangy and overpowering in taste than mayo for my taste buds
Agree! Real mayo is best!
What is broccoli Slaw?
Exactly…. What is broccoli slaw?
It’s julienned broccoli stems and carrots….comes in a bag….in the produce section.
Ooooohhhhh….LoL…I wondered what ‘broccoli slaw’ was too. Easier to make our own, I’d imagine. I also understand it will get soggy if left too long. I am making it for camping, but won’t add dressing until a while before eating…just to be safe. 😀 Thanks for the recipe! Better than buying it in a plastic bag that can’t be recycled!!!
Yuk, That would totally change the flavor!!!
What is broccoli slaw?
i would like to know as well.. i think it might be just the stem finely sliced up, did you ever find out?
I think it’s in a bag like cole slaw,in the bagged salad section of produce dept.
It is exactly what you said.
What is broccoli slaw?
Broccoli that is graded like the cheddar cheese. You find it in the bag of salad mix area. Like Cole slaw almost.
I have found when you clean your brocoli peel the stems and slice thin and you don’t have to buy the brocoli slaw.
Thanks Ellen. Good tip!
Never use the slaw I always cut up brocoli just don’t think the slaw mix would be as good!
actually it is very good. I often mix the broccoli slaw and cole slaw together, and more grated carrots.
I make my own broccoli slaw by peeling the broccoli stems and carrots and using my food processor with the grater blade to grate them.
I’m going to put dates and cranberries in mine. Also pecans.
That sounds delicious!! Good call on the pecans!!
I’m still trying to figure out what broc slaw is??
It is like cole slaw but made from broccoli instead of cabbage. You can buy bags of brocolli slaw in the salad section at the grocery store.
I make it without the slaw. Just chopped broccoli. It’s really yummy. I add sunflower seeds to mine too
I’ve opted to use chopped cauliflower instead of the broccoli slaw. But I like cauliflower
Don”t even need it. works fine with out the slaw.
What is HEB?
It’s the stems of the broccoli sliced thin. Like many have already said. You can slice the stems at home or you can buy a bag already sliced n the produce department in the grocery store near Cole slaw n a bag.
this was absolutely delicious, didn’t change a thing, a keeper for sure.
Thank you so much!! Someone just recently suggested craisins..I think I might try that!
Tastes just as good if miracle whip used. Depends on your taste . I prefer
Miracle whip as has a zip to it and not so eggy…..
It’s totally preference. I am team mayo! 😉
Miracle whip is too sweet so that you might back off the 4 T of sugar a little.
We use miracle whip , sugar, salt, and pepper. We leave out the vinegar. Yummy!
I use miracle whip , and also add craisins, any dried fruit is an added delish; and, pecans, walnuts, almond slivers… Basically whatever nuts I have. This recipe was given to me about 5 years ago. Bon appetit!
Oh craisins!! Gotta try that!
I make this with a slight variation. Great for lo-carvers. I use splenda instead of sugar and balsamic vinegar instead of white vinegar.
Thank you so much I was looking to see if anyone had made it with Splenda.
Broccoli slaw is beside the Cole slaw mid in the veggie dept, in the cooler spot its just broccoli and carrots shredded very good
Broccoli slaw is beside the Cole slaw mid in the veggie dept, in the cooler spot its just broccoli and carrots shredded very good
How many servings does this make?
I would like to know as well
Its quite a lot. I just made it and filled a 2.5 qt bowl to the very top. Easily 10-12 servings
Wonderful recipe! Made today for a potluck at work!yummy!!
My husband asked why I didn’t leave any for home! Guess I’m making another batch tonight!
Thank you!!! It’s honestly one of the only salads my kids will eat!
I use miracle whip and omit the sugar.
I was about to ask why it needs sugar?
HI! How many does it serve? I’m the advisor for ADPi & we feed 60 people for Ronald McDonald House every 3 weeks. We want to make it to accompany hot ham & Swiss sliders. But I’m not sure how many times to multiply it!
Hi Meagan,
This recipe would be good for 8-10 adults. If you end up making it make sure you come back and let me know what everyone thought.?
I make a very similar salad and add pasta which nearly doubles the recipe. Great for larger groups.
I would sap the broccoli just
A few seconds in the microwave. It sweetens & takes the raw off taste away.
Easy does it. Yummy!
I like to zap my broccoli in the micro too… still crispy, and I prefer the flavor. I do the same with cauliflower.
I posted about this recipe with a link to your blog over at onthemoneymeals.blogspot.com. We used light mayonnaise and reduced fat cheese and added sunflower seeds. Thanks for the recipe!
This salad is really tasty! I didn’t have broccoli slaw but had everything else, so I just increased the amount of broccoli by 1 cup. I think next time I would use less sugar – it’s a bit sweet for my taste, or possibly use honey, I’m curious to see how that would taste. Only negative I found is that the dressing is extremely liquidy once it’s mixed. It’s like a puddle at the bottom. The flavours are great but I wonder what could make the dressing more thick and creamy. I’m team mayo, so it’s definitely not anything to do with that. Any tips?
I use bottled ranch dressing, no sugar, one cup of red grapes!
Add cherry tomatoes, dried cranberries and sunflower seeds too
I’ve been making this for at least 10 years. Because of being diabetic I use coconut sugar and cider vinegar. I also leave out the onions, allergic to them. Everyone loves this salad.
Has anyone ever tried using bacon dressing?
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Looks delicious! Can I make it the night before or is it better to make it the same day?
I like it better after I have let it set in the fridge over night!
i have made this several times never used the slaw and i use miracle whip always a bit hit with my family
We love this salad!
My grandmother- in-law gave me a recipe very similar to this except lemon juice instead of vinegar. Also we put green olives in it not raisins. Gives it the salt and a little more tang.
I shared it with other family members, and that is all they requested from me for months.
Made this tonight and it was so delicious! I would not change a thing. My daughters even liked it and they picky eaters.
OMG… Awesome. I added cranberries. Definitley a new staple in my kitchen
Cranberries! Yum!
I use miracle whip. I also add pineapple, Mandarin oranges.
If people don’t like cranberries you can substitute craisins or golden raisin
wondering if anything besides mayo would work? greek yogurt maybe?
I saw another recipe for this on pinterest using greek yogurt and truvia
If you make a day ahead, do you put dressing on the day ahead, or wait till you are serving it?
I have the same question
I used honey and lemon juice instead of sugar and vinegar.
I live in northern Indiana and our local Kroger Marketplace sells it under the name of Mary Jo’s Broccolli Salad for $6.99 per pound. It is delicious. They make it fresh everyday.
My family lives this! I initiation broccoli slaw and use sunflower seeds! Yummy!
I also put red & green grapes (cut in half) 1 head of chopped cauliflower then just before serving 1\2 cup slivered almonds
The Best Broccoli salad
I added currents instead of raisins & drained crushed pineapple.
IF YOU CAN’T FIND IT HERE,,,IT’S NOT AVAILABLE. LOVE IT.
Hi, so 7 tablespoons of sugar?
No, no..just 4 ?
I use a sugar substitute.
Mayo with white vinegar has more zing and less sweet than miracle whip version. I tried using apple cider vinegar once but didnt care for it.
People who don’t like brocoli love this salad! I get tagged to bring it to every get together. I never use the slaw in it but have added thin carrot strips with good reviews. I also use 1/2 golden raisins and 1/2 craisins. I dont like regular rsisins..too sweet. The sunflower seeds are a must. Only red onion, not white…and if it is a very strong one, use less or it will over power the other flavors
you can also take away some of the over powering of red onions by slicing them for the salad, then soaking them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding to the salad. I love red onions, and I do that often to make them a little more palatable for those who find them hard to eat because they are so strong in flavor.
Omg, this is amazing! My teenager tasted it and then grabbed a plate. Awesome way to get veggies into the kids ☺
Right? My kids love it too!
This is my 2nd time making this!! I added raisins, raisins, and some small nuts! However, I do not put red onion because of the taste…
Do you use distilled white vinegar?
Yes, I did!
Now I wonder if I can use “white wine vinegar”…
Love this recipe..has anybody tried adding hard boiled eggs? Just wondering..
I love broccoli salad! We have been making it in our family for potluck and family dinners for over 20 years and have shared the recipe with countless people over the years 🙂 I haven’t added in the broccoli slaw before but will give that a try as well. I change little things now and again to see if I like it. Some successful variations we’ve tried are subbing in red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar. We also always have salted hulled sunflower seeds in our version for the crunch factor. We have tried making it with Splenda instead of sugar and at Christmas I used honey instead of sugar to try that was also very nice. I recommend making this a couple hours before and then giving a good stir. It always seems like there wont be enough dressing but it always works out in the end 🙂 My favourite way to eat broccoli!!
How many does this serve?
Thank you! I’m planning on featuring this in a round-up of Fire-Free Camping Meals on my blog- inourpond.com
How many days in advance can this be made?
Instead of raisins I think the dried cranberries would be great! I will definitely try this.
I throw the broccoli bites in boiling water and immediately drain them. Makes them sweeter and give a nice bright green color.
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This recipe is super good. However I added non fat poppy seed dressing instead..And omg does it make a difference!
Where did you find low poppy seed dressing ? I have not been able to find it. I love non fat poppy seed dressing on allot of different foods. Thank u for the idea.
I put the broccoli stems in the salad too I just run them over a mandolin so they are thin.
I find if u peel the outer skin of the broccoli stems it is real tender if u don’t have a mandolin. It does take time but I definitely think it’s worthwhile.
I make a similar one, I use balsamic vinegar instead of white vinegar, I add pine nuts and dried cranberries. Gives it more dimension and texture. Its an easy and good salad to make. I also think any mayo works with it including Miracle whip. Personal choice.
I’ve used this recipe twice now and it is BY FAR the best broccoli salad recipe I have come across. Love me some broc salad, so I consider myself an expert! ? I have made it with and without the slaw, and it’s great either way. The main thing is the dressing…team MAYO ALL THE WAY! Making it tomorrow and I can’t wait! Yum! Thanks for the perfect recipe!
I like Craisins instead of raisins.
When I make mine, I use sunflower seeds and dried canberries (crasins). That hint of sweet with the salted seeds and the punch od red onion makes it well rounded in the mouth.
I love this! My MIL gave me this recipe when her son and I got married. We add slivered almonds, sunflower kernels, and raisins. I’ve also started adding a few tablespoons of hemp hearts for more protein (10g in 3 Tbl!). Also I used Costco bacon bits if I’m in a rush and don’t have time to cook the bacon.
I used rice vinegar instead because it was all I had on hand. Came out really good.
I made this today except I used apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp sugar instead of 4, Cajun seasoning (Tony cacherie) and chipotle hot sauce. It’s delicious!!!!
This is a wonderful recipie whatever almonds, walnuts, cashews— raisins, craisons, apples, oranges, and green grapes could be added. Depending on your palette.?
Made this salad numerous times and always a hit! Best thing you can make ahead.
I’ve added Apple to it (I cut them in sm blocks and sprinkle lemon on them so they don’t turn brown) adds a nice crunch.
Love it! This is a keeper!
Thank you!
Try helmsman, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
This is the best broccoli salad recipe I have ever made! It is seriously a crowd favorite and I get asked to make it all the time from my friends and family. Does the recipe above yield a certain number of servings? Just checking because I think I am going to be doubling the recipe for a company picnic.
I use 3 or 4 bunches of broccoli tips (only). 1/3 cup raisins, 1/2 cup chopped red onion, 1/2 cup cashews or peanuts, 1/2 lb. cooked & crumbled bacon.
For dressing: 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar, 1 cup mayo (Hellmans/Best Food), 1 tsp. curry powder, 1/2 cup sugar. Mix together.
Add everything to broccoli except bacon and nuts. Dressing should be added 3 hours before serving and mix thoroughly. Add in the bacon and nuts just before serving. Yum!
Been serving this for years. Always been a hit. Miracle Whip would not work with this recipe. Much like this recipe but curry added.
Best Broccoli salad that I have ever had… I did add Crasins to mine.
How do you make broccoli slaw or where can you purchase it at?
Peel the brocoli, the inner stem is very sweet.
I add both raisins and sunflower seeds, and sometime even a few chia seeds to add fiber.
If you make so many changes to the recipe when does it no longer become the original recipe or some reasonable facsimile thereof?
Hi All! I have made a similar broccoli salad for many years. It holds in the refrigerator for a good 2-3 days so I always make it ahead! I also add a small red apple for flavor and color. I buy my broccoli at Sam’s Club or one of those stores because it is already cut and ready to use! Yes I at least double a recipe!
I’m thinking about adding Pomegranate seeds.
I also use pomegranate in my salad.