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    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Broccoli Crunch Salad

    Published: Jan 20, 2024 · Modified: May 14, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. 4 Comments

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    This Broccoli Crunch Salad is full of crispy broccoli florets, sweet pears, raisins, onion, crunchy nuts, cheese, and bacon! It's an explosion of flavors and texture. It requires no cooking and goes together in just a few minutes and makes a tasty side for all your picnic, cookout, and potluck needs.

    A white bowl filled with broccoli crunch salad with a serving spoon.

    This broccoli pear salad is perfect as a side dish for lunch or dinner or as a meal. It's inspired by the classic Amish broccoli salad but I've made a few swaps and left out the cauliflower.

    If you are a broccoli fan you have got to give this fresh market broccoli salad recipe a try! And if you want more ways to cook this simple veggie try my creamy broccoli soup and this cheesy broccoli rice.

    This recipe for broccoli salad was inspired by my cold asparagus salad! If you're looking for more ideas check out our collection of crunchy salad recipes. Serve up your favorite veggie salads with any of these pasta salad side dishes.

    Why You Will Love This Crunchy Broccoli Salad Recipe

    • Easy to Prepare: Simply chop the veggies and fruit and toss with an easy homemade dressing.
    • Always a Crowd Pleaser: Adding a creamy dressing, nuts, and cheese makes this crunchy salad more appealing.
    • Versatile Dish. It's perfect for family dinners, BBQs, large parties, potlucks, and so much more.
    • Flexible Recipe. It's easy to make ahead, works with a variety of proteins, and can be totally customized to your taste preferences.

    Ingredients

    Here are the ingredients you may decide to use to make your own broccoli salad with bacon.

    All the ingredients needed to make crunchy broccoli salad on the table before mixing.
    • Fresh Broccoli: The main ingredient is broccoli for our salad. You can also use cauliflower instead or use both broccoli and cauliflower for a colorful presentation.
    • Raisins: This dried fruit adds pops of sweetness and chewiness to the salad. You can also use golden raisins, dried cranberries, or dried cherries, instead or use a combination of your favorite dried fruits.
    • Red Onion: Has a nice crisp texture and flavor that works well in salads. You can also use yellow, white, green onions, or even sweet onions.
    • Apple or Pear: Use fresh! Both are wonderful additions to this salad no matter which one you choose to use.
    • Almonds: Add the perfect crunch but walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), or sunflower seeds are also a great addition instead of slivered almonds.
    • Mayo & Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Mayo along with either Greek yogurt or sour cream makes the creamy dressing base.
    • Sugar: Adds sweet balance to the salad but you can also use honey.
    • Bacon: Crisp, crumbled bacon adds so much flavor to the salad. Use storebought cooked bacon crumbles or cook your own bacon until it's crispy.
    • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a tangy flavor to the salad.

    See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

    Substitutions and Variations

    When preparing your Amish Broccoli Salad, you have several options to create a tasty and satisfying dish that is perfect for you.

    • Add Vinegar: Use one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar to add some more tanginess to your dressing.
    • Add a Pinch of Salt: Sometimes I add a pinch of salt to the dressing to enhance flavors. My husband always adds a pinch of black pepper too.
    • Add Protein: Consider adding grilled chicken cut into bite sized pieces for a complete meal.
    • More Vegetables: Add red bell pepper, shredded carrots, corn kernels, or cherry tomatoes.
    • Spicy: Add a bit of chili pepper flakes, diced jalapeno pepper, or homemade hot pepper sauce to the broccoli dressing for a bit of heat.
    • No-Mayo Broccoli Crunch Salad: Simply substitute the mayo with another option like Greek yogurt or mashed avocado and make the recipe as directed.
    • Add Ramen Noodles: Cook the ramen noodles according to package directions and allow to cool then blend with broccoli salad and serve.
    • Low-Calorie or Low-Fat: You can use reduced-fat versions of the mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt to make this salad fit your dietary needs. Just note that this may affect the flavor slightly.

    How to Make Broccoli Crunch Salad

    This recipe could not be easier to make. Here's a look at the main steps involved.

    1. Place the broccoli, chopped red onion, apple or pear, sliced almonds, and raisins in a large bowl.  
    2. Mix together the yogurt, mayo, and sugar. Taste and add another tablespoon of sugar if it's needed and season with salt and pepper.
    Ingredients to make broccoli crunch salad in a glass bowl.
    Broccoli salad dressing are in a bowl.
    1. Add the dressing to the bowl of broccoli salad ingredients.
    2. Stir until everything is well coated. Refrigerate until ready to serve.  Enjoy!
    Broccoli salad dressing added to the bowl.
    Broccoli crunch salad ingredients mixed together in a bowl.

    ⭐️ Hint: If you prefer your broccoli to have a slightly softer texture, blanch the broccoli for 1-2 minutes in boiling water before rinsing it with cold water to stop the cooking process to maintain a vibrant, bright green color and take the edge off the crunch.

    If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy our bell pepper salad or this delicious Roasted Broccoli and Carrots side!

    Broccoli salad with fork in white bowl.

    Storage

    Here are a few tips to help you store your broccoli effectively:

    Storing: Always store your broccoli salad in an airtight container inside the refrigerator to preserve freshness and prevent broccoli wilting. When stored properly it will last in the fridge for 2-3 days. The longer the salad sits the softer the veggies become. It's not recommended to freeze this salad.

    Make Ahead: The salad can be made the night before though I suggest waiting to add the diced pear or apple right before serving as it may turn brown when cut too early. The salad does taste even better after being chilled in the fridge. To store longer than 24 hours ahead of time, keep everything separate until you are ready to assemble it.

    What to Serve with Broccoli Salad

    This dish is perfect to serve for a wide variety of events and it makes a tasty side dish with a wide range of dishes.

    It pairs well with grilled meats like chicken, beef, or seafood, as well as sandwiches and wraps.

    Check out our Angus steak recipes, pork and beef roast recipes, chicken recipes for easter dinner, or fall seafood recipes for some main dish inspiration.

    Overhead shot of broccoli crunch salad in a white bowl.

    Tips

    By following these tips, you will be able to prepare an amazing Amish broccoli salad that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

    • More Tender Broccoli Texture. If you prefer your broccoli to have a slightly softer texture, blanch it for 1-2 minutes in boiling water before immediately rinsing it under cold water in a colander to stop the cooking process. This will keep the vibrant green color and take the edge off the crunch.
    • Using Fresh Broccoli. Make sure to use fresh, crisp broccoli to ensure a tastier and more vibrant salad.
    • Add Cauliflower. Adding cauliflower along with broccoli not only offers a similar taste but it also provides a visually appealing color contrast in the salad.
    • Let It Sit. Refrigerate the prepared salad for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.

    FAQ

    Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about it.

    Can you make Amish broccoli salad without sour cream?

    If you prefer not to use sour cream you can substitute it with Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is a great alternative because it provides a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor. Simply mix equal parts of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to create the dressing for your salad.

    Is there a keto version of Amish broccoli salad?

    Yes, you can easily make a keto version of Amish broccoli salad. Simply replace the sugar in the dressing with a low-carb sweetener like stevia. You can also omit raisins and use lower-carb alternatives like salted or unsalted sunflower seeds or olives instead. Be sure to use full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream.

    Do you need to cook broccoli for a broccoli salad?

    Not at all! Broccoli is perfectly fine to enjoy raw. However, if you prefer a less crunchy texture you can cook the broccoli first. I recommend blanching it for just a minute or two so it maintains some texture.

    Can I use frozen broccoli to make broccoli salad?

    Yes, but it's not idea. This particular salad is supposed to be crunchy and unfortunately frozen broccoli will not be the same. If you do end up using frozen broccoli. Allow it to fully thaw out and drain it very well before mixing it with the rest of the ingredients and the dressing.

    A forkful of broccoli salad being held in the air.

    More Easy Salad Recipes

    Do you like salad? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

    • A spoonful of tortellini pesto salad up over the bowl.
      Easy Tortellini Pesto Salad
    • Mediterranean Tortellini Caprese Salad (Costco Copycat)
    • Classic Pasta Salad
      Classic Pasta Salad
    • Greek pasta salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon lifting some out.
      Best Greek Pasta Salad

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    Video

    YouTube video
    A white bowl filled with Amish broccoli salad with a serving spoon.

    Broccoli Crunch Salad

    Karin and Ken
    This Broccoli Crunch Salad is full of crispy broccoli florets, sweet pears, raisins, onion, crunchy nuts, cheese, and bacon! It's an explosion of flavors and texture. It requires no cooking and goes together in just a few minutes and makes a tasty side for all your picnic, cookout, and potluck needs.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cooling Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course lunch, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 263 kcal

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • Sharp knife
    • cutting board
    • mixing bowl

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 head broccoli florets, about 3 ½ cups
    • ½ cup raisins
    • ½ large red onion, sliced thin
    • 1 apple or pear, chopped, peel if desired
    • ¼ cup almonds, sliced or pine nuts

    Making the Dressing

    • ½ cup mayonaise
    • ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
    • 1-2 tablespoons sugar

    Options

    • ¼ pound bacon crisp and crumbled
    • ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Get out and measure your ingredients.
    • Wash and prepare your head of broccoli into florets.  Try to make them bite size and allow them to dry.
    • Place them in a large bowl.  
    • Add your sliced almonds or pine nuts and raisins to your large bowl.  
    • Dice red onion and apple or pear and put it in your large bowl with your broccoli.

    Making the Dressing

    • In a 2 cup measuring cup dump yogurt until it reaches the ½ cup line.
    • Add mayonaise until it reaches the 1 cup line.  
    • Add one tablespoon of sugar and stir until blended.  
    • Taste and add another tablespoon of sugar if desired.  

    Making your salad

    • Using a spatula, pour yogurt mixture into your broccoli mixture.
    • Stir until everything is coated.  
    • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.  Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    • More Tender Broccoli Texture. If you prefer your broccoli to have a slightly softer texture, blanch it for 1-2 minutes in boiling water before immediately rinsing it under cold water in a colander to stop the cooking process. This will keep the vibrant green color and take the edge off the crunch.
    • Using Fresh Broccoli. Make sure to use fresh, crisp broccoli to ensure a tastier and more vibrant salad.
    • Add Cauliflower. Adding cauliflower along with broccoli not only offers a similar taste but it also provides a visually appealing color contrast in the salad.
    • Let It Sit. Refrigerate the prepared salad for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 263kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 5gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 165mgPotassium: 534mgFiber: 5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 680IUVitamin C: 93mgCalcium: 93mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword amish broccoli salad, broccoli salad with bacon, crunchy broccoli salad
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    This post was originally published July 2017. It has been updated with new images and content.

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    Comments

    1. Norm says

      April 17, 2023 at 11:27 am

      5 stars
      What a yummy salad. I think it's way better than the Costco version. I'm not a fan of raisins so I used dried cranberries and it was just fine.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        April 17, 2023 at 7:37 pm

        I’m so glad you enjoyed this broccoli salad recipe. I love it. Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to comment. Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much. All the best. Karin

    2. Parish says

      March 04, 2023 at 8:51 am

      5 stars
      Loved this easy recipe. Tastes great. Easy to make and eat too. No leftovers we just love the dressing Thx for this recipe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        March 04, 2023 at 6:36 pm

        I’m so happy you like this easy recipe. It’s the best broccoli salad in my opinion and the dressing is so tasty. Thank you for taking the time to let me know. All the best. Karin

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    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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