This Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is a game-changer for potlucks, picnics, or whenever you crave something vibrantly fresh and just a little sassy. Each bite is a colorful medley—crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, crunch-tastic veggies, and a sweet-tangy honey Dijon dressing that truly ties it all together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crisp, Colorful, and Crunchy: Every forkful bursts with crisp veggies, smoky bacon, and irresistible textures.
- Sweet & Savory Harmony: The honey Dijon dressing drapes the salad in a gorgeous balance of sweet, tangy, and just-right savory notes.
- Ready in 15 Minutes: Quick prep means you can pull off big flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Perfect for All Occasions: This salad travels beautifully, making it your new go-to for gatherings, lunchboxes, or as a make-ahead side for the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients to bring Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing to life. Each one plays a starring role—adding crunch, color, or a pop of flavor that makes this salad anything but ordinary.
- Broccoli: Fresh and chopped into bite-sized pieces, it’s the heart of the salad—super crunchy and holds the dressing perfectly.
- Bacon: Cooked until crisp then crumbled, bacon brings irresistible smokiness and just a hint of richness.
- Red Onion: Adds bright, zesty sharpness—tip: soak in cold water for a few minutes to mellow out the bite if you prefer it milder.
- Red Cabbage: Delivers extra crunch and a burst of vibrant purple color, making the whole bowl more eye-catching.
- Carrots: Shredded for just the right amount of subtle sweetness and colorful flair.
- Dijon Mustard: The base of the dressing, offering punchy, tangy, and slightly spicy notes.
- Olive Oil: Creates a silky, rich dressing that lightly coats every ingredient.
- Honey: Adds a soft sweetness that balances the mustard and vinegar perfectly.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Lends a lively, fruity acidity that brightens the dressing and the whole salad.
- Garlic Clove: A little minced garlic delivers a lovely savory backbone—fresh is best.
- Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the flavors—season to taste so everything really pops.
Variations
The beauty of Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is how effortlessly you can make it your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative based on what’s in your fridge or how you like your salads—there’s a version of this recipe for everyone!
- Add Cheese: Crumbled feta or sharp shredded cheddar both bring a creamy, melty contrast you’ll love.
- Nuts & Seeds: Toss in toasted sunflower seeds, almonds, or pecans for even more crunch and a nutty twist.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Skip the bacon entirely, or replace with smoky roasted chickpeas for a plant-based protein punch.
- Fruit Boost: Diced apples or a handful of dried cranberries add a sweet bite and playful chewiness.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Bacon
Start by chopping a full head of fresh broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Slice your red onion, sliver the crisp red cabbage, and shred your carrots. Cook the bacon separately until it’s good and crisp, then crumble each piece into chunky bits—these little bacon gems will be scattered throughout the salad. Place everything in a large mixing bowl to await its dressing destiny.
Step 2: Whip Up the Honey Dijon Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Make sure to blend until smooth—the goal is a creamy, golden dressing that’s well-emulsified. Add salt and pepper to taste, remembering that a little extra zing or sweetness can be adjusted here to match your style.
Step 3: Toss it All Together
Pour the lush honey Dijon dressing over your veggie-bacon mixture. Using two big spoons or salad tongs, toss everything together until every bite gets an even coating of that flavor-packed dressing. For maximum tastiness, let the salad rest in the fridge for about an hour—or serve right away if you can’t wait (I rarely can!).
Pro Tips for Making Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing
- Broccoli Prep Perfection: Cutting broccoli into small, even pieces ensures every bite is easy to eat and gets ample dressing coverage.
- Bacon Ahead of Time: Cook your bacon in advance, cool it completely, and crumble it just before tossing so it stays perfectly crispy instead of soggy.
- Chill for Optimum Flavor: Letting the salad chill for an hour brings the flavors together and gives the veggies extra crunch.
- Dressing on the Side for Gatherings: If you’re bringing this to a party, pack the dressing separately and combine just before serving to keep everything deliciously fresh.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing
Garnishes
For a finishing touch that makes your Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing extra special, sprinkle on some toasted sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or even microgreens for a burst of color. A little extra freshly cracked black pepper or a squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving also does wonders for the flavor and looks.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as an accompaniment to barbecue favorites—think grilled chicken, burgers, or even veggie skewers. It’s wonderful with roasted salmon, alongside sandwiches, or nestled next to a slice of quiche for a truly satisfying lunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing layered in glass jars for colorful individual servings—perfect for picnics or meal prepping. On a party platter, arrange the salad inside hollowed-out bell peppers, or heap it high on a bed of leafy greens for a stunning (and easy!) salad centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and crunchy for up to three days—just be sure to give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
This salad isn’t a great candidate for freezing, as broccoli and the dressing can lose their crispness and texture after thawing. For the best results, make it fresh and enjoy within a few days.
Reheating
Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is meant to be served cold or at room temperature—no reheating necessary! If it’s straight from the fridge, let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off before eating for optimal flavor.
FAQs
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Can I make Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad actually gets even better after a little time in the fridge, as the flavors mingle and the veggies soak up the dressing. Prep it up to a day ahead for easiest entertaining or meal prep.
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Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply skip the bacon or substitute with crispy roasted chickpeas or coconut bacon for a plant-based option that’s still full of crunch and flavor.
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What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar for the dressing?
You can swap in white wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice—the flavor will have a slightly different character but the dressing will remain deliciously tangy.
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Can I use store-bought honey mustard dressing instead of homemade?
Store-bought will work in a pinch, but making your own takes just a minute and really elevates the salad’s freshness and zing. If you must use bottled, add a splash of extra vinegar and fresh garlic for a homemade touch.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is more than just a side—it’s an explosion of texture, color, and crave-worthy flavors you’ll want again and again. Give it a try at your next gathering or weekday lunch, and don’t be surprised if it vanishes in minutes. Happy crunching, friends!
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
A refreshing and nutritious broccoli salad with a tangy Honey Dijon dressing, perfect for a light and flavorful meal or side dish.
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 Salad: In a medium bowl, combine chopped broccoli, bacon, red onion, red cabbage, and carrots. Set aside.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Keep refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
