This broccoli raisin salad has that sweet, salty crunch that works with just about anything. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but still great for potlucks or cookouts.
Broccoli Raisin Salad Isn’t Just for Potlucks—Here’s Why I Make It on Weeknights
This broccoli raisin salad comes together quickly with a simple creamy dressing and a mix of crunchy, sweet, and savory add-ins. The base is fresh broccoli florets, chopped small enough to be easy to eat without cooking. The dressing is a mix of mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper—just enough to coat everything without feeling heavy.
To build the salad, you’ll mix in golden raisins, red and green onions, walnuts, and crumbled bacon. The golden raisins add sweetness that balances the sharpness of the onions and the saltiness of the bacon. Holding back a handful of raisins to sprinkle on top gives the finished salad a little extra pop.
You can serve it right away, but letting it chill for 30 minutes helps the flavors come together. It holds up well in the fridge, so it’s a great option to prep ahead or enjoy as leftovers. Just give it a quick toss before serving.
Why I Love This Recipe
- The dressing is simple but balances sweet, tangy, and creamy just right.
- It takes about 20 minutes to make from start to finish.
- The flavors and texture hold up well, even after a night in the fridge.
Ingredients
This broccoli raisin salad keeps it simple, but every ingredient has a purpose. Here’s what each one brings to the mix:
- Mayonnaise – forms the creamy base for the dressing.
- White vinegar – adds a little tang to balance the richness.
- Sugar – gives the dressing a hint of sweetness.
- Coarse kosher salt – brings out all the flavors.
- Black pepper – adds a mild bite.
- Fresh broccoli florets – the crunchy main ingredient.
- Golden raisins – bring sweetness and a chewy texture.
- Sliced green onion – adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Walnut halves – give the salad some crunch and nuttiness.
- Chopped red onion – adds sharpness and color.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon – for a salty, savory kick.
How to Make Broccoli Raisin Salad
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Step One (make the dressing)
In a big bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until it’s nice and smooth. - Step Two (add the good stuff)
Toss in the broccoli florets, 3/4 cup of the golden raisins, green onion, walnut halves, red onion, and crumbled bacon. Don’t worry about being too precise—just get it all in there. - Step Three (mix it all up)
Give everything a good toss so the dressing coats all the ingredients. - Step Four (finish it off)
Sprinkle the rest of the golden raisins on top before serving. That little extra touch makes it look nice.
Recipe Tips
Here are a few quick tips to make this broccoli raisin salad the tastiest salad ever:
- Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces so it’s easier to eat without cooking.
- Let the salad chill for 30 minutes if you have time—it helps the flavors come together.
- Toast the walnuts for a little extra crunch and depth of flavor.
Leftovers and Storage
Here’s how I handle leftovers and keep this salad tasting fresh:
- Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- If the bacon gets soft, you can sprinkle in a little freshly cooked bacon before serving again.
- This salad doesn’t freeze well—the fresh broccoli and creamy dressing don’t hold up after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use regular raisins instead of golden? Yes, regular raisins work fine—they’re just a bit more intense in flavor and darker in color.
- What can I use instead of walnuts? Pecans, sunflower seeds, or slivered almonds all make good swaps, depending on what you have on hand.
- Can I make this dairy-free? The dressing itself is dairy-free, so as long as your mayo is too, you’re good to go—just double-check the label.
More Side Dish Salad Recipes To Try
If you’re looking for more fresh and flavorful side dish salads, here are a few more favorites to try.
- Rainbow Macaroni Salad
- Spicy Horseradish Macaroni Salad
- Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Creamy Cauliflower Salad
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Fresh Corn and Cherry Salad
- Italian Pasta Salad
- Bacon Broccoli Salad
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Broccoli Raisin Salad
Equipment
- measuring cups and spoons For getting the dressing ingredients right.
- mixing bowls To mix the dressing and toss everything together.
- Knife To chop the broccoli, onions, and bacon.
- rubber spatula To stir and mix without smashing the ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsps. white vinegar
- 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup golden raisins divided
- 1/2 cup sliced green onion
- 1/2 cup walnut halves
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 3 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- In a bowl, add the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.3/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsps. white vinegar, 1 tbsp. granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- Add the broccoli florets, 3/4 cup of the golden raisins, green onion, walnut halves, red onion, and crumbled bacon.4 cups fresh broccoli florets, 1 cup golden raisins, 1/2 cup sliced green onion, 1/2 cup walnut halves, 1/2 cup chopped red onion, 3 strips bacon
- Toss until combined.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of golden raisins on top.
Notes
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let me know how it turned out.
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