The Best Creamy Broccoli Salad

Looking for the best creamy broccoli salad recipe? Look no further! Tossed with a sweet dressing and loaded with crispy bacon, raisins, and sunflower seeds, this simple side dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

This post was originally published on July 31, 2021. Last updated on June 16, 2024.

A Summer Picnic Dinner Party

Welcome back to part two of our summer picnic dinner party. If you are joining me from Rachel at The Ponds Farmhouse, thank you for stopping by. I love chicken salad sandwiches, and I can not wait to try Rachel’s delicious-looking recipe!

We have another full menu prepared for you this month, so be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page to see each of the recipes made by my other friends for our supper club party.

If you are visiting my blog for the first time, welcome! My name is Jen, and I’m so glad you’re here! A born and raised Nebraska gal, I love to share about all of the things that help make your house feel like a home. From simple DIY’s to affordable home decor, inspiration for the seasons, made from scratch recipes, and more. You’ll find it all here.

You can read more about me [HERE] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok. I’d love to learn more about you too, so don’t be shy. Introduce yourself in the comments and say “hi” at the bottom of the page.

And in case you missed part one of this monthly blog series, don’t forget to see all of our ideas for how to style an outdoor summer picnic including my romantic table for two.

The Best Creamy Broccoli Salad

I’ll admit, that broccoli is not my fave. But, if you add some bacon, raisins, sunflower seeds, and toss it all in a sweet dressing, then count me in!

This creamy broccoli salad recipe is an oldie, but a goodie. My family has been making this side dish for years, and it’s always a hit.

A staple during the summer months, it pairs perfectly with all of your favorite grilling recipes. And with only seven ingredients, it’s super easy to make!

Ingredients for the Best Creamy Broccoli Salad

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (1 medium bunch)
• 3 ounces raisins
• 1/4 cup sweet red onion, chopped
• 1 cup Miracle Whip
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• sunflower kernels (salted and shelled), to taste

Instructions for the Best Creamy Broccoli Salad

First, wash and chop your broccoli into bite-size florets. Then, chop the onion. I added about 1/4 cup, but you can add more if you prefer.

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, red onion, and raisins.

Then, cook the bacon according to the directions on the package until it is crispy. Let the bacon cool and crumble it into pieces. Sprinkle it over the broccoli mixture and set your bowl aside.

Next, it’s time to make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the Miracle Whip, vinegar, and sugar.

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat. The salad needs a bit of time to flavor, so it’s best to let the creamy broccoli salad chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours.

Sprinkle with the sunflower seeds right before serving and enjoy.

*Note: The sunflower seeds are optional, but I think they add the perfect amount of extra crunch. And the saltiness from the seeds is a nice balance to the sweetness of the dressing. Yum!

Can You Make the Salad Ahead of Time?

You can prep everything in advance, but don’t pour the dressing on until a few hours before you are ready to serve.

Once the dressing has been added, the broccoli will start to lose its crispness over a few days time. Because of that, this salad is best when you prepare and enjoy it while it’s fresh.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight storage container for up to two days. (Too much beyond that, and the dressing will start to get watery., and the salad will not taste as good as it did before.)

This recipe is perfect for our family of four, but if you’re cooking for a crowd just double the recipe. Then sit back and watch as your friends and family dig in and enjoy.

More Summer Picnic Recipes

Did you love this creamy broccoli salad? Don’t forget to let other readers know what you think by rating it in the recipe card below.

And remember to share all of your favorites with me on Instagram. I’d love to see what you make! Just tag me in your photos using the handle @midwestlifeandstyle.

Next, be sure to visit my friends Anne and AnnMarie at Simply 2 Moms. They have prepared a lemon dessert to share. And let me tell you, it looks heavenly!

After you visit Anne and AnnMarie, don’t forget to stop by and see what my other supper club friends prepared too! Just click on the recipes linked below.

From drinks to appetizers. Main dishes and sides. We’ve got you covered with a menu that is perfect for all of your summer get-togethers.

Enjoy!

Let’s take a look at the rest of the menu

Click on the links below to see all of the recipes from our summer picnic and don’t forget to hit that pin button to save them for later!

Summer Picnic Dinner Party

The Best Citrus Rosemary Cocktail – Vintage Home Designs

Cucumber Sandwich With Cream Cheese – Bricks ‘n Blooms

Rotisserie Chicken Sandwich Served In A Toasty Croissant – The Ponds Farmhouse

The Best Creamy Broccoli Salad – Midwest Life and Style

Amazing No Bake Lemon Bars In A Jar – Simply 2 Moms

Recipe for the Best Creamy Broccoli Salad

Did You Enjoy This Recipe? PIN It for Later!

I would love to see what you make! If you try any of my recipes, be sure to tag me in your photos!

IG: @midwestlifeandstyle + #midwestlifeandstyle