Looking for a simple, crunchy, and flavorful salad that always disappears fast? This Easy Broccoli Salad is your answer! With fresh broccoli, savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and sweet dried cranberries all tossed in a creamy dressing, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy.
Whether you’re heading to a summer BBQ, prepping a quick lunch, or just want a dish that everyone will ask you for the recipe — this salad delivers every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Salad
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✅ No cooking required (except the bacon – or use ready-made!)
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✅ Ready in minutes – Just chop, mix, and chill
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✅ Crunchy, creamy, and full of flavor
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✅ Customizable – Add more sauce, cheese, or extras to taste
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✅ Perfect for make-ahead meals or potlucks
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✅ Always a hit – You won’t have leftovers!
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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2 sachets (12 oz each) of raw broccoli florets
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½ cup chopped red onion
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1 cup grated cheddar cheese
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½ cup chopped cooked bacon (or bacon bits)
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½ cup dried cranberries
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¼ cup sunflower seeds (optional, for crunch)
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¾ cup creamy coleslaw dressing (I use Kraft brand)
💡 Feel free to adjust the amounts or swap in ingredients like raisins, pumpkin seeds, or a homemade dressing if you prefer.
How to Make Easy Broccoli Salad
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Prep the Veggies:
Rinse and dry the broccoli florets. Chop any large pieces into bite-sized chunks. -
Combine Everything:
In a large mixing bowl, add the broccoli, chopped onion, cheddar, bacon, cranberries, and sunflower seeds (if using). -
Add the Dressing:
Pour in the coleslaw dressing and mix everything thoroughly until well coated. -
Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors meld and the salad to chill perfectly. -
Serve Cold:
Give it a quick stir before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning or add a little more dressing if needed.
Customizations & Variations
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No bacon? Try turkey bacon or leave it out for a vegetarian version
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No coleslaw dressing? Mix ½ cup mayo, 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and a pinch of salt
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Add crunch: Chopped almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds work great
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Sweet swap: Replace cranberries with raisins or chopped dried apricots
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Add fruit: Chopped apples or grapes add freshness and sweetness
Storage Tips
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge
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Best eaten within 2–3 days for peak crunch
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Do not freeze — the dressing will separate and the texture will suffer
Perfect For…
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Cookouts and BBQs
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Potlucks and picnics
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Meal prep lunches
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Quick summer dinners
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Holiday side dishes
Final Thoughts
This Easy Broccoli Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. It’s fast, fresh, and always welcome at the table. You can prep it in minutes and count on it to be the first bowl to go empty.
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