When I say this classic broccoli salad flies off the table at summer gatherings, I mean it—dibs on seconds are called before plates are even handed out. This is one of those recipes that has lived a full life at backyard barbecues, potlucks, and family dinners. I’ve been making it for years, and it never fails to impress—even people who normally side-eye vegetables come back for more.

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Bowl of classic broccoli salad made with chopped broccoli, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, and red onion, tossed in a creamy dressing.

This version skips the raisins (because no thank you), but the smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy dressing more than make up for it. The broccoli stays crisp, the flavours blend beautifully overnight, and it holds up like a champ in the fridge. In fact, making it the night before is the secret to why this salad works so well—it gives the dressing time to soak in without making anything soggy. For more on safe food storage, visit Health Canada’s food safety tips.

Whether you’re heading to a cottage weekend, hosting friends, or just meal-prepping for the week ahead, this classic broccoli salad is a reliable crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to throw together, packed with texture, and hits that sweet-savory-crunchy combo just right.

5 from 1 vote

Classic Broccoli Salad

A crowd-favourite summer salad made with crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, cheddar cheese, and a tangy-sweet dressing. Even veggie skeptics love it.

Servings 8

Ingredients

7 cups broccoli (roughly 2 heads)
1/2 cup red onion chopped fine
3/4 cup cheddar cheese grated
1 lb bacon cooked and crumbled
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbsp vinegar white or apple cider

Instructions

Mix the broccoli, red onion, cheese and bacon together in a large bowl.
Whisk together mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar and pour over broccoli salad.
Stir well to combine.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Variations & Adjustments

This classic broccoli salad is endlessly flexible—here are some easy ways to make it your own:

Lower the sugar: Some people prefer it less sweet. Try cutting the sugar to ¼ cup
Add dried fruit: Not a raisin person like me? Try dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a sweet-tart twist.
Add crunch: Toss in pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or toasted sesame seeds for texture.
Go lighter: Swap out half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version.
Make it nutty: Sliced almonds or chopped pecans also play well with the other flavours.
Feeling a little bold? Pouring a spoonful of warm bacon grease over the raw broccoli before mixing in the dressing gives it a savoury depth that’s hard to beat. It’s definitely not doctor-approved, but it is delicious. (I take no responsibility for your cholesterol.)

This is a salad that forgives and flexes—don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Craving another classic side?

Don’t miss this easy macaroni salad—it’s just as perfect for warm-weather meals and gets better the longer it sits in the fridge.

Updated on May 9, 2025

Comments

Maija @ Maija's Mommy Moments

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YUM! I was looking for a recipe like this (ps: I am the someone who may “squeal in delight”!)
Stephanie SassyModernMom

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Oh my goodness, you make vegetables look good! Thanks for sharing! (must go print now
Amanda | naturalmommie.com

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This is one of my favorite salads to make! Have you ever tried it with cauliflower?
Candace

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I haven’t tried it with cauliflower. Have you?
Candace

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My work here is done. *Throws cape over shoulder* 🙂 Enjoy.
Candace

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Then I would say this will probably serve six 🙂
Elizabeth L

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I’ve had this salad before but had no idea how to actually make it, thanks for the recipe!
Tiffany

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I am thinking that I could add some Grilled Chicken to this and it would be perfect for my lunches through the week.
Candace Derickx

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If you do that, please let me know how it worked out.
Corinne Brooks

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Love this salad! I have made it by adding shredded carrots along with dried cranberries and adding some hot sauce to the dressing and it was delish!
macgirlxoxo

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I love this salad!!!!!!!! Thanx for the recipe, I like your version better than the one I usually make, your’s has more sugar in the dressing, which makes it just a bit better. I made it for a BBQ a few weeks ago and as I was taking it out of the fridge to serve it, the bowl slipped out of my hand and shattered all over the floor….. I almost cried…my friend ate a couple bites off the floor. Kinda gross, but that’s how good this salad is….had it not been for the broken bowl, I would’ve been right in there also lol. Anyways thanx for the recipe. I definitely recommend everyone to try it!!!!
Carolyn

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Lose the onion. Picky eaters will reject this salad because of the little chopped onion bits all over the place! Instead, throw in some dry onion seasonings or chives. Perfect!
Rachel

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I don’t have bacon but I do have diced ham is ham OK to use in place of bacon, as well I’ve got tomatoes can that be added
Candace Derickx

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I think ham would be a great substitute. Not sure about the tomatoes. It wouldn’t be something I would try but if you’re brave, go for it. Let me know if it works!
Candace

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Super easy! Make it on replay all summer long!

Classic Broccoli Salad That Even Veggie Haters Love