For years I've been obsessed with Whole Foods Broccoli Crunch Salad, so I finally decided it was time to stop paying $10/lb for it and make it at home. This version is a perfect copycat of the natural grocery store's recipe, complete with crisp bacon and sunflower seeds.
I suppose this is supposed to be a side dish, but I eat it all the time on its own for lunch. The perfect combination of salty, crunchy, creamy, and sweet, this "salad" hits all the right craving spots.
It's also one of the VERY rare salads that is so much better if you make it ahead and let it sit! The flavors meld together and it softens the broccoli juuuuust enough.
But don't let that stop you from making it and eating immediately. I just want to make sure you know your options here.
How long does broccoli salad keep in the fridge?
Once you make it, this broccoli salad recipe can be kept in a tightly closed container for up to six days in the fridge. Just make sure you give it a good stir before serving.
If you like this broccoli crunch recipe you might like:
Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 head fresh broccoli cut into florets
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
- 5 strips thick cut bacon cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds
- ⅓ cup diced red onion
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss all ingredients together.
- Serve immediately or let sit overnight and serve the next day, chilled.
Hello! do you need to steam the broccoli first or just wash it, let it dry and prepare it?
You do not steam it first - it is a very crunchy raw broccoli salad!
Excited to try this after spending alot of money in Whole foods.
Question - would you use the stem also and just chop it up small?
I usually don't use the stems, but if you chopped them up small, I think they could be a good addition
Love this salad. Because I'm from New England I've added a couple of tablespoons of real maple syrup for a little sweetness.
Awesome! After paying a small fortune for this broccoli salad at Whole Foods, I searched the net and found your recipe. It's perfect! I've been making it for family gatherings at the cabin and for meals at home. Every time I make a huge bowl of it I say, "that would be about a $100 at WF"
That's exactly why I made it! I was spending SO much on that stuff from WF too! So glad it was a hit!
Delicious! Sometimes I make this salad with shredded carrots instead of cranberries.
LOVE that suggestion!