If you’re searching for that irresistible crunch and tangy-sweet flavor combo, Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is about to become your go-to salad! This vibrant, fresh salad is loaded with crisp veggies, smoky bacon, and a creamy honey Dijon dressing that’s equal parts zesty and sweet—perfect for every occasion, from picnics to cozy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Texture Crunch: Crisp broccoli, crunchy bacon, and shredded veggies make every bite pop with satisfying texture.
- Sweet Meets Savory: The honey Dijon dressing is lusciously creamy with a sweet and tangy kick that ties everything together.
- Quick & Easy to Prep: You can toss this together in about 15 minutes, making it a champion for busy nights or last-minute get-togethers.
- Always a Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served at a potluck or family dinner, Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is guaranteed to disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I adore most about Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is just how simple the ingredient list is! Every element is carefully chosen for flavor, freshness, and visual appeal, and when combined, you get an unforgettable salad that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.
- Broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces: The star of the show—crisp, green, and refreshing. Use fresh broccoli for the very best crunch.
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds irresistible smoky-salty notes and rich flavor; for a lighter option, substitute with turkey bacon.
- Red onion, chopped: A punch of sharpness and color that wakes up the whole salad.
- Red cabbage, chopped into slivers: Offers even more crunch and a gorgeous purple hue that looks stunning on any table.
- Carrots, shredded: Bright, sweet, and colorful—carrots add a lovely contrast and natural sweetness.
- Dijon mustard: The backbone of the dressing; creamy and tangy, it pairs perfectly with honey.
- Olive oil: Smooth and buttery, this gives the dressing just the right richness and helps everything coat beautifully.
- Honey: This is the magic ingredient that mellows out the sharp flavors and brings the perfect kiss of sweetness.
- Apple cider vinegar: Lively tartness for that balanced zing in the honey Dijon dressing.
- Garlic, minced: Adds aromatic bite and backbone to the dressing.
- Salt & pepper: Just a pinch of each brings all the flavors together and sharpens the taste.
Variations
This Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is endlessly customizable, and I love that you can tweak it depending on what you have in your fridge, your dietary needs, or simply what you’re craving that day! Here are some fun spin-offs to inspire your next bowl.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Toss in a handful of sharp cheddar or creamy feta for even more richness and craveable tang.
- Nutty Crunch: Add toasted almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds in place of— or in addition to—bacon for next-level crunch and healthy fats.
- Vegan Option: Skip the bacon and swap the honey for maple syrup, then add extra veggies or chickpeas for protein.
- Make It Mediterranean: Stir in chopped kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon for a totally new flavor adventure.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing
Step 1: Prep the Fresh Ingredients
Start by washing and thoroughly drying your broccoli, then chop it into bite-sized florets. Dice the red onion, shred the carrot, and slice the red cabbage into thin slivers. Crisp up the bacon slices (I like to bake them on a rack for extra crunch), cool, and crumble—these layers bring a mix of colors and flavors to every forkful.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
Toss the broccoli, cooled bacon, red onion, cabbage, and carrots together in a large bowl. Give it a quick stir so everything is evenly combined—you’ll already see that gorgeous confetti of colors coming together!
Step 3: Whisk Up the Honey Dijon Dressing
In a small bowl, add the Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk until completely blended and creamy—the dressing should be glossy and thick enough to cling to the veggies without weighing them down.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Pour your honey Dijon dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated—get in there with your tongs or a big spoon so every bit of broccoli gets some love. If you have time, let the salad chill in the fridge for an hour before serving to let the flavors really party together.
Pro Tips for Making Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing
- Broccoli Bite-Sizing: Chop the broccoli small enough so every piece gets coated in dressing—this means more flavor in every forkful!
- Dressing Magic: Whisk the dressing until it’s glossy and emulsified—this helps it cling better and prevents oily separation.
- Bacon Crunch Factor: Let bacon cool completely before crumbling so you maintain every bit of that irresistible crunch.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: This salad keeps beautifully for a day in the fridge—make it in advance to let flavors meld and lighten your prep work!
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing
Garnishes
Add an extra sprinkle of crispy bacon on top for irresistible appeal, or toss on a handful of toasted nuts or seeds for a finishing crunch. A few delicate shreds of carrot or a dusting of shredded cheese can also make your Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing totally pop on the plate.
Side Dishes
This salad is totally versatile! Serve it alongside grilled chicken, burgers, sandwiches, or a bowl of hearty soup. It brightens up any potluck or barbecue spread, and even makes a fabulous light lunch all on its own.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing in mason jars for an adorable portable picnic option, or scoop it onto endive leaves for finger-food fun. Layer it in a glass trifle bowl to show off all those beautiful colors at parties and gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and crisp for up to 2-3 days—the flavors may even get bolder with time as everything marinates together.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and isn’t ideal for freezing—the crisp veggies can lose their crunch and turn watery after thawing. Instead, prepare it fresh or refrigerate for a day or two for peak flavor and texture.
Reheating
Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary! If it’s been chilling, just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the delicious dressing.
FAQs
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Can I make Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, letting the salad chill for an hour or more lets the flavors really meld together. Just give it a quick stir before serving for best texture.
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Is it okay to use pre-cut broccoli or bagged florets?
Yes! Pre-cut broccoli makes life easier—just make sure the pieces are bite-sized and fresh for optimal crunch and flavor.
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How can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan?
Simply skip the bacon or substitute it with vegan bacon, toasted seeds, or chickpeas for protein. Swap honey in the dressing for maple or agave to make it fully vegan.
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Why does my broccoli salad get watery after sitting?
Sometimes, salt in the dressing draws out moisture from the veggies. For best results, wait to add the dressing until just before serving, or gently pat veggies dry after rinsing.
Final Thoughts
If you love a crunchy, craveworthy side with a burst of color and flavor, you have to give Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing a try! It comes together in no time and always brings joy to the table. Go ahead—dive in, make it your own, and savor every fresh, zesty bite!
Print
Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is a delightful mix of fresh vegetables tossed in a tangy and sweet homemade dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 1 head broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup red cabbage, chopped into slivers
- 1/4 cup carrots, shredded
Honey Dijon Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, bacon, red onion, red cabbage, and carrots. Set aside.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Keep refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
