Broccoli Salad

Broccoli's answer to coleslaw.

This Broccoli Salad is one of those recipes we find ourselves making again and again. Crisp broccoli, bacon, lightly sautéed onions, and a sweet, creamy dressing come together in a side dish that's just as welcome at a backyard barbecue as it is next to a weeknight dinner.

The broccoli stays fresh and crunchy, while a short rest in the refrigerator gives the dressing time to soak into every bite. It's simple to make, easy to prepare ahead, and somehow tastes even better the next day.

We make ours with homemade mayonnaise, and if you're watching your sugar intake, swapping in Swerve Granulated works beautifully without sacrificing flavor.

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Ingredients

2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
6 slices bacon
½ cup chopped onion (sweet white or red onion)
½ cup mayonnaise (our Homemade mayonnaise works wonderfully here.)
2 tbsp granulated sugar (or an equal amount of Swerve Granulated for a lower-sugar option)
1 ½ tbsp red wine vinegar
salt and ground black pepper, to taste

15 mins

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

Tags:

4 servings (½ cup ea.)

Servings:

Sides

Course:

Human

Human or Dog:

Published:

July 9, 2026

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

2. Leave about a tablespoon of the bacon drippings in the skillet and discard the rest. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until slightly softened while still retaining a little crunch. Remove from the skillet and allow to cool slightly.

3. Crumble the cooled bacon into small pieces.

4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon, and cooked onion.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar (or Swerve), red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.

6. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, if time allows, to let the flavors come together. Otherwise, it's still delicious served right away.

Dog Commentary:

Notes/Variations

Notes:

Homemade mayonnaise gives this salad an extra fresh flavor if you have some on hand.
Swerve Granulated is an easy substitute for the sugar if you're looking for a lower-carb version.
The salad can be made several hours ahead and actually tastes even better after chilling.

Leeloo: "A refreshing side dish with just the right amount of crunch. I approve."

Bobby: "I was told there was bacon. Nobody mentioned the broccoli."