Creamy Broccoli Salad, A Classic Side Dish For Dinner or Parties

Creamy broccoli salad is a classic side dish that can be found at almost every picnic, barbecue and summertime holiday gatherings.

This salad offers a variety of flavors all in a single bite. The crunchy broccoli is coated in a creamy, yet slightly sweet homemade dressing.

And the addition of red onions provides a burst of tangy flavor, while the raisins gives you that unexpected, but complimentary, sweet punch.

Although you can find this salad at most deli counters, it is much better to make it yourself. Not only is it easy to prepare, but the creamy dressing doesn’t overpower all of the other flavors in the salad.

However, it is important to note that when making this recipe at home, a little advance preparation is required. That is because it is important to let the dressing soak into the broccoli mixture for at least 2 hours before serving.

In fact, I prefer to make this the day before serving it. That is because it will allow the dressing to penetrate the vegetables and meld all of the flavors together.

Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• Broccoli Florets
• Mayonnaise
• Sugar
• White vinegar
• Red onion
• Raisins
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Almond slivers, toasted
• Bacon

Instructions

Before you make your broccoli salad, gather and prepare your ingredients.

Start by washing and draining the broccoli florets. Then cut them into manageable, bite size pieces. Set aside so that they can dry completely.

Now use a sharp knife to cut the red onion into small slivers. Although you could dice the onion, I prefer to cut them in slices so that they don’t get lost in the broccoli salad.

Next, cut the bacon into small pieces. Then put the pieces in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook until the bacon is nice and crispy.

Using a spider net or slotted spoon, remove the bacon pieces from the grease to a paper towel lined plate. Set aside to cool completely.

While the broccoli is drying, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar and mix until well incorporated. Set the dressing aside.

Then in a medium size serving bowl add the broccoli, red onion, raisins and shredded cheddar cheese.

Add the dressing mixture to the broccoli mixture and stir well to coat. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but it will even be better if you let it sit overnight.

For best results, add both the bacon and almonds right before serving so they remain crispy don’t become soggy from the dressing.

How To Toast Slivered Almonds

This broccoli salad recipe calls for slightly toasted slivered almonds as an additional crunchy topping.

In order to toast the almonds add them to a non-stick skillet placed on medium heat. Continually stir and flip the almonds until you smell the toasted aroma and they are light golden brown.

There is no need to add oil before toasting as the oils from the nuts will provide enough coating. DO NOT leave the almonds unattended as they go from white to heavily toasted within minutes.

You could also substitute chopped cashews or shelled sunflower seeds for the almonds if you prefer.

Be sure to save this recipe so that you can make this delicious broccoli salad all summer long!

Enjoy! Mary

Our Favorite Summertime Salad Recipes

• BLT Potato Salad
• Classic Macaroni Salad
• Zesty Pasta Salad
• BLT Pasta Salad
• Wild Rice Salad
• Ramen Noodle Asian Salad
• Instant Pot Dill Pickle Potato Salad
• Cucumber, Onion & Tomato Salad

Other Broccoli Recipes

• Chicken Broccoli Casserole
• Ham and Broccoli Rice Casserole
• Asian Beef and Broccoli
• Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
• Instant Pot Ham and Broccoli Casserole

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