If you’re searching for a vibrant dish that’s bursting with flavor and crunch, look no further than this Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe. It brings together crisp broccoli florets, smoky bacon, and a delightful mix of colorful veggies, all coated in a luscious honey Dijon dressing that sings with sweet and tangy notes. This salad is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a breeze to whip up, making it a perfect addition to any meal or a standout side at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to the success of this recipe. Each component offers a unique element, from crunch to creaminess, that perfectly balances the salad’s flavor and texture profiles.
- Broccoli: The star of the show, chopped into bite-sized pieces for an ideal crunch and fresh green color.
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled to add a smoky and salty kick that complements the sweetness of the dressing.
- Red onion: Finely chopped to bring a subtle sharpness and a burst of violet hue.
- Red cabbage: Thinly sliced for extra crunch and a deep, beautiful purple contrast.
- Carrots: Shredded for a touch of sweetness and vibrant orange color, adding to the salad’s visual appeal.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy base for the dressing, enhancing depth and complexity.
- Olive oil: Adds smoothness and richness to the dressing without overpowering the salad.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that balances acidity with gentle sweetness in the dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brings brightness and a mild tartness to elevate all flavors.
- Garlic: Minced for a hint of pungency and aromatic warmth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to perfectly round out the taste.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by chopping your broccoli into bite-sized pieces so every forkful is easy to enjoy, then combine it with crisp bacon crumbles, chopped red onion, bright red cabbage slivers, and shredded carrots in a large bowl. This mix sets the foundation of vibrant colors and textures that will make your salad stand out.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Honey Dijon Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk Dijon mustard with olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground pepper. This combination creates a perfectly balanced dressing that is both tangy and sweet, giving your broccoli salad a flavorful coating that coats each ingredient beautifully.
Step 3: Toss and Combine
Pour the dressing over the vegetable and bacon mixture, then toss gently but thoroughly so every bite has a little bit of that irresistible glaze. You can serve it immediately to enjoy the fresh crispness or let it chill for at least an hour in the fridge to deepen the flavors and soften the broccoli slightly.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra garnishes can elevate this salad — think toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for crunchy texture or some freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of green freshness and herbal brightness.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or even a casual barbecue spread. Its bold flavors and crisp veggies provide the perfect contrast to richer main dishes, balancing your meal effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the salad in individual glass jars or mini bowls, layering the ingredients so the colors shine through. It also makes a beautiful centerpiece on any buffet or picnic table, inviting your guests to dig right in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It tastes best fresh but can hold up well for up to two days, as the dressing may mellow and veggies soften a bit, making the flavors even more harmonious.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended since the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing will lose their texture and become watery upon thawing. Enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days in the fridge for the best experience.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Simply bring it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to take the chill off for maximum flavor impact.
FAQs
Can I make this broccoli salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute to keep the smoky flavor. Also, check that your honey is vegan or substitute it with maple syrup.
Is it possible to use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
While broccoli is fundamental to the salad’s texture, you can experiment by mixing in cauliflower florets or snap peas for variety, but this will slightly change the classic character of the recipe.
How long does the salad keep its crunch?
The salad is best enjoyed within the first day or two. The broccoli and cabbage hold up well to refrigeration, but they will begin to soften and lose some of their crispness after 48 hours.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, making the honey Dijon dressing ahead can save time and allow the flavors to meld even more. Store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge and toss with the veggies just before serving.
What variations of nuts or seeds work well in this salad?
Toasted almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds add wonderful crunch and nutty flavor. Just sprinkle your favorite on top before serving for an added textural contrast.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your recipe box forever. Its combination of fresh crunch, smoky bacon, and a perfectly balanced dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite go-to salad!
Print
Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and crunchy broccoli salad tossed with a sweet and tangy honey Dijon dressing, combined with savory bacon, red onion, red cabbage, and shredded carrots. Perfect as a quick side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped
- ¼ cup red cabbage, chopped into slivers
- ¼ cup carrots, shredded
Dressing Ingredients
- 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 Salad: In a medium bowl, combine chopped broccoli, cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, slivered red cabbage, and shredded carrots. Toss gently and set aside.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for a crisp texture or cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- Bacon can be substituted with turkey bacon or omitted for a vegetarian version.
- For a crunchier texture, serve immediately after tossing.
- Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Add toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra texture if desired.
