If you’re looking for the perfect summer side dish, this Broccoli Salad is a must-make. It’s crisp, creamy, loaded with flavor, and comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, heading to a potluck, or planning an easy weeknight dinner, this broccoli salad is always a crowd favorite.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Pair it with grilled chicken, pork chops, burgers, or barbecue, and you have an easy summertime meal everyone will love. The secret to the best broccoli salad is cutting the broccoli into small bite-sized pieces. Large florets can make the salad difficult to eat, while smaller pieces allow every bite to have the perfect balance of broccoli, cheese, bacon, and creamy dressing.

The Best Broccoli Salad Recipe

This easy Broccoli Salad combines fresh broccoli, red onion, cheddar cheese, and bacon in a simple homemade dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar. It's crunchy, creamy, savory, and slightly tangy—the perfect side dish for summer gatherings.

Servings 6

Cook Time 15

Total Time 15

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Ingredients

For the Salad

5 cups broccoli florets, cut into small bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 1/2 cups cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup bacon bits or cooked bacon, crumbled

For the Dressing

3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions

Wash and dry the broccoli thoroughly. Cut the florets into small bite-sized pieces. This is the key to making the best broccoli salad, as smaller pieces make the salad easier to eat and help distribute all the flavors evenly.
In a large bowl, add the broccoli, diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and bacon.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar until smooth and well combined.
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to soak into the broccoli and brings all the flavors together.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad

Cut the broccoli into small pieces for the best texture and flavor.
Use freshly cooked and crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
Make it ahead of time for parties and cookouts.
Let the salad chill before serving for the best taste.
Double the recipe easily for larger gatherings.

What to Serve with Broccoli Salad

This broccoli salad pairs perfectly with:

Grilled chicken
Pork chops
Hamburgers
Hot dogs
Barbecue ribs
Pulled pork sandwiches

It’s an easy side dish that complements almost any summer meal.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Salad is creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor in every bite. The combination of fresh broccoli, cheddar cheese, bacon, and tangy dressing creates a side dish that disappears quickly at cookouts, potlucks, and family dinners. If you’re searching for an easy summer side dish recipe, this broccoli salad is one you’ll make again and again.

The Best Broccoli Salad Recipe for Summer