If you’re looking for a way to turn humble broccoli into the vibrant star of your meal, let me rave about my not-so-secret obsession: Broccoli Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing. This salad strikes that absolutely delightful sweet spot between crisp and creamy, tangy and subtly sweet, bursting with textures and bright colors that make any table feel like summer. Whether you’re a longtime broccoli fan or someone trying to add more veggies to your plate, this salad wraps up everything good about healthy eating—flavor, freshness, and a touch of fun—in every bite.

Broccoli Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Broccoli Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing shine is how approachable these ingredients are, yet how each one brings its own pop—whether that’s crunch, creaminess, or color. Here’s the lineup for this unforgettable dish, plus a tip for each.

Fresh broccoli florets: Chop them into bite-sized pieces for ultimate crunch and even dressing coverage.
Shredded carrots: These sweet shreds add vibrant color and a touch of natural sweetness.
Red onion: Finely diced for a gentle, zippy bite and gorgeous purple flecks.
Dried cranberries: Their jewel-like color and chewy tartness make each forkful more interesting.
Roasted sunflower seeds: Brings irresistible salty crunch—don’t skip!
Plain Greek yogurt: For a creamy, protein-rich base that keeps the dressing light and tangy.
Mayonnaise: Just enough to boost silky texture and classic richness.
Lemon juice: The fresh, zesty brightness brings all the flavors alive.
Honey: Just a drizzle balances the zip with a gentle sweetness.
Lemon zest: Packs concentrated lemon fragrance and flavor—don’t forget to zest before you juice!
Poppy seeds: These tiny seeds add subtle crunch and that signature look to the dressing.
Salt and pepper: The straightforward way to bring all those vibrant flavors together. Taste as you go!

How to Make Broccoli Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing

Step 1: Prep the Veggies

Begin by chopping your broccoli into bite-sized florets—think salad fork-friendly! Toss them into a large mixing bowl, followed by freshly shredded carrots and very finely diced red onion. The goal here is uniform size for a texture that’s just right, plus a balanced flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Add Sweet and Crunchy Mix-Ins

Sprinkle the dried cranberries and roasted sunflower seeds on top of your veggie base. The cranberries lend a bright, tart chewiness, while sunflower seeds bring a nutty, salty crunch that takes this salad into crave-worthy territory.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, honey, lemon zest, and poppy seeds. Give it a good stir, tasting and adjusting with salt and pepper until the flavors sing. The poppy seeds and zest create those beautiful flecks, hinting at the sunshiney flavor to come.

Step 4: Toss and Coat

Pour the dressing over your broccoli mixture, then toss everything together until every floret and shred is gleaming with that luscious Lemon Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing. Don’t be shy here—gentle but thorough mixing helps the flavors meld.

Step 5: Chill and Let the Flavors Meld

Cover and chill your Broccoli Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is pure magic; as the salad rests, the veggies absorb dressing and soften ever-so-slightly, making every bite addictive.

How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing

Garnishes

For an eye-catching finish, scatter a handful of extra sunflower seeds and a little more lemon zest across the top just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, some freshly cracked pepper or a sprinkle of chopped herbs—like parsley or chives—gives a restaurant-worthy flair.

Side Dishes

This salad is outrageously versatile! Serve it alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or veggie burgers—the fresh crunch pairs perfectly with almost any protein. It’s also a reliable potluck hero, holding its own next to everything from sandwiches to barbecue.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon Broccoli Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing into pretty glass jars for picnic-ready portions. For parties, pile it on a platter over a bed of baby greens or inside lettuce cups for handheld bites. It’s gorgeous in a big wooden bowl family-style or, for a brunch twist, tucked into whole-grain pita pockets.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Broccoli Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing holds up like a champ in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. In fact, a little extra chill time makes each bite even more harmonious as the flavors meld together. Just give it a stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, since the crisp veggies and creamy yogurt dressing don’t love the freezer. The texture can become watery and less vibrant once thawed, so enjoy it fresh from the fridge for best results.

Reheating

This is a salad best served cold or at cool room temperature, so skip the heat! If it’s been in the fridge, just let it sit out for a few minutes before serving for the perfect refreshing crunch.

FAQs

Can I make Broccoli Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely—you can prepare this salad a day ahead! In fact, chilling overnight lets the flavors blend even more, making the salad taste incredible. Just mix well again before serving to freshen up the texture.

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli is best for texture and crunch, but if you must use frozen, thaw and drain it well first. Keep in mind that the salad will be a bit softer than with fresh florets.

What else can I add for extra crunch or flavor?

Absolutely! Try folding in chopped almonds, pecans, or pepitas for another layer of crunch, or diced apples for added sweetness. A sprinkling of fresh herbs can also brighten up the mix.

Can I make this Broccoli Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing vegan?

Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative and use your favorite vegan mayo. Make sure your honey is replaced with agave or maple syrup, and you’ve got a delicious vegan version.

How do I keep the salad from getting watery?

To ensure your Broccoli Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing doesn’t get soggy, dry the broccoli well after washing and avoid adding salt until you’re dressing the salad—this keeps everything crisp and fresh.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try Broccoli Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing! With its satisfying mix of crunch, zest, and creaminess, it has a way of winning over even those who are broccoli-shy. Give it a go—you might just find a new favorite for family dinners, potlucks, or snacky afternoons!

Broccoli Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Broccoli Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Yogurt Dressing is a refreshing and healthy dish perfect for any occasion. The crisp broccoli florets, sweet cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds are tossed in a creamy yogurt dressing with a zesty lemon poppy seed flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup red onion (finely diced)
½ cup dried cranberries
⅓ cup roasted sunflower seeds

Dressing:

½ cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, shredded carrots, red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, lemon zest, and poppy seeds. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.