8/28/2025, updated 2/13/2026 – This Broccoli Salad was inspired by Chef Billy Parisi’s recipe here. It has fresh broccoli, bacon, cheese, seeds, and dried fruit tossed in a creamy mayo dressing. We did not have the seeds or dried cherries, but cranraisens was good in it. It made a very good crunchy salad that could have also had chicken chunks or sausage.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces bacon ends
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1½tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons sugar
- 5 cups of broccoli florets
- ¼ peeled and small-diced red onion, about ½ cup
- ½ cup dried cran-raisins
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- coarse salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ Lemon – added 2/13/2026
Instructions
- Fried bacon ends until crispy. Drain onto paper towels and let cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Next, small dice the crispy bacon and add it to a large bowl along with the broccoli florettes, onion, cherries, cran-raisins, lemon juice, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the mayonnaise dressing over the top and fold the ingredients together using a spatula. Adjust any seasonings with salt and pepper and serve.
- Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least half an hour.
Notes
It may seem like a small thing, but if you want to make the best broccoli salad recipe, take the time to chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. This is especially important if you’re making it for a potluck or BBQ where no one wants to wrestle a giant tree of broccoli with a plastic fork. Those small florets are not only easier to pick up but also ensure that you get a little bit of everything in each bite.
Taste and adjust: Taste the assembled salad before serving. If the flavors aren’t as balanced as you’d like, mix in a pinch of salt, more vinegar, or a little extra sugar.
More add-in ideas: Consider adding chopped celery, shredded carrots, thinly sliced snap peas, or cauliflower florets to bulk up the salad.
Next Time:
Add chicken chunks or sausage to up the protein
