Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

Crunchy, colorful, and bursting with flavor, Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is a fresh twist on a classic side dish. Tender broccoli florets combine with crisp vegetables, nuts, and a lightly sweet, tangy honey Dijon dressing to create a salad that’s both satisfying and vibrant. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a healthy addition to any meal, this salad pairs beautifully with a warm, savory main like Chinese Beef and Broccoli for a balanced and flavorful dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The honey Dijon dressing coats the broccoli and other mix-ins without overpowering their natural taste. Crunchy bacon bits, toasted nuts, and dried fruit add texture and contrast, making each bite exciting. It’s also a versatile recipe that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.

Nutritional Information

Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with nutrients. Broccoli provides vitamins C and K, nuts add healthy fats, and the optional bacon and cheese contribute protein. Understanding the nutritional content helps you enjoy this salad as a wholesome, guilt-free side or light meal.

• Calories: ~200–250
• Protein: 5–6g
• Fat: 12–15g (depending on bacon and nuts)
• Carbohydrates: 20–25g
• Fiber: 4–5g

Time Breakdown

With minimal hands-on prep and quick chilling, this salad comes together in under 40 minutes, making it an easy and elegant side dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (for optional bacon or nuts)
• Chill Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: ~35–40 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The flavor of this salad comes from simple, fresh ingredients that combine for a delightful mix of taste and texture. Broccoli, red onion, and carrots provide crunch, dried fruit adds sweetness, and nuts or bacon offer a savory depth. The honey Dijon dressing ties everything together with a tangy, lightly sweet coating. For a warm, comforting complement, serve it alongside a nourishing Greek Healing Soup for a meal that’s both wholesome and flavorful.

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• ½ cup red onion, finely diced
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts
• 3–4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Honey Dijon Dressing:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Condensed Grocery Checklist

Shopping for this recipe is easy thanks to a short, focused list. With just a handful of fresh vegetables, pantry staples, and a few optional add-ins, you can gather everything quickly. This makes prep effortless, even on busy days.

• Fresh broccoli
• Red onion and carrots
• Dried cranberries or raisins
• Sunflower seeds or walnuts
• Bacon and cheddar cheese (optional)
• Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper

How to Make – Step by Step

While the salad may seem complex at first glance, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Each step, from chopping vegetables to whisking the dressing, is straightforward. Following the method ensures every bite is well-coated, crunchy, and bursting with balanced flavor.

1. Prep the vegetables:
   • Chop broccoli into small florets and dice red onion and carrots.
2. Cook optional ingredients:
   • Fry bacon until crisp and crumble. Toast nuts lightly for extra flavor.
3. Make the dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Assemble the salad:
   • In a large bowl, combine broccoli, onions, carrots, dried cranberries, nuts, bacon, and cheese.
   • Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
5. Chill and serve:
   • Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

This salad is highly adaptable to your tastes or dietary needs. You can swap nuts, dried fruit, or cheese, or even use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing. These small tweaks allow you to personalize the salad without losing its signature crunch and flavor.

• Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
• Use pecans or almonds instead of sunflower seeds for a nutty twist.
• Swap cranberries for chopped apples or grapes for extra sweetness.
• Add roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is versatile and pairs well with a variety of meals. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish, or enjoy it with sandwiches and wraps for a light lunch. Its bright colors and fresh flavors make it a perfect dish for gatherings, picnics, and potlucks. For an extra comforting side, try pairing it with Cheesy Cauliflower—the creamy, savory flavors balance the salad’s crisp, tangy notes beautifully.

• Serve as a refreshing side for grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
• Pair with sandwiches or wraps for a balanced lunch.
• Great for potlucks, picnics, or holiday gatherings.
• Garnish with extra nuts or fresh herbs for a decorative touch.

Storing Tips

Proper storage helps the salad stay fresh and crunchy. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for a few days, and add delicate ingredients like avocado just before serving. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld and ensures the broccoli retains its crisp texture.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
• Keep salad chilled to maintain the crispness of the broccoli.
• Add avocado or other delicate ingredients just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Chef’s Special Tips

Small chef’s touches can take this salad from good to exceptional. Cutting broccoli into uniform florets ensures even coating with the dressing, while lightly toasting nuts enhances flavor. Soaking onions in cold water reduces their sharpness, and chilling the salad before serving allows the flavors to develop fully.

• Cut broccoli into small, uniform florets for easier eating and better coating with dressing.
• Toasting nuts enhances flavor and adds crunch.
• For a milder onion flavor, soak diced red onion in cold water for 5–10 minutes before adding.
• Letting the salad chill allows the dressing to meld with the broccoli for maximum flavor.

Conclusion

Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its balance of textures and sweet-tangy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and visually appealing. Whether for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests, this salad brings both nutrition and deliciousness to your table.

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