Easy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Coleslaw Dressing
This Easy Broccoli Salad is one of those side dishes that always disappears first at potlucks, BBQs, picnics, and family dinners. It’s crisp, creamy, colorful, and packed with the perfect mix of sweet, salty, crunchy, and savory flavors. Best of all—there’s no cooking required, and it comes together in just minutes!
The combination of fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, chewy dried cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds creates an irresistible balance. Toss everything in a smooth and tangy creamy coleslaw dressing, and you’ve got the ultimate crowd-pleasing salad.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Salad
- ✔️ Ready in 10 minutes
- ✔️ No cooking needed (except optional bacon)
- ✔️ Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, picnics & holidays
- ✔️ Great texture: crunchy, creamy, sweet & savory
- ✔️ Even better the next day!
🥦 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 (12-ounce) bags raw broccoli florets
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped cooked bacon (or bacon bits)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- About 1 cup Kraft Creamy Coleslaw Dressing (or to taste)
🔪 Instructions
1. Prep the Broccoli
If the florets are on the larger side, chop them into bite-sized pieces. This makes the salad easier to eat and helps the dressing coat everything more evenly.
2. Combine the Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, add:
- Broccoli
- Red onion
- Cheddar cheese
- Bacon
- Dried cranberries
- Sunflower seeds
Toss lightly to distribute everything.
3. Add the Dressing
Pour in the creamy coleslaw dressing and stir until the broccoli is fully coated. Adjust the amount based on your preference—some like it light, others extra creamy.
4. Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling allows the broccoli to soften slightly and the flavors to blend beautifully.
5. Serve
Give it one final toss before serving. Enjoy it cold as a refreshing, flavorful side dish!
✨ Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad
- Add nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch.
- Swap bacon for turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Want it sweeter? Add a tablespoon of honey to the dressing.
- Add apples for freshness and extra sweetness.
🍽️ How to Store
Store your broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day!