What Is Bodacious Broccoli Salad?
Bodacious Broccoli Salad is a crunchy, chilled side dish made with fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, red onions, and sunflower seeds — all tossed in a creamy-sweet mayo dressing.
It’s the kind of salad that’s welcome at every potluck, picnic, or weeknight dinner. Bold in texture, flavor, and color — it’s always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Fresh, flavorful, and crunchy
✅ Quick to prep — under 20 minutes
✅ Perfect for BBQs, lunches, or holidays
✅ Easily customizable (add cheese, cranberries, or nuts)
✅ Stores well in the fridge
Ingredients You’ll Need
🥦 Salad Base:
- 5 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup shredded carrots (optional)
- ½ cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
- 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
🥣 Creamy Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
How to Make Bodacious Broccoli Salad
👨🍳 Total Time: 15–20 mins
Serves: 6–8
Step 1: Prep the broccoli
Cut broccoli into small bite-sized florets. Blanch (optional) or leave raw for max crunch.
Step 2: Mix the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk mayo, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Combine the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, onions, carrots, sunflower seeds, bacon, and cranberries.
Step 4: Toss and chill
Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Optional Add-ins & Swaps
| Add-In | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Shredded cheddar cheese | Adds richness and bold flavor |
| Chopped almonds or walnuts | Extra crunch and protein |
| Greek yogurt | Healthier swap for part of the mayo |
| Dijon mustard | Adds a slight tang and depth to the dressing |
Pro Tips for Best Flavor
- Chill at least 30–60 minutes before serving
- Use real bacon for best taste (not bacon bits)
- Chop broccoli small so it absorbs dressing
- If raw broccoli is too firm, quickly blanch it for 1 minute
- Toss again before serving to redistribute dressing
How to Serve It
- Great with grilled meats or sandwiches
- Serve as a BBQ or picnic side
- Add to lunchboxes or meal prep containers
- Layer with lettuce wraps or tacos for a fresh twist
- Always a hit on holiday side tables!
Storage & Make-Ahead Info
- 🧊 Fridge: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
- 🥶 Freezer: Not recommended — mayo dressing separates
- ✅ Make-ahead: Prep dressing & veggies separately, combine 1 day ahead
FAQs
❓ Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely — just skip the bacon or use a plant-based version.
❓ Can I use frozen broccoli?
Not recommended. It becomes too soft and watery for salad.
❓ Is it keto-friendly?
You can make it low-carb by skipping honey and dried fruit.
❓ Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?
Yes, or use half mayo and half yogurt for a tangy twist.
👉 Looking for more crunchy comfort? Check out our Coconut Brittle — a sweet and crispy treat that’s perfect for gifting or snacking!
Final Thoughts
Bodacious Broccoli Salad is a total flavor bomb — crunchy, creamy, tangy, and satisfying. It’s the perfect no-fuss side dish for any season, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry summer crowd.
Make it once, and it’s bound to become a regular at your table.
