The Best Creamy Broccoli Salad

Looking for the best creamy broccoli salad recipe? Look no further! Tossed with a sweet dressing and loaded with crispy bacon, raisins, and sunflower seeds, this simple side dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

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This post was originally published on July 31, 2021. Last updated on May 14, 2025.

The Best Creamy Broccoli Salad

I’ll admit, broccoli has never been my favorite.

But when you add crispy bacon, sweet raisins, crunchy sunflower seeds, and toss it all in a creamy homemade dressing, it completely changes the game.

This creamy broccoli salad is a long-time family favorite, and always a hit.

Especially during the summer months, when quick and easy sides are a must.

I may be biased, but after trying other variations, I’m fully convinced that it’s the best broccoli salad recipe ever!

It’s a staple over the Fourth of July and is perfect for backyard cookouts, a Father’s Day BBQ, summer picnics, and potluck parties.

Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just need a make-ahead side dish to go with your favorite grilled foods, this simple creamy broccoli salad is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made with Simple Ingredients – Just 8 basic ingredients including fresh broccoli, bacon, and a few pantry staples.
• Sweet and Tangy Flavor – The creamy dressing with vinegar and sugar adds just the right balance to the salty bacon and crunchy sunflower seeds.
• Perfect for Summer – This light and easy broccoli salad is a go-to dish for backyard barbecues or any warm-weather gathering.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep it a few hours early and let the flavors meld in the fridge for a delicious, easy side.
• Great for Small Gatherings or Large Crowds – It’s just the right amount for a family dinner, but easy to double if you’re hosting or attending a summer party.

Table of Contents

• The Best Creamy Broccoli Salad
• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients for the Best Creamy Broccoli Salad
• Equpiment Needed
• How to Make Creamy Broccoli Salad
• Can You Make this Salad Ahead of Time?
• How to Store Your Leftover Creamy Broccoli Salad
• What to Serve with Your Bacon and Broccoli Salad
• More Summer Salad Recipes You’ll Love
• Bring This Easy Summer Side to Your Table
• Printable Recipe Card for the Best Creamy Broccoli Salad
• Did You Enjoy This Recipe? PIN It for Later!

Ingredients for the Best Creamy Broccoli Salad

• 4 cups broccoli florets (1 medium bunch)
• 3 ounces raisins or dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sweet red onion, chopped
• 1 cup Miracle Whip*
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• sunflower kernels (salted and shelled), to taste

*Note: Can’t find Miracle Whip or just not a fan?

You can easily use mayonnaise instead!

Mayo makes a great substitute and works well in most recipes, just keep in mind that Miracle Whip has a bit more tang and a slightly sweeter flavor.

If you’re looking to mimic that taste, try stirring in another small pinch of sugar with your mayo.

You can swap it in at a 1:1 ratio, so it’s super simple, no need to adjust measurements.

Whether you’re out of Miracle Whip or just prefer a milder flavor, this quick swap will still give you a creamy, delicious result.

Equpiment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula or spoon
• Cutting board
• Paring knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

First, wash and chop your broccoli into bite-size florets.

Then dice the red onion and set both aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, chopped onion, and raisins and stir everything to mix evenly.

Step 2: Cook and Crumble the Bacon

Next, cook the bacon according to the directions on the package until it’s crisp.

Let it cool slightly before crumbling it into small pieces.

Then sprinkle the crubmled bacon over the broccoli mixture and set your bowl aside.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Next, it’s time to make the creamy broccoli salad dressing.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip, white vinegar, and sugar until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

The broccoli salad needs a bit of time to flavor, so it’s best to cover and let chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Just before serving, sprinkle sunflower kernels on top for an added crunch. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Note: The sunflower seeds are optional, but highly recommended. They add a bit of saltiness and the perfect crunch to balance the sweetness of the dressing.

Can You Make this Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes! In fact, this broccoli salad is even better when it’s had a little time to chill.

To speed up your meal prep, chop the broccoli and onions, and combine them with the raisins and crumbled bacon in a large bowl.

Then, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.

Cover both bowls and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

About two hours before mealtime, pour the dressing over the salad, toss to coat, and let it chill.

This gives the flavors time to blend while keeping the broccoli crisp and fresh, and it’s a great way to save time on the day of your party or cookout!

How to Store Your Leftover Creamy Broccoli Salad

Leftovers? No problem!

Just store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to two days.

After that, the dressing can start to get a bit watery and the salad won’t have quite the same crisp texture or flavor, so it’s best eaten sooner rather than later.

What to Serve with Your Bacon and Broccoli Salad

If you’re planning a backyard BBQ, picnic, or a summer dinner on the patio, this creamy broccoli salad is the perfect side dish to add to your menu.

It pairs well with cookout classics and main dishes like grilled burgers, brats, simple steak and veggie kabobs, smoked beer can chicken, or even crockpot shredded BBQ chicken sandwiches for an easy weeknight meal.

And if you’re making my husband’s favorite, smoked country-style pork ribs, this simple broccoli salad is a must!

Add a side of classic fruit salad or cucumber pasta salad to round things out.

And don’t forget the drinks!

Serve up a glass of ice-cold lemonade iced tea or mix a pitcher of spiked strawberry lemonade for a refreshing adult beverage.

And if you’re craving a little something sweet, try my triple berry crisp or old-fashioned strawberry peach crisp topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to finish your meal.

More Summer Salad Recipes You’ll Love

If you love this easy broccoli salad recipe, you’ll love these other summer salad recipes.

Bring This Easy Summer Side to Your Table

Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, packing a picnic, or just looking for a simple side to go with dinner, this creamy broccoli salad is a tried-and-true favorite.

It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and always gets rave reviews, from kids and adults alike!

Prep it a few hours ahead, toss everything together, and you’re good to go.

I hope it becomes a staple at your summer gatherings just like it is at ours.

Enjoy!

Printable Recipe Card for the Best Creamy Broccoli Salad

Did You Enjoy This Recipe? PIN It for Later!