13 Crunchy Broccoli Salad Recipes

Broccoli has always held a special place in my heart, taking me back to my childhood summers at Grandma’s house. She’d whip up a simple crunchy broccoli salad tossed with raisins, sunflower seeds, and a tangy mayo dressing that we’d devour at family picnics. It was the ultimate side dish—fresh, crisp, and unapologetically addictive—reminding us that healthy eating didn’t have to be boring.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my kitchen, transforming that nostalgic recipe into vibrant variations to fit modern diets and flavors. With broccoli’s natural crunch and nutrient density, it’s perfect for salads that pack protein, fiber, and vitamins while staying light and refreshing. In today’s fast-paced world, these no-cook or quick-prep recipes are a game-changer for meal prep, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.

Classic Bacon Broccoli Crunch Salad

This timeless favorite combines fresh broccoli florets with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and sunflower seeds in a creamy mayo-yogurt dressing. Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli florets, 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled), 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces, blanch for 1 minute in boiling water then shock in ice water for extra crunch. Mix dressing ingredients, toss with broccoli, bacon, cheese, and seeds. Chill for 30 minutes. It’s loaded with protein and healthy fats for sustained energy and gut health.

Vegan Tahini Broccoli Salad

A plant-based twist featuring nutty tahini dressing over broccoli, chickpeas, and dried cranberries. Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli florets, 1 can chickpeas (drained), 1/3 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 garlic clove (minced), water to thin.
Blanch broccoli briefly, then pat dry. Whisk dressing until smooth, fold in all ingredients, and let sit 20 minutes. Dairy-free and high in fiber, it supports digestion and provides plant protein for vegans.

Apple Pecan Broccoli Crunch

Sweet apples and toasted pecans add texture to this refreshing salad. Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli, 2 apples (diced), 1/2 cup pecans (toasted), 1/4 cup red onion (sliced), 1/3 cup mayo, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, salt.
Prep broccoli as above, chop apples to avoid browning. Combine dressing, toss everything together, and refrigerate. Antioxidants from apples and healthy fats from pecans boost heart health and satiety.

Cheesy Ranch Broccoli Salad

Ranch dressing meets broccoli, cauliflower, and cheese for a crowd-pleasing crunch. Ingredients: 3 cups broccoli, 2 cups cauliflower florets, 1 cup shredded Colby Jack, 1/2 cup ranch dressing, 1/4 cup bacon bits, 1/4 cup sliced almonds.
Blanch veggies lightly, mix with cheese and dressing, top with bacon and almonds. Low-carb and probiotic-rich from yogurt-based ranch for immune support.

Asian Sesame Broccoli Slaw

Ginger-soy dressing elevates broccoli slaw with mandarin oranges and sesame seeds. Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli slaw, 1 can mandarin oranges (drained), 1/4 cup sliced almonds, 3 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp ginger (grated).
Toss slaw with oranges and nuts, drizzle with whisked dressing. Anti-inflammatory benefits from ginger and vitamin C from oranges.

Cranberry Almond Broccoli Delight

Tart cranberries and crunchy almonds in a poppy seed dressing. Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli florets, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup sliced almonds, 1/3 cup mayo, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp poppy seeds.
Blanch broccoli, mix dressing, combine all and chill. High in antioxidants for skin health and fiber for fullness.

Keto-Friendly Bacon Avocado Broccoli

Avocado creaminess pairs with bacon for a low-carb powerhouse. Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli, 1 avocado (mashed), 6 slices bacon, 1/4 cup cheddar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt.
Blanch broccoli, mash avocado with oil and lemon for dressing, toss with bacon and cheese. Keto-approved with healthy fats for ketosis and brain health.

Greek Yogurt Herb Broccoli Salad

Light yogurt dressing with fresh herbs and feta. Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli, 1/2 cup feta crumbles, 1/4 cup red onion, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp dill (chopped), salt.
Prep broccoli, whisk yogurt dressing, mix and chill. Probiotic boost for gut health and lower calories.

Spicy Jalapeño Broccoli Crunch

Heat from jalapeños with a lime crema dressing. Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli, 2 jalapeños (sliced), 1/2 cup corn, 1/3 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp cumin, cilantro.
Blanch broccoli, mix spicy dressing, toss with veggies. Metabolism-boosting spice and vitamin A from peppers.

Broccoli Cauliflower Raisin Mix

Double veggie crunch with sweet raisins and walnuts. Ingredients: 2 cups each broccoli and cauliflower, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/2 cup walnuts, 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar.
Blanch both veggies, prepare sweet-tangy dressing, combine and rest. Doubled fiber for detox and blood sugar control.

Pomegranate Feta Broccoli Festive Salad

Jewels of pomegranate add pop with balsamic glaze. Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli, 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, 1/2 cup feta, 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette, 1/4 cup pistachios.
Blanch broccoli, toss with seeds, cheese, nuts, and dressing. Heart-healthy from pomegranate antioxidants.

Curry Coconut Broccoli Salad

Exotic curry flavors with shredded coconut. Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli, 1/2 cup shredded coconut, 1/4 cup raisins, 1/3 cup coconut yogurt, 1 tbsp curry powder, 1 tbsp lime juice.
Toast coconut lightly, mix curry dressing, toss all. Anti-inflammatory curry spices aid joint health.

Lemon Garlic Roasted Broccoli Salad

Quick-roasted broccoli with bright lemon-garlic vinaigrette. Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli (roasted at 425°F for 10 min), 1/4 cup parmesan, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 garlic cloves (minced), pine nuts.
Roast broccoli, whisk garlicky dressing, combine with cheese and nuts. Vitamin C immune boost and crisp edges.

These 13 crunchy broccoli salad recipes are versatile, nutritious, and easy to customize—perfect for your next gathering or meal prep. Grab some fresh broccoli and dive in; your taste buds (and body) will thank you!