Classic Broccoli Salad

This broccoli salad is loaded with raisins, sunflower seeds and bacon and is topped with a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. This post is sponsored by Kroger.

In honor of Women’s History Month, I’m so excited to share a recipe inspired by one of the most important women in my life: my mom.

Some of my best memories with my mom revolve around the kitchen. She was always cooking up something and I was in the kitchen more often than not… likely stealing bites from whatever she was making, but I like to think I helped a little too!

She’s the person who taught me to cook and really ignited my passion for cooking and food. For that, I’ll be forever grateful. 

We haven’t been able to see each other much this year and that has been really, really hard. I can’t wait until I can hug you again, Mom!

Remaking dishes from my childhood has always been one of my favorite things to do, but even more so now! It helps me relive those special memories and feel close to family, even during a time when we have to stay distanced. 

My mom made a broccoli salad for every gathering growing up and it was one of my absolute favorites! I’ve already shared a vegan broccoli salad with a creamy cashew dressing, but I was craving the classic version recently so I created this recipe. It’s just like the broccoli salad I grew up eating, but with a lightened-up twist!

When testing this recipe, I took one bite and was quickly taken back to a memory of being in the kitchen with my mom making this salad for a family cookout. It tastes so similar to her version!

Healthy Broccoli Salad Ingredients

• chopped broccoli florets – you can use pre-chopped florets or buy full heads. Either way you’ll want to chop the florets into tiny, bite-size pieces. This helps distribute the dressing and makes the salad easier to eat.
• bacon – I used Simple Truth pork bacon, but turkey bacon would work great too if you want bacon with less calories and fat.
• sunflower seeds – I prefer roasted and salted, but you can use dry roasted or raw. Roasted tends to have more flavor and crunch.
• raisins – I love the Simple Truth brand.
• red onion – the red onion adds a pop of color and oniony flavor.
• Greek yogurt – instead of mayo, I used Greek yogurt to up the protein and reduce the fat.
• apple cider vinegar – apple cider vinegar is my go-to vinegar for salad dressing because of it’s health benefits and I love the flavor it adds here.
• honey or maple syrup – a hint of sweet to balance out the rest of the ingredients.
• sea salt and black pepper – two essentials for a tasty salad dressing.

I grabbed all of the ingredients for this salad from Kroger. We’ve been doing their grocery pickup or delivery and it has been a lifesaver! 

Pro tip: As I mentioned, I love Kroger’s Simple Truth products. Simple Truth is their natural, organic line that is free from 101+ artificial preservatives and ingredients. Their packaging is super clean and clear so you know exactly what you’re buying!

Substitutions & Notes

Raw broccoli – Make sure you’re using fresh, raw broccoli. Frozen or cooked broccoli won’t work for this recipe! If you’re looking for a salad with cooked broccoli try this: roasted broccoli quinoa salad. 

Vegetarian version – You can omit the bacon or try using tempeh bacon or coconut bacon.

Dairy-free version – Use a dairy-free Greek yogurt. I personally like using coconut milk yogurt when I need a dairy-free option. It’s thick like Greek yogurt and works great.

Add cheese – Some versions of classic broccoli salad include cheese, but my mom’s version doesn’t so I’m sticking with that! If you want to add cheese, feel free to add in shredded cheddar cheese.

How to Make Broccoli Salad

Cook bacon: I like cooking it in the oven (see notes in the recipe card), but you can also cook it in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, honey, maple syrup, salt and pepper. Add broccoli, sunflower seeds, raisins, red onion, and bacon to the bowl and stir until well combined.

Cover and chill: Cover container and chill in the fridge. Let sit for at least 3-4 hours before serving. Overnight works great too as this salad tastes better after it has had time to sit.

How to Store Broccoli Salad

This broccoli salad will last up to five days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may notice that the raisins absorb some of the liquid or the sunflower seeds soften but that’s okay! It will still be delicious.

More Classic Salad Recipes to Try

• Waldorf Salad
• Healthy Potato Salad
• Vegan Cobb Salad
• Healthy Taco Salad
• Easy Caprese Salad

Be sure to check out all my broccoli recipes as well as my full collection of salad recipes.