If you’re craving something crunchy, colorful, and just a little bit addictive, Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is about to become your new best friend. This vibrant salad brings together crisp broccoli, sweet cranberries, smoky bacon, and a creamy, tangy dressing that clings to every bite. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard barbecue, a family dinner, or just need a make-ahead lunch to brighten your day, this dish delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures in every forkful.

Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is a breeze, and each one truly shines in the final dish. From fresh veggies to crunchy seeds and a luscious, homemade dressing, every component plays a starring role in taste, texture, or pop of color.

Fresh Broccoli Florets: For the best crunch and color, chop into bite-sized pieces so every forkful is satisfying.
Red Onion: Adds a sharp, zesty bite that balances the salad’s sweetness and creaminess—dice it finely for even flavor.
Dried Cranberries: Just the right touch of tart-sweetness to brighten up the veggies and offset the savory notes.
Sunflower Seeds or Chopped Almonds: Both options add irresistible crunch and a hearty, nutty depth—choose your favorite!
Cooked and Crumbled Bacon: Smoky, salty bacon brings richness and a satisfying savory layer—don’t skip it!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty, sharp cheddar binds everything together and makes each bite extra indulgent.
Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the dressing—use full-fat for luxurious texture or swap for Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
Dijon Mustard: Brings tang and complexity, perfectly balancing the honey’s sweetness.
Honey: A spoonful of natural sweetness that ties the whole Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing together.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Its fruity acidity brightens the flavors and keeps the salad lively.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to make each flavor pop—add to your taste.

How to Make Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Mix-Ins

Start by chopping your broccoli into small, bite-sized florets so it’s easy to eat and every piece gets coated in dressing. Finely dice the red onion to distribute its sharp flavor evenly. If you’re using almonds instead of sunflower seeds, give them a rough chop. Have your cranberries, shredded cheddar, and cooked bacon ready to go.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the broccoli, red onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds or almonds, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Give it a gentle mix so everything is distributed—don’t worry if the bowl looks a bit full; it’ll settle once the dressing goes in.

Step 3: Mix the Honey Dijon Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The dressing for this Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing should be smooth, creamy, and balanced between sweet, tangy, and savory.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Pour the Honey Dijon dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss everything together until each bit is beautifully coated. At this point, the salad already smells amazing, but the magic happens as it sits.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This rest time lets all the flavors meld and the broccoli soften just slightly, absorbing that luscious dressing. Serve chilled or at room temperature—either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra sunflower seeds or a few bacon crumbles on top for a finishing crunch. A handful of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of green and a bit of herby freshness if you want to elevate the presentation.

Side Dishes

This salad is a natural partner for grilled chicken, burgers, or barbecue ribs. It’s equally at home next to a simple sandwich or a hearty soup, making it endlessly versatile for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing in individual mason jars for a fun lunchbox treat or picnic pack. For parties, spoon it into lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld appetizer, or pile it high on a large platter to show off all the vibrant colors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for up to three days, but for maximum crunch, add the sunflower seeds and bacon just before serving.

Freezing

Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing isn’t a great candidate for freezing, as the creamy dressing and fresh veggies lose their texture after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days of making.

Reheating

This is a no-cook, serve-cold salad, so reheating isn’t required. If you chilled it and want to take the edge off, let it sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving to take the chill off and bring out the flavors even more.

FAQs

Can I make Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours or even a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just add the sunflower seeds and bacon right before serving for the best texture.

Is there a lighter version of the dressing?

Yes! You can swap out some or all of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to lighten things up while still getting a creamy, tangy dressing. This tweak also adds a little extra protein to each serving.

What can I use instead of bacon for a vegetarian option?

For a vegetarian twist, try roasted chickpeas or crispy tempeh bacon. You’ll still get that savory, crunchy element that makes Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing so irresistible.

Will this salad get soggy if I make it in advance?

The broccoli holds up well, even after a day or two in the fridge. To keep the crunchiest texture, store the salad and dressing separately, or add the seeds and bacon just before serving.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

It’s best to use fresh broccoli for this salad, as frozen broccoli tends to become mushy once thawed and doesn’t deliver the same crisp bite that makes Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing so special.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a salad that’s equal parts vibrant, crunchy, and satisfying, you can’t go wrong with Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing. It’s the kind of dish that always disappears first at gatherings, and I promise you’ll be sneaking forkfuls straight from the fridge. Give it a try and let it become a staple in your own kitchen!

Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and crunchy broccoli salad tossed with a sweet and tangy honey Dijon dressing, featuring a delightful mix of dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a flavorful side dish that comes together quickly with no cooking required.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dressing Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli florets, finely diced red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, cooked crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss carefully to ensure every bite is coated well with the honey Dijon dressing.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
To maintain crunchiness, add sunflower seeds and bacon just before serving if preparing the salad a day in advance.
You can customize the salad by swapping sunflower seeds with almonds or pecans for a different texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American