Broccoli Salad Recipe with Dried Cherries

This super easy Broccoli Salad Recipe with Dried Cherries is the perfect dish to bring to all your summer BBQs, picnics, and potlucks. Takes just a few minutes to prepare.

Introducing our delicious and vibrant Broccoli Salad! This is a versatile side dish that will quickly become a favorite at family gatherings and barbecues.

Bursting with color, and texture, this salad is a wonderful flavor combination of fresh salad and dressing ingredients.

Crunchy broccoli florets with sweet dried cherries, salty sunflower seeds, smoky bacon bits, and tangy red onion. All of it tossed in a creamy and zesty mayonnaise-based dressing, this salad is as beautiful as it is tasty.

Our Broccoli Salad is a delightful and versatile dish that will quickly become one of your favorite salads in your recipe book.

With its combination of fresh, crunchy broccoli, sweet dried cherries, salty sunflower seeds, smoky bacon bits, and tangy red onion, this salad is packed with flavors and textures that will please everyone at the table. 

The creamy and zesty mayonnaise-based dressing ties everything together, creating a side dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Plus, it’s easy to customize and adjust to suit your personal taste preferences. This makes it an ideal choice for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.

Don’t hesitate to give this Broccoli Salad a try and discover just how simple and satisfying a healthy and nutritious side dish can be. Happy cooking!

Common Questions About Broccoli Salad

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, it’s recommended to let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to soak into the broccoli.

Can I use a different type of nut or seed in the salad?

Feel free to customize this classic broccoli salad by using your favorite nuts or seeds. For example, you could replace sunflower seeds with almonds or pecans.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this easy broccoli salad recipe is gluten-free. However, if you’re using store-bought bacon bits, make sure to check the label, as some brands may contain gluten.

Storage

This delicious broccoli salad is one I love to pull out for leftovers the next day.

Refrigerator

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days once the dressing is combined, or up to 4 days if the dressing has not yet been put on the salad.

Freezer

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad. The texture of the broccoli and the creaminess of the dressing may be compromised upon thawing.

Tips

This is the perfect summer salad for all your family get-togethers and summer cookouts! 

• Use fresh, firm broccoli for the best texture.
• For a vegetarian version, replace bacon bits with smoked almonds or another crunchy topping.
• Experiment with adding other ingredients, such as sliced red bell pepper or shredded carrots, for extra color and nutrition.

Ingredients

With such an easy recipe, you’ll have this fresh broccoli salad ready to go at a moment’s notice. All with simple ingredients found fresh at your local grocery store.

• Broccoli
• Dried cherries
• Salted sunflower kernels
• Bacon bits
• Red onion
• Mayonnaise
• Apple cider vinegar
• Salt
• Pepper

How to Make Broccoli Salad

I like to make sure the broccoli is chopped into small florets. You be the judge, though. This healthy side dish can be adjusted to your own taste!

1. In a medium bowl, mix together broccoli, cherries, sunflower seeds, bacon bits, & red onion. Stir to fully combine.
2. In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt & pepper until combined.
3. Pour the dressing mixture over the broccoli mixture.
4. Combine all together with a spatula or wooden spoon, being sure to mix all the way to the bottom of the bowl to be sure to get all of the small seeds & bacon bits evenly incorporated.
5. Place a cover on the bowl, or transfer to a bowl with a cover & place in the refrigerator for a couple hours before serving.
6. Serve & enjoy!

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Broccoli Salad

Soon you’ll have a beautiful, cold broccoli salad ready to serve. I think there is something about a creamy homemade dressing that really makes a salad pop!

• Medium and small mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board

What to Serve With Broccoli Salad

This delicious side dish will be an absolute crowd favorite. It pairs well with a variety of main dishes, including grilled chicken, burgers, BBQ ribs, or smoked ham. Not to mention that it also makes a great addition to a potluck or picnic spread! It will also serve well along with any other side dish like macaroni salad, potato salad, egg salad, and more.

Why You Should Make Broccoli Salad

The crisp freshness of this salad speaks for itself, in my opinion. It’s the perfect side dish for summer gatherings or any other time of year. It’s one of my favorite ways to eat broccoli!

• This easy side dish is super simple to prepare, using ingredients that can be found in most pantries and refrigerators. 
• Offering a healthy and nutritious option for a side dish, Broccoli Salad is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. 
• Bursting with flavors and textures that appeal to a wide variety of tastes, this salad is sure to be the best at the barbecue. 
• The recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your personal taste or allow for dietary restrictions. 
• This delicious salad serves as a fantastic make-ahead dish, perfect for gatherings and events. It can be prepared in advance and kept fresh in the refrigerator.

Variations and Add-Ins for Broccoli Salad

For an additional touch of sweetness, add in more dried fruit! Otherwise, here are some ideas to change things up a bit.

• Switch out the dried cherries for dried cranberries or raisins to introduce a different fruity element to the salad. 
• Swap out sunflower seeds for almonds or pecans to add a unique crunch and a slightly different nutty taste. 
• Incorporate sliced red bell peppers or shredded carrots into the salad for an additional burst of color and a nutritional boost. 
• Try using different types of vinegar, such as balsamic or red wine vinegar, to put an interesting spin on the dressing’s flavor profile.
• Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top for an extra tangy bite!

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If you love this easy Broccoli Salad recipe, you’re going to love these other side dishes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Sides

Smoked Baked Beans

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Ambrosia Salad

Grilled Corn Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe

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