Broccoli Salad Recipe is an easy, crowd-pleasing summer side perfect for picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Broccoli Salad with Ranch Dressing
This flavorful broccoli salad is packed with fresh vegetables—broccoli, cauliflower, green onions, and peas—plus bacon, cheese, and a creamy ranch dressing.
- Ready to serve or make ahead. Enjoy this salad immediately or make it a day ahead—its flavors deepen after chilling.
- No cooking required. This is a cold salad: simply chop, toss with dressing, and chill.
- Easy meal prep. Make the salad the night before a picnic or party for simple, stress-free serving.
- Feeds a crowd. This recipe makes a large portion, ideal for holidays and gatherings.
Ingredients For Broccoli Salad
- Cauliflower: One head, or prechopped.
- Broccoli: One large bunch, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Green onions: Diced, for brightness and crunch.
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled, or use packaged bacon pieces for convenience.
- Frozen peas: About 10 ounces, thawed.
- Cheese: Colby Jack, cubed (cheese sticks are an easy option).
- Sour cream: For a creamy dressing base.
- Mayo: Balances the dressing texture and flavor.
- Dry ranch seasoning: One packet to season the dressing.
Tips for the Best Results
- Bacon options: Use freshly cooked bacon or shelf-stable bacon pieces if you prefer convenience. Either works well.
- Cheese prep: Cut cheese sticks into small cubes for quick prep, or cube a block of cheese.
- Make ahead: Assemble the salad and refrigerate. Add bacon and cheese just before serving if you want them extra crisp.
How To Make Broccoli Salad with Bacon
- Prep: Chop cauliflower and broccoli into small, bite-sized florets.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix cauliflower, broccoli, diced green onions, bacon, thawed peas, and cubed cheese.
- Dress: Whisk sour cream, mayo, and dry ranch seasoning in a separate bowl. Pour over the vegetable mix and toss until everything is coated.
What To Serve With Broccoli Salad
This creamy broccoli salad pairs nicely with grilled or roasted mains and classic summer sides. Try it alongside ribs, corn on the cob, baked beans, or a light dessert for a complete meal.
BBQ Baked Beans
Air Fryer Country Style Ribs
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
No Bake Strawberry Pie
Leftovers & Storing
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. This salad does not freeze well.
- Meal prep: It holds up well for meal prep and often tastes better after a day in the refrigerator.
More Salad Recipes
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Easy Cucumber Tomato Salad
Classic 7 Layer Salad
More sprinkles, please! Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly meal planning and follow for recipe updates and behind-the-scenes content.
4.75 from 44 ratings
Servings: 12 servings
Broccoli Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
This broccoli salad is a popular party side made with bacon, cheese, and ranch dressing.
Ingredients
SALAD:
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 bunch broccoli
- 1 bunch green onions, diced
- 1 cup fried & crumbled bacon (or two 2.8 oz packages of bacon pieces)
- 10 ounces frozen peas
- Colby Jack cheese, cubed (or 12 cheese sticks)
DRESSING:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayo
- 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
Instructions
- Cut cauliflower and broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine cauliflower, broccoli, diced green onions, bacon, peas, and cubed cheese.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayo, and dry ranch mix. Pour over the salad and toss to coat.
Notes
- Bacon: Use freshly cooked bacon or packaged bacon pieces for convenience.
- Cheese: Cutting cheese sticks into cubes is an easy prep method.
- Make ahead: Prepare the salad ahead of time; add bacon and cheese just before serving if desired.
Calories: 264 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 12 g,
Protein: 8 g,
Fat: 21 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g,
Protein: 8 g,
Fat: 21 g
Cuisine: American
Course: Side Dish
Author: Jennifer
Some links on the original page were affiliate links that support the creator at no extra cost to you.