Let’s be honest—broccoli salad doesn’t always get the love it deserves. Maybe you’ve had a soggy, overly sweet version at a picnic and decided to never try it again. But hear me out! A well-made broccoli salad is crunchy, flavorful, and totally addictive. I’ve played around with tons of combos, and I’m here to tell you: when done right, broccoli salad can steal the show.
In this article, I’m sharing 10 easy broccoli salad recipes that are actually delicious. Whether you love creamy dressings, zesty twists, or lighter bites, there’s something here for you. Grab your chopping board—we’re about to turn this humble veggie into a superstar.
1. Classic Creamy Broccoli Salad
This is the one I always bring to family BBQs—and it’s gone in 10 minutes.
What’s in it? Fresh chopped broccoli, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, red onion, and sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy mayo-based dressing with a splash of apple cider vinegar and a bit of sugar.
Taste + Look: It’s rich, crunchy, salty-sweet, and packed with texture. The orange cheese, purple onions, and bright green broccoli look like a party in a bowl.
2. Broccoli Apple Crunch Salad
A refreshing, slightly sweet salad that screams fall vibes, but I eat it year-round.
What’s in it? Broccoli, diced green apples, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and celery with a Greek yogurt and honey vinaigrette.
Taste + Look: It’s tart, crisp, and nutty with a creamy tang. Expect a beautiful mix of red, green, and ivory tones—light, crunchy, and satisfying.
3. Vegan Broccoli Cashew Salad
No dairy, no bacon, no problem. This one is hearty and plant-based.
What’s in it? Broccoli, roasted cashews, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and green onions, tossed with a tahini-lemon dressing.
Taste + Look: Earthy, nutty, and zingy with a creamy coating. It’s a rainbow bowl of goodness that feels clean but still full of flavor.
4. Asian-Inspired Sesame Broccoli Salad
This twist will wake up your tastebuds.
What’s in it? Lightly blanched broccoli, shredded cabbage, sliced almonds, sesame seeds, and green onions with a soy-ginger sesame dressing.
Taste + Look: It’s bold, savory, and slightly spicy with umami in every bite. Looks like something you’d get at a fancy fusion restaurant.
5. Broccoli and Chickpea Power Salad
I make this when I want something filling but still fresh.
What’s in it? Broccoli florets, canned chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and feta, drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice.
Taste + Look: Bright, tangy, and herbaceous with a Mediterranean feel. The chickpeas add a creamy bite that balances the crunch.
6. Spicy Southwest Broccoli Salad
If you love a little kick, you’ve got to try this one.
What’s in it? Broccoli, black beans, corn, diced jalapeños, red pepper, and crushed tortilla chips with a zesty lime-cilantro dressing.
Taste + Look: It’s smoky, spicy, and super fresh. Expect crunchy broccoli with bursts of sweet corn and heat from the peppers.
7. Broccoli Slaw Salad with Ramen Noodles
Crunch overload—in the best way.
What’s in it? Store-bought broccoli slaw mix, crushed dry ramen noodles, sliced almonds, and green onions tossed in a sweet soy-vinegar dressing.
Taste + Look: It’s sweet, tangy, and has that addictive crunch from the noodles. It looks rustic but tastes like a guilty pleasure.
8. Keto Broccoli Avocado Salad
Low-carb doesn’t mean low-flavor.
What’s in it? Broccoli, diced avocado, crispy bacon, pumpkin seeds, and chopped eggs with a creamy garlic ranch-style dressing.
Taste + Look: It’s rich, savory, and filling. The avocado makes everything buttery-soft next to the crisp broccoli and salty bacon.
9. Greek-Style Broccoli Salad
This one’s like a broccoli version of your favorite Greek salad.
What’s in it? Broccoli, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta with an oregano lemon vinaigrette.
Taste + Look: Briny, fresh, and sharp with that unmistakable Greek flavor. It’s vibrant and perfect on a hot day.
10. Broccoli Pasta Salad
Not your typical broccoli salad—this one’s got carbs and it’s glorious.
What’s in it? Steamed broccoli, cooked pasta (I like rotini), sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil, dressed with a balsamic glaze.
Taste + Look: Rich, chewy, and herb-filled with an Italian twist. It’s picnic-perfect and makes a full meal.
Final Bite
So, there you have it—10 broccoli salad recipes that go way beyond the boring basics. Each one has its own personality and flavor profile, and honestly, they’re way too good to be overlooked. Try one (or three), and I bet you’ll never look at broccoli salad the same way again.
