Broccoli Salad
BROCCOLI SALAD is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Downshiftology on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $13.66 total, $3.42 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 slices Bacon (thick‑cut preferred; bake until crisp)
- 1 large head Broccoli (about 5 cups florets; cut into bite‑size pieces; stems can be spiralized)
- 0.33 cup Red Onion (diced fine)
- 0.5 cup Sunflower Seeds (raw or roasted, unsalted)
- 0.5 cup Dried Cranberries (unsweetened if possible)
- 0.25 cup Goat Cheese (crumbled)
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise (homemade or store‑bought)
- 0.25 cup Plain Yogurt (Greek or regular, plain)
- 1 large Egg (room temperature)
- 0.5 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon White Wine Vinegar
- 0.5 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 cup Light Olive Oil (neutral‑flavored, light olive oil)
- 1 pinch Salt
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Bake Bacon
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, arrange 8 bacon slices in a single layer, and bake for about 15 minutes, or until crisp.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 400°F
Prepare Broccoli
While the bacon cooks, cut the broccoli head into bite‑size florets, measuring roughly 5 cups. Optionally spiralize the stems for extra texture.
Time: PT5M
Dice Red Onion
Dice red onion until you have about 1/3 cup.
Time: PT2M
Cool Bacon
Remove the baked bacon from the oven, transfer to paper towels, and let it dry and crisp for 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Combine Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, diced red onion, 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, and 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese.
Time: PT3M
Add Bacon
Crumble the cooled bacon into bite‑size pieces and add to the bowl.
Time: PT2M
Make Homemade Mayonnaise
In a tall container, combine 1 egg, 1/2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp white wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt. Using the stick blender, start on low and slowly drizzle in 1 cup light olive oil while blending until the mixture emulsifies into thick mayonnaise.
Time: PT5M
Finish Dressing
Stir 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1/4 cup plain yogurt until smooth.
Time: PT1M
Dress the Salad
Pour the mayo‑yogurt dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Serve or Store
Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container for later.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 460
- Protein
- 24g
- Carbohydrates
- 55g
- Fat
- 38g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Paleo-friendly (if using dairy‑free yogurt and mayo)
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Bacon: turkey bacon, pancetta
- Instead of Broccoli: cauliflower
- Instead of Red Onion: white onion, shallots
- Instead of Sunflower Seeds: pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds
- Instead of Dried Cranberries: raisins, dried cherries
- Instead of Goat Cheese: feta, blue cheese
- Instead of Mayonnaise: vegan mayo
- Instead of Plain Yogurt: dairy‑free yogurt
- Instead of Egg: aquafaba (vegan)
- Instead of Lemon Juice: lime juice
- Instead of White Wine Vinegar: apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: whole grain mustard
- Instead of Light Olive Oil: canola oil, avocado oil
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl
- Stick Blender
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Paper Towels
- Spatula
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Baking bacon until crisp
- Emulsifying the homemade mayonnaise
- Cooling bacon on paper towels to retain crunch
- Tossing the dressing evenly through the salad
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use light olive oil for a milder flavor in the mayo; extra‑virgin olive oil can be overpowering.
- Season the broccoli with a pinch of salt before adding the dressing to draw out excess moisture.
- Crumble the bacon while still warm; it creates larger, crunchy pieces.
- If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the lemon juice by an extra half teaspoon.
Troubleshooting
Mayonnaise separates or looks watery.
Stop blending, add a teaspoon of warm water and continue blending, or start with a fresh egg yolk and slowly whisk the broken mayo into it.
Bacon isn’t crispy enough.
Extend baking time by 2‑3 minutes, or finish the bacon under the broiler for 1‑2 minutes, watching closely.
Salad becomes soggy after dressing.
Add the dressing just before serving, or toss the salad with a small amount of dressing and keep the rest on the side.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate if possible.
Freezer: Not recommended; vegetables become soggy after thawing.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours; after that, refrigerate.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the bacon a day ahead and store in a paper‑towel‑lined container; re‑crisp in a hot pan before adding.
- Prepare the mayo‑yogurt dressing up to 2 days in advance; keep refrigerated and stir before using.
- Chop broccoli and onion ahead of time and keep them in a sealed bag with a damp paper towel to stay fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of broccoli salad in American cuisine?
Broccoli salad became popular in the United States during the 1970s as a convenient, nutrient‑dense side dish for picnics and potlucks. It reflects the American trend of combining fresh vegetables with sweet‑savory dressings and crunchy toppings.
What regional variations of broccoli salad exist within American cuisine?
In the Midwest, broccoli salad often includes raisins, sunflower seeds, and a mayo‑based dressing, while Southern versions may add cheddar cheese and a touch of hot sauce. Some West Coast adaptations swap bacon for smoked tofu for a vegetarian twist.
How is broccoli salad traditionally served in American gatherings?
It is typically served chilled in a large bowl or platter at barbecues, family reunions, and holiday buffets, often as a side to grilled meats or sandwiches.
What occasions or celebrations is broccoli salad traditionally associated with in the United States?
Broccoli salad is a staple at summer picnics, Fourth of July cookouts, Thanksgiving side tables, and potluck gatherings because it can be made ahead and travels well.
How does broccoli salad fit into the broader American side‑dish tradition?
It embodies the American love for hearty, portable side dishes that combine fresh produce with rich, creamy dressings and crunchy add‑ins, similar to coleslaw and potato salad.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for broccoli salad versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include raw broccoli florets, bacon, red onion, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and a mayo‑yogurt dressing. Substitutes can be turkey bacon, pumpkin seeds, raisins, feta cheese, or a vegan mayo for dietary preferences.
What other American dishes pair well with broccoli salad?
It pairs nicely with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, fried fish, or a classic cheeseburger, providing a fresh, crunchy contrast to rich proteins.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making broccoli salad?
Common errors include over‑cooking the bacon so it becomes rubbery, under‑emulsifying the mayonnaise which leads to a runny dressing, and adding the dressing too early, which makes the broccoli soggy.
Why does this broccoli salad recipe use a homemade mayonnaise instead of store‑bought?
Homemade mayonnaise offers a fresher flavor, allows control over oil type, and creates a smoother texture that blends better with the yogurt, resulting in a lighter, more balanced dressing.
Can I make this broccoli salad ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the bacon and dressing up to two days in advance, store each separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and combine with the fresh broccoli just before serving to keep the texture crisp.
What does the YouTube channel Downshiftology specialize in?
The YouTube channel Downshiftology, hosted by Lisa, focuses on wholesome, whole‑food recipes, meal‑prep guides, and nutrition‑focused cooking tips that are approachable for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Downshiftology's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Downshiftology emphasizes clean‑eating techniques, often creating healthier versions of classic comfort dishes by using whole‑food ingredients, homemade condiments, and clear, step‑by‑step visual instructions.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
