Classic Broccoli Salad

This Classic Broccoli Salad is loaded with all kinds of healthy and tasty goodness! It’s so easy to make by simply chopping broccoli, adding in crumbled bacon, diced red onion, sunflower seeds, and raisins. Top with a simple ranch dressing for a healthy lunch or side dish. Perfect for a picnic, potluck, or even meal prep.

If there is a recipe that reminds me of a cookout or potluck, it is a classic broccoli salad! It’s consistently delicious and simple to make. But best part of this salad, its healthy too! As a nutritionist, I love to sneak in more fiber in tasty ways. This broccoli salad is loaded with fiber, but also healthy fats and vitamin E from sunflower seeds.

When the warmer weather hits, I am always in the mood for salad. Whether it be my Berry Caprese Salad, Avocado Chicken Salad, or Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, I love a filling salad that serves as a complete meal. This broccoli salad is no different. The crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, sweetness of raisins, and salty crunch sunflower seeds all work perfectly together to satisfy your appetite.

Broccoli Salad Ingredients

• Raw chopped broccoli for the crunch and star of the dish
• Cooked and chopped crispy bacon for the extra boost of protein (and brilliant bacon flavor of course)
• Diced red onion
• Crunchy roasted and salted sunflower seeds (I almost forgot how delicious these taste in a salad)
• Raisins for that quick burst of sweetness
• And hitting the easy button using Tessamae’s Organic Creamy Ranch Dressing (you can also make a homemade version below!)

Making and Serving Broccoli Salad

All we do with this recipe is give all the ingredients a quick stir, let it sit in the fridge, and voila! The easiest and most amazing Classic Broccoli Salad! It is best to let the salad sit for a few hours before serving so that the flavors develop even more.

You can also make ahead the night before. This recipe will hold in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Other salad recipes you will love!

• 7 Layer Salad
• Basil Lime Fruit Salad
• Cucumber Tomato Salad

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Classic Broccoli Salad

This Classic Broccoli Salad is easy, and absolutely a crowd pleaser! So delicious with crispy bacon, crunchy sunflower seeds, hints of sweetness with raisins, and ranch dressing.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Servings 6

Calories 434 kcal

Author Amy Rains

5 from 3 votes

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Ingredients

• 1 large head of broccoli chopped into florets (about 5 cups)
• 6 slices bacon*
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 3/4 cup Ranch dressing**

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet to medium high heat. Once hot, add the bacon, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side (depending on desired crispiness). Set aside to cool on paper towels. Once cooled, chop into pieces.

2. In a large bowl, combine bite sized broccoli pieces, sunflower seeds, raisins, red onion, bacon, and ranch dressing. Stir until well combined.

3. Transfer to the fridge, and let sit for at least 3-4 hours before serving, or overnight.

Recipe Notes

*Use a sugar free bacon such as Peterson Farm’s

**I use Tessamae’s Paleo Ranch, but feel free to use your own personal favorite. To make a homemade ranch, combine 1/2 cup Paleo Mayo (Primal Kitchen), 1/4 cup full fat coconut milk, 1 tsp dried parsley, 1 tsp dried dill, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp sea salt. 

Calories 434kcal

Fat 36g

Saturated fat 8g

Trans fat 1g

Cholesterol 34mg

Sodium 605mg

Potassium 595mg

Carbohydrates 22g

Fiber 5g

Sugar 3g

Protein 10g

Vitamin A 662%

Vitamin C 93%

Calcium 73%

Iron 2%