This broccoli crunch salad is vibrant, flavorful and has the most satisfying crunch and texture. It’s loaded with colorful veggies, juicy apple pieces and crispy bacon and then tossed in a creamy tangy and sweet dressing. It’s the perfect side for both gatherings or just any weeknight dinner!

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Why you’ll love this

I don’t know about you but I’m always looking for fun new ways to eat veggies, and this crunchy broccoli salad is one of my favorite salad recipes to do just that!

This easy broccoli salad recipe is absolutely packed with nutrient-dense ingredients and then tossed in a lightened up amazing tangy dressing made of Greek yogurt (and I promise you can’t tell). You’ll want to drizzle this creamy homemade dressing on everything because it adds so much flavor!

The crunchy broccoli and shredded cabbage goes perfectly with sweet apples, crisp bacon and nutty sunflower seeds.

It’s perfect for a colorful weeknight side and also a great crowd-pleasing side dish for your next gathering. If you’ve ever had the Whole Foods broccoli salad, this is my version of it!

I also love that it stores really well, making it perfect for meal prep. It’s even better the next day!

Let’s get into what you need to make it.

Ingredients

Salad

• Fresh broccoli florets: The base of this recipe is chopped broccoli florets. You could also use broccoli slaw. Since it’s a raw broccoli salad, you want to make sure to chop everything into small pieces.
• Red cabbage: Red cabbage adds lots of vibrant color and crunch texture!
• Carrots: Shredded carrots or matchstick carrots add the perfect amount of sweetness to this salad.
• Red onion: Red onion adds a great sharp bite. You can also use sweet onion or even sliced green onions.
• Honeycrisp apple: I absolutely love apple in crunchy salads like this. It adds a nice juicy and sweet crunch.
• Bacon: Crumbled bacon adds the perfect amount of salty savory flavor to counter the sweetness.
• Sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds add a great nutty crunch. You can also use pumpkin seeds or any other crunchy nut that you like.
• Golden raisins: I love adding golden raisins to change things up but you can also use dried cranberries or any other dried fruit.

Dressing

• Plain Greek yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt is the perfect creamy high protein base for this dressing. It makes the dressing lighter and you won’t even be able to tell! I prefer full fat Greek yogurt.
• Mayonnaise: I like to add just a little bit of mayo for that classic creamy dressing flavor.
• Honey: You can use honey or maple syrup to sweeten.
• Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds just the right amount of tanginess and acidity. You can also use lemon juice, white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar.
• Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds lots of bold mustard flavor to this dressing.
• Salt + black pepper

How to make broccoli crunch salad

1. Add all dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until smooth.

2. Add all salad ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Pour dressing over top and toss until salad is evenly coated with dressing.

How to store

Store leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Because the ingredients are so hearty, it stores really well even when dressed. It’s a great way to have a meal prepped salad in your fridge!

Variations

• Instead of apples, try pears, grapes or pomegranate seeds.
• Add crumbled feta, sharp white cheddar or shaved parmesan.
• Instead of sunflower seeds, add chopped almonds, pecans or walnuts for a different nutty crunch.
• Use broccoli slaw instead of chopped broccoli to save some chopping time.

More salads you’ll love

Kale and Broccoli Salad with Easy Greek Yogurt Dressing

Kale Chicken Salad with Parmesan and Lemon Vinaigrette

Sauteéd Brussel Sprout Pasta Salad Bowl

Cucumber Beet Salad with Feta Cheese

Taco Ground Beef Salad with Creamy Taco Ranch