Broccoli Salad with Raisins is a fresh, easy side salad for your next BBQ or potluck. It only takes less than 30 minutes to make.
This is a vintage potluck side dish that I have made for many years. It is crispy, fruity, creamy and oh so very good!
Broccoli is one of the healthiest foods you can eat.
Broccoli is a Superfood!
“It is a very good source of dietary fiber, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin E, manganese, phosphorus, choline, vitamin B1, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids), potassium and copper. Broccoli is also a good source of vitamin B1, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, zinc, calcium, iron, niacin and selenium.” (Source: The World’s Healthiest Foods) It is also an anti-inflammatory, which, in turn, makes it an anti- carcinogen!
What you need
- broccoli – use the broccoli either raw or very quickly blanched. Cut florets into very small pieces so that they are easier to chew. Save the large stems for making vegetable stock. Don’t use previously frozen broccoli.
- vinegar – use apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or white wine vinegar
- red onion – you can substitute yellow or white onion but we prefer red onion.
- bacon – crisp up your bacon. We love using our air fryer to crisp bacon.
- golden raisins – you can substitute black raisins but the golden add a better flavor.
- sunflower seeds kernels or pepitas – don’t use the whole sunflower seed. Just the kernel.
- mayonnaise – use a good quality mayo like Duke’s or Hellmann’s, not salad dressing.
- sugar – use white sugar or raw sugar
How to make it
I usually use the broccoli raw, which I love, but some people prefer the broccoli blanched.
- Cut broccoli florets into very small pieces so they are easier to chew.
- Blanch the broccoli for only about 2 minutes so that it doesn’t lose it’s beautiful color.
- When you blanch veggies, be sure you have ice water ready to cool them down, quickly. Drain the broccoli well. We find a salad spinner to be very helpful with this job.
- Add ingredients for dressing to another small bowl.
- Stir to mix well.
- Add broccoli to a large bowl. Then add onions and raisins. Mix with dressing.
- Just before serving, add the crisped bacon and sunflower kernels. Toss to combine.
Important recipe tips
- Make sure you add the bacon and sunflower kernels at the last minute so they do not get soggy.
- Use either fresh or freshly blanched broccoli. Only blanch for about 2 minutes so that the broccoli still has some texture.
- If you are blanching the broccoli it is really important to dry it well. A salad spinner works great for this job. If you don’t have one. Drain well and lay out on paper towel. Pat the top dry with another paper towel. If you don’t dry it the dressing will become watery.
- Get the bacon quite crisp before breaking it into bits.
Can you make it ahead of time?
Yes. You can make this salad up to a day ahead. Just remember to add the bacon and sunflower kernels at the last minute so that they do not get soggy.
How to store leftover broccoli salad
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in a covered container. Eat it within 3 days.
Do not freeze.
The golden raisins add a lovely sweetness to this salad and the pepitas, or sunflower kernels add a bit of crunch.
The bacon… well I don’t suppose I have to describe the bacon! 🙂 If you eat it, you love it. If you don’t, well…. I’m sorry!
Want to learn how to grow your own broccoli? If you love growing your own produce, these posts are packed full of information about how to get that big harvest by the end of the season! Don’t miss our How to Start a Garden Series!
The first section is Planning Your Garden. Second is Preparing the Garden Site.
The third is Choosing Plants and Planting Your Garden. The fourth is Garden Maintenance.
The last is Harvesting a Garden and Preserving the Harvest, this article has over 100 FREE recipes for preserving your harvest!
Some variations for this salad
- Instead of sunflower kernels, you can substitute any type of nuts you like. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, hazelnuts, whatever.
- To make this salad a light meal, add your favorite protein. Leftover chicken, pork or beef are all great.
- Add about 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the salad.
- Instead of the golden raisins, add black raisins or dried cherries or cranberries. Pieces of dried apricot are good as well.
- Use less mayonnaise and add Italian dressing to the mayonnaise mixture.
- You can use white or yellow onions for this salad but we prefer red.
More delicious salads
Tools I use
As you can see this broccoli salad with raisins is so easy but not only that, it’s so good that you will get the kids loving broccoli too!
Connect with us through our social media pages! Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter.
If you have any questions or comments, please ask in comment section below. We’d love to hear from you!
I hope you enjoyed the recipe today!
Enjoy. And have fun cooking!
Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bacon
- Salt
- 5 cups small broccoli florets
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup chopped Onion
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 3/4 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup sunflower kernels
Instructions
- Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook over medium heat just until crisp; drain on paper towels. You can also crisp bacon in your air fryer.
- Cut broccoli into small pieces. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and blanch until bright green and slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Drain well, run under cold water to stop the cooking, and drain again. Or place in a water bath
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, onion, sugar and raisins. Add the broccoli and toss the coat with the dressing. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Just before servings, fold in the sunflower kernels and the bacon pieces. Serve immediately
- It is important to drain broccoli well. Use your salad spinner after draining.
Notes
Nutrition
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you click the link and purchase something. See FTC Disclosure, here.
Heidy
Broccoli Salad with Raisins is one of my favorite sides for potlucks and picnics! I tried your version, and it was definitely one of the best ones I have had the please to enjoy! Have a great day!
Beth Neels
I’m so glad you liked it. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. You have a great day as well!
Andrea
Oh my goodness! I could eat this broccoli salad every day it’s just that darn good.
Beth Neels
Thanks Andrea! I’m so glad you liked it. We love it around here too!
Katherine
Such a tasty way to enjoy broccoli! Yum!
Beth Neels
Thanks Katherine. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Jess
I love all the flavors here. Who knew broccoli and raisins would taste so good together!?!
Beth Neels
I love the sweetness the raisins add. Thanks Jess. I’m glad you liked it.
Elizabeth
This is the perfect broccoli salad recipe! We brought to a bbq and everyone loved it!
Beth Neels
That’s great. I am so glad everyone liked it. I find it a huge success at BBQ’s too. Thanks Elizabeth!
Dorothy
Making this one for the church potluck on Sunday.
Binky
Oh, great! I hope everyone enjoys it, Dorothy! Let me know! Thanks!! 🙂
Patty
Such a delicious salad Beth, I love that you didn’t leave large stems and made small florets! All these salads with huge broccoli florets we see around don’t tempt me, I feel I’d get tired munching on them after no more than 2. Also, I agree with Eric (lol), I feel like him, love the broccoli blanched 🙂
Binky
Yes, Patty! I like the broccoli florets for this salad! I save the stems for vegetable broth! Thank for your comment!
Elaine
Mmmm. I love fresh salads like this! Especially when they deviate from the normal lettuce, tomato and cuke! This recipe looks fabulous and I can’t wait to make it!
Binky
Thank you, Elaine! You’re the best! I hope you enjoy it!
Laura
Love this salad and I do agree with Eric. I also prefer the broccoli a slightly cooked. 2 minutes is perfect. I love the idea of mixing bacon and raisin, great contrast. Thanks, I am trying this one
Binky
Great Laura! I hope you enjoy it! You’re not supposed to agree with Eric, though! 🙂
Jagruti
I always have broccoli in the fridge and I’m giving this salad a try soon thanks
Binky
Great, Jagruti! I’m glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks for comment!
Gina Marie
I have a best friend I would love you right now because she is totally addicted to broccoli LOL beautiful photo
Binky
Haha! Make it for her, Gina! Thanks for your comment!
Ginny McMeans
Broccoli salad is one of my favorite things in the world. Love the sunflower seeds in there too.
Binky
Me too! They add such a great crunch! Thanks, Ginny!
Tina
I think broccoli and raisins make a great combination. I love that broccoli taste that is lightly sweetened with raisins. Great combo!
Binky
The raisins add a lovely sweetness, without adding a bunch of sugar! Thanks, Tina!
Emily
I can see why it’s your sister’s favourite salad it looks absolutely delicious!
Binky
Thanks, Emily! I wish she was still here so that I could make it for her!
Ashley - Forking Up
This looks just like the broccoli salad my mom makes! It looks super tasty.
Binky
It is so delicious, isn’t it, Ashley? Thanks for your comment!
Michelle Barsness
Yum! That is a beautiful bowl of broccoli! My husband loves broccoli. I’ll definite make this one. Great photos.
Binky
Thank you so much, Michelle! I hope you enjoy it! Shoot a pic and share it with me!
Luci's Morsels
This looks delicious and would make the perfect salad for summer. I can picture myself making this for a potluck and I love that it is so easy to make. Thank you for sharing!
Binky
Thank you Luci! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Danielle
I love a broccoli salad, especially when the broccoli is still a bit crunchy. Bacon makes everything better too!
Binky
Totally agree, Danielle! i mean seriously, how could it be bad with bacon in it? Thanks! 🙂
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
Lovely salad — and beautiful photos! And there’s bacon — you can’t go wrong with that!
Binky
Thanks, Lisa! That is high praise coming from you! I always love your photos!
April
I love this salad. I’ll have to try it out. I also can’t believe I have never eaten broccoli salad! I love the addition of bacon. Bacon makes everything taste better!
Binky
That is a common opinion on this post! Bacon is always better! Thanks, April!