This Creamy Broccoli Salad is everything you want in a summer side: crunchy, tangy, slightly sweet, and perfectly creamy. It features crisp broccoli florets tossed with juicy dried cranberries, roasted sunflower seeds, and a rich, savory dressing that clings to every bite. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or just a satisfying lunch, this is one salad that won’t wilt under pressure.

With just a bit of chopping and stirring, this vibrant dish comes together in minutes and gets even better after chilling. The flavors blend beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. The contrast of textures—from crunchy broccoli to creamy dressing and chewy cranberries—keeps every forkful interesting.

What Makes a Great Creamy Broccoli Salad?

The secret is balance. A great broccoli salad needs freshness, crunch, a touch of sweetness, and something nutty for richness. The dressing is key: creamy but not too heavy, tangy enough to lift the broccoli, and just sweet enough to bring out the cranberries.

You also want the broccoli to stay crisp without being raw-tasting. That means small florets, and giving it time to sit in the dressing so the flavors meld while the texture softens just slightly.

Ingredients for the Creamy Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Florets – The star of the salad. Use fresh, crisp broccoli chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Red Onion – Adds sharp flavor and a splash of color. Dice it finely to keep it from overpowering the salad.
Dried Cranberries – These bring a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the broccoli.
Roasted Sunflower Seeds – Offer a toasty crunch and nutty depth to every bite.
Mayonnaise – Forms the base of the dressing, giving it that signature creamy texture.
Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream – Lightens the dressing while adding tang and extra creaminess.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Brightens up the dressing and enhances the flavor of the broccoli.
Honey or Maple Syrup – Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the vinegar and bring out the cranberry flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for rounding out all the flavors.

How To Make the Creamy Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli

Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli. Cut into small, bite-sized florets to ensure even coating and easier eating.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss the broccoli, finely chopped red onions, dried cranberries, and roasted sunflower seeds. Pour the dressing over the top and mix until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the broccoli to slightly tenderize.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Give the salad a quick stir before serving. Optionally top with extra sunflower seeds or cranberries for a decorative crunch.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Broccoli Salad

Serve this salad chilled for the best texture and taste. It’s a great make-ahead side for family dinners, cookouts, or picnic spreads. For presentation, sprinkle a few extra sunflower seeds on top just before serving.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, but for best crunch, it’s recommended to enjoy it within the first two days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the broccoli crunchy?

Use fresh broccoli and don’t over-chop it. Letting it sit in the dressing softens it slightly while preserving its crunch.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise?

Yes! Use all Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative to suit your dietary needs.

What can I use instead of sunflower seeds?

Try slivered almonds, chopped pecans, or pumpkin seeds for a different texture.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely—as long as all your ingredients, especially condiments, are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just stir before serving.

What protein can I add to make it a meal?

Grilled chicken, crumbled bacon, or even cubed tofu pair beautifully with the salad.

Want More Salad Ideas?

If you love this creamy broccoli salad, you’ll probably enjoy these other bright and bold sides:

Classic Coleslaw for a crunchy BBQ favorite.
Easy Summer Peach Watermelon Salad with refreshing seasonal sweetness.
Mexican Street Corn Potato Salad for a spicy, creamy twist.
Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad that combines two summer classics in one.
Popcorn Salad for a unique, crunchy surprise.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap the cranberries for raisins? Add bacon? I love hearing how you make these recipes your own.

Questions welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and tastier!

Creamy Broccoli Salad

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Broccoli Salad is a cool, crunchy dish tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing that complements every bite. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, and make-ahead lunches. With its mix of fresh broccoli, sweet cranberries, and nutty seeds in a creamy, flavorful dressing, this salad is both simple and satisfying.

Instructions

Wash and dry the broccoli thoroughly. Cut into bite-sized florets.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
In a large bowl, add the broccoli, red onion, cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to coat everything evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Stir before serving. Garnish with additional sunflower seeds if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Category: Appetizers