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.
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.