Best Broccoli Salad
- SERVES
- 6
- CHILL TIME
- 4 Hr
We've got the perfect vegetable dish, whether you normally love your veggies or not! Try our Best Broccoli Salad! Why is it the best? Because no matter the time of year, it's a crisp, refreshing way to enjoy a tasty veggie during dinner. You can serve it as a side dish, or as a tasty salad. Either way, this change-of-pace dish is sure to win hearts in the kitchen.
What You'll Need
- 1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 bunch broccoli, cut into small florets (see Note)
- 1/2 head cauliflower, cut into small florets (see Note)
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 (3-ounce) container real bacon bits
What to Do
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and sugar; mix well. Add remaining ingredients; mix until well combined.
- Cover and chill at least 4 hours before serving.
Mr. Food Test Kitchen Tip!
- Prefer your veggies a little on the softer side? We've got you covered. Just boil 'em in water for 1 minute, drain, and then top it with ice so it cools down quickly.
- Make sure to cut the broccoli and cauliflower into very small florets.
- This broccoli salad is even better if it's made a few days in advance and allowed to marinate in the fridge.
- If you'd like, feel free to mix in some raisins for sweetness or some sunflower seeds and chopped nuts for crunch. It's an easy way to spice this one up!
Up Next:
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Nutritional InformationShow More
Servings Per Recipe: 6
- Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
- Calories 446
- Calories from Fat 300
- Total Fat 33g 51 %
- Saturated Fat 9.3g 47 %
- Trans Fat 0.0g 0 %
- Protein 15g 31 %
- Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
- Cholesterol 63mg 21 %
- Sodium 948mg 39 %
- Total Carbohydrates 24g 8 %
- Dietary Fiber 3.8g 15 %
- Sugars 12g 0 %
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ddjwbear54 0885051
Sep 13, 2021
I have been making this for years, only I use cream cheese instead of sour cream. With cream cheese you put the dressing on 1/2 hour before serving and yes mine includes raisins. My family loves it and it is great for carry ins.
sadie1993 2310168
May 14, 2019
For a less sweet and great-tasting alternative, substitute bottled ranch dressing (NO DRY MIX) for mayo, sour cream, and sugar.
bjoclark 0963302
Sep 13, 2016
One of friends brought this salad to a luncheon at my home. It was the talk of the meal! Every single lady went back for seconds. I've just signed up for MrFood.com specifically because of Best Broccoli Salad! It is now my new "go to" food. I LOVE its simplicity of preparation, the fact that I usually have most of the ingredients on hand, and my teenage daughter loved it onions and all!
BeckySue
May 25, 2016
The salad was very delicious and it's certainly gave me my daily servings of vegetables for several days. However I have a hard time limiting myself on ingredients, so I added raisins and sunflower seeds.
PamelaMSide 669231 1
Mar 31, 2016
I love this salad! It's very easy to make and tastes great. I do omit the bacon, but that's just personal preference (I don't think I would like the soggy bacon).
samantha30105 3637 622
Nov 12, 2015
Loved it, Made this for a birthday party and got great reves! it is a lot like the one costco sells but this is better because its fresh.)
pshopkins 0361836
Apr 25, 2015
This is so good, we loved it. I added some dried cranberries to it for an extra kick.
hazyy1 5237020
Apr 23, 2015
This is very good, I made it exactly according to the directions, and loved it, the dressing is dynamite.Will make this again.Thank You for all the wonderful recipes..
kbespe 6414895
Aug 24, 2014
I made it with only mayo. Go easy on the sauce. It doesn't need too much. Add frozen peas, its just like 7 layer salad.
kmssdf
Jul 24, 2014
Have not Eactly made, We add 2 tblsp. red wine vinigar, 1 c.mayo to 1/3 c sugar no sour cream no couliflower. double the broccoli add halved red grapes. (and it doesnt need all the dressing) we just add to taste. Very similar though and Really good!
Granny Cooks
Jun 26, 2014
I noticed that several posts mention vinegar in the recipe. The recipe I am seeing does not list vinegar as an ingredient. Is this correct?
rodemans2 3560832
Jun 26, 2014
Best Broccoli Salad is the Best. Simple to prepare and letting it sit refrigerated overnight definitely improves the flavor.
clett62 2299368
Apr 08, 2014
We love this salad and occasionally to give it a little pop I will use red wine or balsamic vinegar in place of the cider vinegar.
bjmmcsock 7466556
Feb 07, 2014
I have made a similar recipe, but it calls for apple cider vinegar. 1- 3 tsp of it depending how much you are making. It thins the dressing so I use less mayo. I have also used lite plain yogurt instead of sour cream. does not seem to matter what cheese one uses, more to ones taste. I like a blend of colby jack and cheddar or a 4 cheese Mexican or Italian blend. So good. Yes, let it sit.
Kulinary Kook
Jan 31, 2014
This may change the recipe completely, but I add raw zucchini and yellow squash (sliced) also. Instead of the dressing used here, I pour poppy seed dressing on it. Delicious!
VPETERSEN 5302804
Jun 28, 2014
I agree that your ingredients would change the recipe completely so why suggest them??
Kulinary Kook
Jul 18, 2014
The picture looks so much like the Broccoli Salad that I make, so that's why I suggested the poppyseed dressing. It's easy to just pour the store bought dressing on and it tastes good.
cfpgrammy 5114558
Jan 10, 2014
I made this for our neighbor monthly potluck supper and it went over really great. I also saved some back for using in another dish and added a can of chicken breast chunks and some parmeson cheese. I baked it and it was delicious.
canfield7 0191592
Nov 30, 2013
Really good. have made it before without the cauliflower. the dressing is wonderful.
gweberrn 8437759
Aug 13, 2013
I make this with all broccoli. And use real bacon, fried & crumbled. It's absolutely delicious! Tastes best when you let it sit in the frig for a day to allow the flavors to come together. It's the best ever!!!
chfarms 5242102
Jun 26, 2014
If you have real bacon, it's better than the pre-cooked stuff, unless it's all you have. The reward is the smell of the bacon cooking.
LindaK5 5779505
Jul 19, 2013
Even though cauliflower is rather expensive this salad is to die for! Will make again and again.
SandyDee61
Jul 10, 2013
I made this for our 4th of July picnic and it was devoured! Love the blend of the flavors and it was such a fresh taste. I will make this part of our summer picnic menu from now on.
rm1061rita 2142893
Jun 04, 2013
looks good, somewhat healthy,i'am going to try it and get back to u!
vk31mk 8935178
Jun 04, 2013
Great Recipe! You can add to this salad to make it your own. I use real bacon (fried crisp), shredded carrots, golden raisins and sunflower seeds!
sandrad47 3061682
Jun 03, 2013
This is a recipe that is great for the summer months.quick and easy..add some chicken and you have a meal...
jvigen4624 8271799
Jun 03, 2013
All your recipes need nutritional value added.. Would sure be nice to know these facts!
suespiker 2945089
Jun 28, 2013
If you use low fat mayo and low fat sour cream that will make it a lot healtier. If you know anything about dieting it is moderation, therefore watch your portion size. Good Luck.
lap39 3787048
Apr 29, 2013
I buy broccoli in the bag. Usually 6 oz. size. Do you know how many ounces are in a head of broccoli or how many cups after being chopped up?
Test Kitchen Team
Apr 29, 2013
That would be difficult to guess, since the size of a head of broccoli can vary greatly.
meatandtaters
May 11, 2013
The next time you buy a bag of broccoli cut it up and find out for yourself.
Pretty1
Apr 18, 2013
I added rotisserie chicken (chopped) and rotini pasta. It was a big hit in my office. One lady requested that I make her one. I also enjoy this recipe.
golady11
Apr 18, 2013
I have made this recipe many times. I used all your ingredients except the cauliflower. I also added raisins & shredded carrots. Absolutely delicious. I think next time I am going to substitute yogurt instead of sour cream. Golady1
mrsgrubs 6953558
Apr 17, 2013
Tried this today with the almost fried chicken legs, This salad was AMAZING!!!! better than the grocery store. I used more sour cream, and way less sugar than the recipe called for but everyone liked it. The chicken? not so much.
turquoise
Apr 16, 2013
I used to make this years ago for every party! Everyone loved it! If you don't even like broccoli and or cauliflower you will love this! I sort of forgot about it. Thankyou!! I am going to make this next week!!
andy2845 4357860
Apr 16, 2013
I' m going to try this . I always use lite mayo but I have to omit the onion , it doesn't agree with me.
mildy205 3314959
Apr 16, 2013
What an easy site to use....luv the recipe box, also. Thank you, Mr. Food!!
safe69athome 77929 65
Apr 16, 2013
I have been using this recipe for years, I use miracle whip instead. The difference between those two dressings are very noticeable. Miracle Whip is awesome.
Tenakee
Apr 16, 2013
Is sugar really needed in this recipe? I don't understand why every recipe now days has sugar added to it.
bilmar2 6194941
Apr 16, 2013
I have been making this for 20 years with Equal and then with Splenda and it's just as good.
grannyblu
Apr 17, 2013
I never use sugar in these kinds of recipes I use 2 teaspoons Splenda 1 cup mayonnaise ( salad dressing has sugar in it,mayo does not) and 2 Tablespoons vinegar sometimes I add 1/2 cup sunflower seeds and/or 1/2 cup raisins I usually fry up 4 or 5 slices of bacon and crumble I to add my salad You can get bacon on sale wrap in plastic wrap and freeze till needed add salt to taste make sure it marinates in refrigerator for a few hours before serving no need for the sour cream either Delicious ...been making this for years with or without cauliflower At Christmas, I add cauliflower buds and cherry tomatoes for red white and green.. Always a hit!
angelm52
Apr 16, 2013
To keep calories & fat down, try using a sugar-free mayo like Duke's and Daisy Light sour cream, which is 50/50.
lindawwitt 1174694
Apr 16, 2013
I have made this many times, and yes, I agree. It's wonderful!! My husband, who 'doesn't like broccoli" even likes this. I have another 'surprise' I put in mine....about 1/2 cup golden raisins!! Talk about delicious!! The contrast of sweetness is absolutely awesome. Try it next time.
CrockettL
Apr 16, 2013
A healthy dressing, perhaps yoghurt based, with dijon mustard, and tantalizing herbs, would provide a great alternative for those seeking to avoid the concentrated calories of mayo and sour cream. Hope someone rises to the challenge.
therope5 2599890
Feb 02, 2013
Wanted to add to my recipe box it would not let me. I have had several recipe's that won't let me save them in my box.
cylon113 5628272
Jan 20, 2013
This recipe reads wonderful. I am going to try it with the Seafood-Stuffed Fish Fillets. I can't wait.
tinkerbell60 13909 69
Jan 15, 2013
i made this was very good but i ad some prunes and raisins nuts ididnot sour cream i added yogurt i sometimes get sick off sour cream they just loved it took church soup sals luncheon wanted my recipes i got out church cook book
pwesleyrp 5805366
Jan 10, 2013
Great recipe as is, but since I always tweek everything, here is what I did: Substituted Peppercorn ranch dressing for Mayo, sugar, and onion, added the sour cream, can't tell you amounts, just mixed it til it tasted right. I bought 2 bags of fresh broc/caul mi and finely diced all. Also added 2 small cans of sliced black olives and a handful of sunflower seeds. Taste is great now, can't wait til tomorrow after marinating overnite
lauriel214 2459022
Jan 08, 2013
I have been looking for a good broccoli salad. This sounds great!
DAnder0824 3767688
Jan 07, 2013
I have made this with just cauliflower or just broccoli as well. Our favorite is cauliflower only!
martha51
Nov 03, 2012
I Sure hope this is the Salad that I have tried before,If so,Than this I definetly will love..According to these Ingredients in it,It sure does sound like it.So Many Thanks for posting this.
grams10 2592753
Aug 06, 2012
I made this yesterday for a family get together and everyone loved it and wanted the recipe! I also added raisins and I think next time I'll add some sunflower seeds too. For a shortcut, I bought bagged broccoli & cauliflower pieces and just had to cut them a little smaller. Two bags made this recipe and it sure saved time. I've been looking for a good broccoli recipe and this one surely did the trick. Thanks Mr. Food!
the LL
May 04, 2012
I like it with Greek yogurt, too (add about 2 tablespoons of honey for a little sweetness.) Craisins and sunflower kernels go great in this salad.
cyd10e 8057609
Apr 29, 2012
I have made a very similar recipe that I have made for almost 20 years, although without the sour cream or cheese. I use 2 cups Hellman's Lite Mayonnaise to cut down on calories & 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, because I do use real bacon (not bacon bits) that I broil & crumble. I also add a small bag of frozen peas (thawed in colander quickly with tepid water). When I make this, that is all we eat for our meal and there is plenty leftover as a side dish for other meals.
Karen G
Apr 28, 2012
I have had this recipe for many years and yes it is good. I even add sunflower seeds to mine. If I'm eating this I leave out the onion. You can substitute yogurt for the sour cream and you will have less calories.
joybells92000 4681 429
Apr 27, 2012
I substitute canola oil applecider vinegar ,water and splenda for mayo and sour cream , add sunflowerseeds and raisins, no cheese
Wisconsin Packers Girl
Aug 07, 2012
Good Idea!! Im diabetic, so when I make this I add splenda too! When I was 9 months preggo, I craved this salad, and couldn't find this recipe anywhere! Thanks so much for posting this for us, and thqnks Joybells for the alternate low carb version!
Loonontheroad
Apr 24, 2012
This salad is a huge hit wherever I take it. It takes time preparing, but is soooo well worth it! Thanks Mr. Food and staff for another awesome recipe.
taxjak 7220655
Apr 10, 2012
absolute worst concoction I've ever tasted. A complete waste of ingredients for me.....I tried all I could to "fix" this taste - just more wated ingredients... sorry, but true
mumra1st
Apr 22, 2012
It would be more helpful if you articulated what it was that you didn't like. All the other reviews are giving it raves.
angelink05
Feb 14, 2012
Hi friends If you want to know more about salad then visit www.thesaladsite.com It has everything you would ever want and need about salads.It has a vast amount of information including recipes , nutritional facts and history"
pfcalore 6115999
Jan 10, 2012
I've made this recipe for years; always a hit. Agree with suggestion to substitute Greek Yogurt for the mayo; I also add golden raisins....delicious!
mumra1st
Apr 22, 2012
I like the idea of the Greek style yoghurt. I add Thompson raisins and pumpkin seeds. I love this salad.
tippywi 7316740
May 18, 2011
I like to add peanuts & sunflower seeds to mine. It is sooo yummy!!!
gsmo 5726490
Apr 16, 2011
Replace the sour cream with 2% Greek yogurt. No one will ever no. Shhhh... it's so good!
npp3512007 7846920
Feb 22, 2011
This is very similar to the Broccoli Salad served @ Golden Corral. Here are some suggested variations, use "light" mayo or "light" miracle whip and light sour cream. I add sunflower seeds, dried cranberries and some diced yellow or orange bell pepper. Very colorful and tasty salad.
sexybrneyz2 695020 6
Jan 01, 2011
This recipe is also great without the sour cream, and add sunflower seeds, and a splash of vinegar in it. I use real cooked bacon in mine also. My family fell in love with it and request it all the time.
Jenny F
Jul 25, 2010
This salad is fantastic!! My family loved it!! I might try adding some slivered almonds or sunflower seeds next time for a little twist!!!
vhb
Jul 13, 2010
Love this recipe!!! I added 1/2 cup of raisins, one cup of celery, and 2 hard boiled eggs (chopped)to the mix and it was fabulous!
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