Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

Why You’ll Love Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it balances texture and taste beautifully: the crispness of raw broccoli contrasts with the chewy sweetness of dried cranberries and the nutty crunch of sunflower seeds. The honey‑Dijon dressing gives a perfect sweet‑tangy lift, and the whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes with no cooking required. It’s flexible, easy to customize, make‑ahead friendly, and works as a side dish or a light main with some add‑ons.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 5 cups fresh broccoli florets

• 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds (or nuts of your choice)

• 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (optional)

• 1 cup shredded carrots (optional)

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Chop the broccoli into bite‑sized florets and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the sliced red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds (or nuts), bacon if using, and shredded carrots if using.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper until the dressing is smooth.

3. Pour the honey‑Dijon dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients.

4. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Give the salad a gentle stir just before serving.

5. Optional: Garnish with extra cranberries and sunflower seeds for extra visual appeal and texture.

Servings and timing

• Yields approximately 6 servings.

• Prep time: ~20 minutes.

• Cook time: 0 minutes (no heat required).

• Total time: ~20 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes of chill time)

Variations

• For a lighter version: Swap some or all of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.

• For a vegan version: Use plant‑based mayo and replace honey with maple syrup or agave.

• Nut variation: Instead of sunflower seeds, use toasted pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds.

• Fruit variation: If you don’t have dried cranberries, try chopped dried apricots, golden raisins or cherries.

• Protein boost: Skip the bacon and add cooked chickpeas, white beans or even diced grilled chicken to make it more of a meal.

• Cheese twist: Add crumbled feta or shredded sharp cheddar for extra creaminess and savory depth.

• Extra veggies: Mix in shredded apples, snap peas, or chopped bell pepper for added color and crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad keeps well for up to 4 days when chilled. To preserve the crunchiest texture, you can store the dressing separately and toss it with the veggie mixture just before serving. There’s no reheating needed—serve it cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

What’s in the broccoli salad with honey Dijon dressing?

It typically includes fresh broccoli florets, thinly sliced red onion, dried cranberries (or similar dried fruit), toasted sunflower seeds (or other nuts/seeds), optional bacon and shredded carrots. The dressing is made from mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper.

Can I make this broccoli salad ahead of time?

Yes. It’s especially suitable for make‑ahead because the flavors improve as it chills. You can prepare it a few hours or even a day in advance. For best texture, you might store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.

How long does broccoli salad with honey Dijon dressing last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to about 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. After that the broccoli may start to soften too much and nuts or seeds may lose their crispness.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the dressing?

Yes. Greek yogurt is a great lighter alternative to mayonnaise. Use the same amount and adjust taste as needed. The texture will remain creamy and the flavor will be slightly tangier.

Can I blanch the broccoli instead of using it raw?

Yes—if you prefer a slightly softer texture or deeper green color, you can quickly blanch the broccoli (about 1 minute) and then plunge into ice water before using. But using it raw gives maximum crunch.

What can I serve this salad with?

This salad pairs well with grilled meat (chicken, beef, pork), roasted fish, or as part of a vegetarian spread. It also works as a lunchbox dish or part of a brunch/picnic buffet alongside other salads and mains.

Is this salad gluten‑free?

Yes. The core ingredients are naturally gluten‑free, provided your chosen mayonnaise, mustard and dried cranberries are certified gluten‑free. The recipe is easily friendly to gluten‑free diets.

How can I add more protein to make this a full meal?

You can add cooked grilled chicken, turkey bacon, chickpeas or white beans to boost protein. Serving it alongside or over cooked quinoa or couscous also adds heft.

What’s the best way to keep the nuts/seeds and bacon crunchy?

If you are making the salad ahead, keep nuts/seeds and bacon separate and add them just before serving. This maintains their crispness rather than letting them soften in the dressing.

Can I adjust the sweetness or tang of the dressing?

Absolutely. Taste the dressing and adjust: add more honey (or maple syrup) if you prefer sweeter; add a little extra apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard if you prefer more tang or sharpness. The ratio is flexible.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is a reliable crowd‑pleaser—crisp, colorful and full of flavor. It strikes the right balance between sweet, tangy and crunchy, and it’s easily adaptable to your dietary needs or ingredient availability. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday potluck, making a lunchbox dish, or looking for a vibrant side to accompany your main meal, this recipe delivers. Try it once and you’ll likely find yourself turning to it again and again.

Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

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A fresh and crunchy broccoli salad tossed with a sweet and tangy honey Dijon dressing. Perfect as a side dish for picnics, potlucks, or everyday meals.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 6 cups broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and shredded cheddar cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

• For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
• This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
• To make it vegan, use vegan mayo and maple syrup instead of honey.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 10mg