Why You’ll Love this Supreme Broccoli Salad
Broccoli lovers, rejoice! I’ve discovered the perfect way to showcase those green florets in all their glory.
This Supreme Broccoli Salad combines crunchy broccoli with sharp cheddar, sweet raisins, and crisp red peppers for a texture paradise. The matchstick carrots add color while sunflower seeds bring that irresistible nutty crunch.
But honestly? It’s the dressing that makes this salad sing. That hint of red wine and rice vinegar cuts through the creamy mayo beautifully.
And the bacon bits? Well, they’re that final savory touch that makes people come back for seconds, trust me.
What Ingredients are in Supreme Broccoli Salad?
This broccoli salad is a beautiful blend of fresh vegetables, protein, and sweet-savory elements that come together in perfect harmony.
I love how each ingredient plays its own special role—the broccoli provides the hearty base, while everything else adds layers of flavor and texture.
Ready to create this colorful masterpiece? You’ll need:
- 3 heads fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 large sweet red pepper, chopped
- 1 cup matchstick or grated carrots
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4-1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1 cup low-fat mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon red wine
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon onion flakes
When shopping for these ingredients, quality really matters. Fresh, crisp broccoli makes all the difference, so look for tight florets with no yellowing.
And while pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated cheddar will melt into the dressing more seamlessly.
Want to make substitutions? Feel free to swap golden raisins for regular ones, or try cranberries for a tangier twist.
The sunflower seeds can be toasted for extra flavor, and if you’re looking for a vegetarian version, those bacon bits can be optional—though they do add that wonderful smoky dimension that’s hard to resist.
How to Make this Supreme Broccoli Salad
Making this broccoli salad is practically effortless, and the result is absolutely worth the minimal effort. Start by preparing all your veggies and add-ins in a large bowl—you’ll need plenty of space for mixing. Add 3 heads of fresh broccoli (cut into bite-sized florets), 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of raisins, 1 large chopped sweet red pepper, and 1 cup of matchstick carrots. Toss in 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds as well. Notice I’m not adding the bacon yet? That’s the secret to keeping it crispy.
Now for the dressing—this is where the magic happens. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of low-fat mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon each of red wine and rice vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion flakes. Feel free to add more onion flakes if you’re like me and believe that more flavor is always better. Whisk everything together until smooth and pour this creamy goodness over your veggie mixture.
Gently fold everything together until all those beautiful broccoli florets are coated in the dressing. You can serve it right away, but honestly? This salad gets even better after it chills for a while in the refrigerator. The flavors meld together in the most wonderful way.
Right before serving, sprinkle the 1/4 to 1/2 cup of crumbled bacon on top. This last-minute addition keeps the bacon bits crispy rather than soggy, which is a game-changer for texture contrast.
Supreme Broccoli Salad Substitutions and Variations
While our classic recipe creates a perfect broccoli salad, I’ve discovered that flexibility is one of its greatest strengths.
Don’t have raisins? Try dried cranberries or chopped dates instead. Swap the cheddar for feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist, or go dairy-free altogether.
Veggie substitutions work beautifully too—cauliflower florets can replace some broccoli, and diced jicama adds unexpected crunch.
For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise, or try a honey-mustard dressing variation.
Need it nut-free? Replace sunflower seeds with pepitas or crispy chickpeas.
And for a meatless option, crispy fried onions make a delicious bacon alternative.
What to Serve with Supreme Broccoli Salad
Supreme Broccoli Salad pairs beautifully with almost any main dish, making it one of my go-to sides for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.
I love serving it alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or a juicy steak—the crisp texture and tangy dressing provide the perfect contrast.
For potlucks and barbecues, this salad stands up well next to pulled pork sandwiches or hot dogs. It’s substantial enough to complement lighter fare too, like a simple quiche or soup for lunch.
Trust me, once you start pairing this colorful broccoli medley with your meals, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Final Thoughts
After discovering this broccoli salad recipe years ago, I’ve tweaked it countless times to create what I consider the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of crunchy broccoli, sweet raisins, and savory bacon simply works magic together.
What makes this salad special, though, is its versatility. Don’t have sunflower seeds? Try almonds. Not a fan of red peppers? Leave them out.
The core ingredients—broccoli, cheese, and that slightly sweet dressing—are the non-negotiables.
Trust me, once you bring this to a gathering, you’ll be forever known as “the broccoli salad person.” And honestly, there are worse reputations to have.
Supreme Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, raisins, chopped red pepper, matchstick carrots, and sunflower seeds. Set aside.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, red wine, rice vinegar, and onion flakes until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently fold until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld together.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top to maintain its crispness.
