Broccoli Crunch Salad combines fresh broccoli, nutty almonds, flavorful bacon and bits of onion in a creamy dressing that is both sweet and tangy.
This delicious vegetable salad will be a hit at your summer potlucks and barbecues.
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Broccoli Crunch Salad
Hello summer and hello salads! I’m always happy when the warm days of summer arrive and barbecues, backyard get togethers and family gatherings begin.
That’s when I make my Broccoli Crunch Salad that everyone goes crazy over. Yes, it is a raw broccoli salad and it is absolutely delicious.
Fire up the grill for burgers and let’s make a broccoli salad with bacon to go with.
Add in the crunch of both almonds and fresh broccoli tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing and everyone will be going back for seconds of chopped broccoli salad.
Oh and don’t forget the bacon because we all know that everything’s better with bacon!
Broccoli is so delicious when served raw in a salad like this. Uncooke broccoli adds the perfect texture and flavor when served raw in a salad like this. Just be sure to chop it into small pieces.
If you prefer your broccoli to be tender-crisp you can cook the broccoli slightly by blanching it for just a couple of minutes in boiling water and then, using a slotted spoon, immediately transfer it to an ice bath. This will soften the broccoli slightly, but still keep it firm enough for a summer salad, if that’s how you prefer to eat it.
I don't recommend using the broccoli stems in this recipe unless you chop them into small pieces and blanche them so they soften somewhat.
I used sliced almonds but you can chop up your favorite nut or use chopped mixed nuts and this side dish will still taste so delicious.
May I suggest toasting the nuts for added flavor? Did you know that you can toast nuts in the microwave? Oh yes, yes you can! And it really is so easy to do. Scroll down for directions.
If you want extra crunch you can also stir in some sunflower seeds. The seeds will definitely add great texture.
Because the broccoli is raw, it keeps its crunch and is also delicious the next day. Just be sure to refrigerate it in an airtight container and toss it before serving so that everything gets evenly coated with the dressing again.
This broccoli crunch salad recipe is definitely a keeper so be sure to save a copy of the recipe. You’ll be so happy you did!
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How to make a chopped broccoli salad
Scroll down for the full recipe instructions and ingredient amounts in the recipe card below
- Arrange bacon in a single layer in a large skillet and cook over medium high heat until browned and crispy, turning once. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool then crumble.
- In a large bowl combine mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar and milk, whisking until blended.
- Add broccoli, onion, crumbled bacon and almonds and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate until chilled, of if you prefer, you can serve, right after tossing, at room temperature.
Swirls of Flavor Recipe Tips
- You can make this recipe KETO friendly by using a sugar substitute and eliminating the onions or replacing them with scallions.
- This recipe is best when served chilled, as per the recipe directions, but will still be delicious when served as soon as you make it, at room temperature.
- Stir in shredded cheese
- Add dried cranberries or dark sweet raisins or golden raisins for bursts of sweetness
- Toast the almonds for added depth of flavor
Substitutions
- Substitute cream for the milk
- Substitute half and half for the milk
- Substitute a sweet onion, such as Vidalia, for the yellow onion
- Red onion can also be used in place of the yellow onion
- Scallions, also called green onions, can replace the yellow onion
- You can make this recipe with your favorite nut, chopped, in place of the sliced almonds
- Substitute tender broccolini for the broccoli and you’ll have yourself a broccolini salad
- Red wine vinegar will also taste delicious substituted for the white vinegar
Storage
- You can refrigerate this vegetable side dish in an airtight container, covered, for 2-3 days. Be sure to toss it before serving.
- As always, I find it helpful to visit the FDA website for food storage guidelines
How to toast nuts in the microwave
To toast nuts in the microwave:
- Simply arrange nuts in single layer on paper plate.
- Microwave for 1 minute.
- Then microwave in 30-second intervals until lightly toasted.
- Timing will vary according to wattage of your microwave.
What to serve with broccoli salad
- Grilled Balsamic Chicken
- French Onion Burgers
- Bruschetta Burgers
- Black Bean Burgers
- Grilled Honey Glazed Chicken from Bowl Me Over
Ingredients
Ingredients for crunchy broccoli salad
- bacon
- mayonnaise
- sugar
- white vinegar
- milk
- fresh broccoli florets
- yellow onion
- sliced almonds
Broccoli Crunch Salad
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Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon , about 4 ounces
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 Tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- 8 cups bite size broccoli florets , from 2 heads of broccoli
- 1 small yellow onion , thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
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Instructions
- Arrange bacon in a single layer in a large skillet and cook over medium high heat until browned and crispy, turning once. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool then crumble.
- In a large serving bowl combine mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar and milk, whisking until blended.
- Combine broccoli, onion, crumbled bacon and almonds in the bowl with the dressing and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until chilled, then toss before serving.
I love the simple ingredients of this salad and the crunchy texture! It's a great way to get my family to eat their veggies!
I LOVE salads with lots of crunch and texture, and between the bacon the broccoli and the almonds, this was so yummy!
Love all the amazing textures and flavors going on in this salad! It makes the perfect light lunch and the whole family loved it!
This is such a good way to use broccoli. I am definitely making it for my next BBQ.
Bacon and broccoli sounds so delicious together and I love the crunchy textures too.
It's so good!
You'll be happy you did! Enjoy!
It's also delicious topped with cooked chicken for a main dish salad!
Such a summer-appropriate salad, so crunchy and delicious. Very easy to make too, and took very less time.
I love a broccoli salad! I have a bunch of garden fresh broccoli, so this recipe will be perfect! Thanks for the share!