The Best Broccoli Raisin Salad

The best broccoli raisin salad recipe made with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sweet raisins, sharp cheddar cheese, pecans and a creamy, slightly sweet dressing. This easy broccoli salad is perfectly balanced with crunch and flavor, making it a classic crowd favorite for potlucks, holidays, and summer gatherings.

Not all broccoli raisin salads are created equal—let me just say that right up front. I’ve had plenty over the years that were too dry, not sweet enough, or just missing that little something that makes you go back for seconds. But this one? This is the one I come back to every single time.

The Secret to the Best Broccoli Raisin Salad

The real difference in a great broccoli raisin salad comes down to the dressing. Too little sweetness and it falls flat. Too much and it overpowers everything. This one is perfectly balanced—creamy, slightly sweet, and just enough tang to bring it all together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of sweet and creamy
• Crisp, fresh broccoli in every bite
• Easy to make ahead
• A Southern classic that always gets compliments
• Great for potlucks, holidays, or everyday meals

What you’ll need to Make Broccoli Raisin Salad

👉 Scroll down for the full printable recipe with exact measurements.

• Fresh broccoli florets
• Red onion
• Chopped pecans
• Raisins
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cooked bacon

For the dressing:

• Mayonnaise
• Sugar
• White vinegar

How to Make Broccoli Raisin Salad

1. Prep the broccoli Cut the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the mix-ins Add the chopped red onion, pecans, raisins, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon to the bowl with the broccoli.
3. Make the dressing separately In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar, and white vinegar. Stir well until smooth and fully blended
   

   Perfectly sweet, this creamy dressing recipe sets this recipe apart.

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4. Toss everything together Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill before serving Cover and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours before serving for best flavor and texture.

Successful tips on how to make the best broccoli raisin salad

• Two heads of broccoli will give you about 6–7 cups, depending on size—don’t stress if it varies a little.
• Mixing the dressing separately first ensures it blends smoothly and coats the salad perfectly.
• For best results, don’t mix the dressing in too far ahead—it can soften the broccoli too much if it sits overnight.
• This salad is at its absolute best when it’s had a few hours to chill, but still has that fresh, crisp bite.
• Freshly grated cheese. It’s definitely worth the effort to making the best broccoli raisin salad.

Storage Tip

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. In fact, it’s even better after it chills for a few hours, allowing the flavors to come together beautifully.

Thank you for stopping by. I’ll be back soon with more delicious Southern recipes.
Aletia

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