Broccoli Crunch Salad
Enjoy a tasty and versatile broccoli salad with bacon and raisins. Add your favorite variations!
Whole Foods’ broccoli crunch salad was a longtime favorite for good reason—crisp, sweet, tangy, and just a little salty from the bacon. They discontinued it for a while, but it still occasionally returns. This homemade version captures that original flavor, with a creamy, slightly sweet dressing, chewy raisins, crunchy sunflower seeds, and smoky bits of bacon tossed with fresh broccoli florets.
It’s a flexible salad that’s easy to tweak to your taste. Adjust the mayo, dial the sweetness up or down, or add something extra like chopped apples or shredded carrots. Whether you’re making it ahead for a picnic or prepping lunches for the week, it holds up well in the fridge and only gets better as it sits.
Why You’ll Love It
Sweet and savory combo. Raisins, sunflower seeds, and bacon add contrast and irresistible texture.Great for make-ahead. The flavors meld beautifully as it chills, making it perfect for potlucks or prep.
Quick to assemble. No cooking required beyond the bacon, and it comes together in minutes.
Customizable. Easily adjust sweetness, mayo, or mix-ins to your taste.
Ingredient Notes
- Broccoli: Use fresh florets cut into small, bite-size pieces.
- Bacon: Adds smoky flavor; cook until crisp but not brittle.
- Raisins: Classic for sweetness — or try dried cranberries or cherries.
- Red onion: Adds a sharp bite to balance the creamy dressing.
- Sunflower seeds: Bring crunch and a nutty note.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing — full-fat works best.
- Cider vinegar: Adds tang to balance the sweetness.
- Sugar: Lightly sweetens the dressing — adjust to taste.
How to Make Broccoli Crunch Salad
- Start by chopping the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces if they’re not already. Add them to a large mixing or serving bowl. Dice the cooked bacon and add it along with the raisins, chopped red onion, and sunflower seeds.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of mayonnaise, the cider vinegar, and sugar. Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness, salt, or pepper to your liking.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss everything together until well coated. If it seems a little dry, stir in a bit more mayonnaise. Chill until ready to serve.
Tips for Broccoli Crunch Salad
- For extra crunch, add the sunflower seeds just before serving.
- If you like a lighter dressing, replace part of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
- Blanch the broccoli briefly in boiling water if you prefer it slightly tender instead of raw.
- Double the dressing if you like a creamier salad — it keeps well in the fridge for later use.
Recipe Variations
- Dried Fruit: Instead of raisins, add tart dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries to provide a more complex flavor profile.
- Nuts and Seeds: Swap slivered almonds, pepitas, or roasted chickpeas for the sunflower seeds.
- Seasonings: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a pleasant kick.
- Vegetables: Make the salad with half broccoli and half cauliflower.
- Sweetener: Use a sugar substitute or try Lyle’s Golden Syrup.
How to Store Broccoli Crunch Salad
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving — the dressing may settle a bit as it sits.
Freeze? Not recommended — the texture of the broccoli and dressing will change once thawed.
Broccoli Crunch Salad
Ingredients
- 12 ounces broccoli , florets
- 4 tablespoons cooked bacon, diced ,about 5 to 6 slices, cooked until done but not overly crispy
- 3/4 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 3/4 to 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar, or to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a serving bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon, raisins, onion, and sunflower seeds; toss to mix.
- Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine 3/4 cup of mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar; taste and adjust the seasonings with a dash of salt and pepper, more sugar, etc.
- Dress the Salad: Add the dressing to the broccoli mixture and toss to blend. Add more mayonnaise if needed.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
