Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe
If you’re craving a vibrant side that actually steals the show at any gathering, Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is your answer. This irresistible salad balances the natural crunch and earthy flavor of fresh broccoli with colorful bursts of dried cranberries, the nutty bite of toasted almonds (or sunflower seeds), and a hint of smokiness from bacon—plus a sweet-tangy creamy dressing that makes every forkful addictive. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, packing a picnic, or brightening up a simple dinner, Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is the sort of dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the good stuff—this lineup of ingredients is simple, but each one has a starring role, bringing contrast and character to the salad. Every item, from the fresh veggies to the punchy little cranberries, plays a part in making Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing totally unforgettable.
- Broccoli florets: Go for fresh and crisp florets, chopped into small, bite-size pieces for the perfect crunchy base.
- Shredded carrots: These add sweetness and a beautiful pop of color that brightens up every bowl.
- Finely chopped red onion: Just enough for a sharp little kick that keeps things exciting.
- Dried cranberries: A handful of these chewy, sweet-tart gems pulls everything together.
- Toasted almonds or sunflower seeds: These are both about rich crunch and nutty flavor; go with what you love or have on hand.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (optional): For a smoky, savory note, bacon takes this salad over the top—but feel free to skip for a vegetarian version.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Cheddar brings salty richness and makes every bite a bit more decadent; skip for dairy-free.
- Plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise: The creamy base for your dressing, choose Greek yogurt for extra tang and lightness, or mayo for classic richness.
- Honey: Just two tablespoons sweeten and balance the tang of the mustard and vinegar.
- Dijon mustard: The key to that unmistakable zingy flavor in the Honey Dijon part of our dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds bright acidity that lifts and rounds out the dressing beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go to make it just right for you.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing
Step 1: Chop and Prep the Veggies
Start by cutting your broccoli into small, bite-sized florets—think one or two bites each for the perfect salad texture. Shred your carrots (pre-shredded works too), and finely chop the red onion. Getting everything nice and small means every forkful will get the perfect flavor mix. If you’re using bacon, cook and crumble it now for maximum crunch.
Step 2: Mix the Salad Base
In your biggest mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, carrots, red onion, dried cranberries, toasted almonds or sunflower seeds, the bacon, and cheddar if you’re including them. Give it all a good toss—already, it looks like something you’ll want to eat right away!
Step 3: Whisk Together the Honey Dijon Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You’re looking for a thick, creamy dressing that’s super smooth and golden. Taste as you go—some like a little extra honey, others more tang from the vinegar.
Step 4: Toss and Chill
Pour that gorgeous dressing over your salad base and toss thoroughly so every piece gets coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—this lets the Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing marinate, melding those flavors into something even better. If you have time, chilling it overnight makes a huge difference!
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing
Garnishes
Right before serving, sprinkle a handful of extra toasted nuts or seeds over the top for a final crunch. A few extra dried cranberries or a little more shredded cheddar cheese make this Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing look irresistible and add another layer of flavor in every bite.
Side Dishes
This salad fits right in at summer BBQs next to grilled chicken, steak, or salmon, and it’s amazing alongside simple sandwiches or veggie burgers. The bright flavors of Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing also pair beautifully with creamy potato dishes or a classic pasta bake.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little fancy, serve Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing in mason jars for picnics, or spread it out on a large platter scattered with microgreens and extra toppings. For parties, you can even spoon portions into mini cups for easy, elegant appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors get even better after a little chill time, so don’t be shy about making it ahead. Stir it before serving to make sure the dressing is evenly distributed.
Freezing
This salad isn’t ideal for freezing, as the fresh vegetables can turn mushy and lose their signature crunch once thawed. If you want to prep ahead, keep the dressing and salad base separate in the fridge and combine just before serving for peak texture.
Reheating
Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temp, so there’s no need for reheating. If it’s been in the fridge, just let it sit out for 10 minutes before diving in—this brings out all the flavors again.
FAQs
Can I make Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely, in fact, this salad is even better made ahead. The dressing soaks into the broccoli and other veggies, making every bite more flavorful. Just store it covered in the fridge and give it a stir before serving.
Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?
Yes! Simply use a dairy-free yogurt or mayonnaise for the dressing and skip the cheddar cheese. The rest of the ingredients keep it just as delicious and satisfying.
What if I don’t like onions?
No problem. You can leave out the red onion altogether or substitute with thinly sliced green onion or shallot for a milder flavor. The salad will still be packed with plenty of taste.
Can I add protein to make this salad a full meal?
Definitely. Grilled chicken, cooked chickpeas, or even flaked tuna are wonderful toss-ins if you want Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing to be a hearty, satisfying lunch or dinner.
How do I keep the broccoli crisp?
The trick is to use fresh broccoli and chill the salad after adding the dressing. If you prefer an extra-tender texture, you can blanch the broccoli for a minute, then shock it in ice water to keep the color bright and texture snappy.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to bring Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing into your meal rotation—there’s just something about that sweet-tangy dressing and all those crunchy, colorful components that hits the spot every time. Give it a try and let this cheerful salad add a fresh, flavorful spark to your table!
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Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and nutritious Broccoli Salad with a zesty Honey Dijon Dressing. This colorful salad is packed with fresh broccoli, sweet cranberries, crunchy almonds, and a creamy dressing that brings it all together.
Ingredients
Main Salad Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (cut into small pieces)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped toasted almonds or sunflower seeds
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine broccoli, carrots, red onion, cranberries, nuts/seeds, and bacon/cheese.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt/mayo, honey, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Pour dressing over salad, toss to coat evenly. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, omit cheese and use dairy-free yogurt/mayo.
- This salad tastes better if prepared a day in advance.
- Enhance with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
