Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe

If you’re searching for a side dish that truly pops, Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is a vibrant, crave-worthy favorite you’ll want to bring everywhere! Picture this: crisp broccoli florets, smoky bacon crumbles, colorful shredded veggies, all tossed together in a sweet-tangy, entirely dairy-free honey dijon dressing. Whether it’s at a backyard BBQ, picnic, or casual weeknight dinner, this lively salad has a way of stealing the show. The combination of flavors and textures strikes a perfect balance—fresh, creamy, crunchy, and a little bit indulgent—making the Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing an instant classic you’ll crave on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is that it calls for simple, familiar ingredients—every one brings its own punch of flavor, crispness, and color. Layering fresh veggies, savory bacon, and a homemade honey-mustard vinaigrette gives this salad its signature wow factor!

• Broccoli: The undeniable star—use fresh, bite-sized florets for the best crunch and fresh flavor.
• Bacon: Four slices of cooked, crumbled bacon bring irresistible smoky-savory bites in every forkful.
• Red onion: Chopped for a crisp bite and gentle zing; red onion also adds lovely color contrast.
• Red cabbage: Thinly slivered, it gives the salad beautiful purple hues and an extra pop of crunch.
• Carrots: Shredded carrots add both sweetness and the prettiest orange color.
• Dijon mustard: The base of our dressing, for creamy texture and a punch of tangy sophistication.
• Olive oil: Brings luscious body and richness to the dressing.
• Honey: Sweetens things up naturally, balancing the sharp flavors in the mix.
• Apple cider vinegar: Lends bright acidity that wakes up every other flavor.
• Garlic: One small clove, minced for a savory, aromatic kick in the dressing.
• Salt + Pepper: For rounding out and sharpening all the beautiful flavors.

How to Make Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Bacon

Start by chopping your head of fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. Slice the red onion thinly, shred your carrots, and get those lovely purple slivers from the red cabbage. Don’t forget the bacon—cook until crisp, set aside on a paper towel, and crumble once cooled. Having every ingredient ready makes assembly a total breeze!

Step 2: Make the Honey Dijon Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic until completely smooth and emulsified. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. This dairy-free dressing is creamy, perfectly sweet, and a little tangy—absolutely made for this salad!

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, shredded carrots, and red cabbage. Pour the luscious honey Dijon dressing over the top and toss gently to make sure every bite is coated.

Step 4: Chill or Serve Right Away

You can serve Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing straight away, but if you have a little patience, let it chill in the fridge for an hour—this gives the flavors time to mingle. It will taste even more harmonious, with a blissful crunch in every bite. Always keep it refrigerated until serving.

How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

Garnishes

Give your Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing an extra flourish before serving! Sprinkle on a handful of toasted sunflower seeds or crunchy dried cranberries for a chewy, nutty or sweet touch. Fresh chives or parsley add brightness and a pop of color. Don’t be afraid to play with toppings—each one adds new interest to the bowl.

Side Dishes

This salad is a fabulous companion for anything hot off the grill—think BBQ chicken, burgers, or grilled fish. It also pairs beautifully with roast meats, pulled pork sandwiches, or even hearty veggie mains like baked sweet potatoes. A basket of warm bread or cornbread makes the meal even better!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress at your next potluck? Serve Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing in a wide, shallow platter to showcase the colors, or spoon into individual mason jars for adorable, portable servings. Layer the salad and garnishes in a trifle dish for a dramatic, show-stopping centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Put any leftovers in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it just as irresistible a day or two later—just give it a gentle toss before serving.

Freezing

Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing isn’t suited for the freezer, as the veggies lose their crispness and the dressing can separate when thawed. For ultimate crunch and flavor, it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated only.

Reheating

No heating necessary! This salad shines cold from the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead option for gatherings, lunches, or picnics. If the dressing thickens upon chilling, a quick toss or a dash of olive oil can loosen it right up.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! You can assemble the salad and dressing separately, then combine and toss up to a few hours before your event. The flavors mingle beautifully as it sits—just save adding any crunchy garnishes for right before serving so they stay crisp.

What else can I add to Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing?

Feel free to customize! Try tossing in roasted sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, or even a handful of shredded cheese (if dairy isn’t an issue for you). These additions bring new textures and a fun twist to the classic version.

Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

Yes! Swap the bacon for smoky tempeh or coconut bacon, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. You’ll keep all the bold flavor and color, entirely plant-based.

Can I use another type of vinegar in the dressing?

Absolutely—white wine vinegar or even lemon juice can stand in for apple cider vinegar, though it will slightly change the tang. Stick with something fresh and bright, and the salad will sing.

How do I make the broccoli extra tender?

If you prefer a softer crunch, briefly blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 30 seconds, then chill in ice water before assembling the salad. This keeps color and crunch, but tones down the raw bite.

Final Thoughts

Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is one of those effortless, crowd-pleasing dishes you’ll reach for time and again. With its burst of flavors, beautiful colors, and make-ahead convenience, it’s sure to be a superstar at your table. Try it once and it might just become your new favorite way to eat your veggies!

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