Jump to Recipe Print RecipeA sudden craving for something fresh and colorful led me to whip up this Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing one sunny afternoon. With vibrant greens and a delightful crunch from crisp vegetables, this mayo-free salad is not just a healthy side—it’s a showstopper that suits every occasion from casual lunches to festive gatherings. Packed with flavor and ready in minutes, the best part is how adaptable it is to various diets, making it paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free-friendly! Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want an easy dish to complement your meal, this salad is a game-changer. Have you ever tasted a salad that only gets better the longer it sits? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why is This Broccoli Salad a Must-Try? Vibrant, Fresh Flavors: The combination of crisp broccoli and tangy honey dijon dressing creates an explosion of taste that will invigorate your palate. Customizable to Your Taste: Easily swap ingredients based on preference—try adding shredded carrots or even substituting bacon with nuts for a delightful crunch. Diet-Friendly: This salad fits into various dietary needs, being dairy-free, gluten-free, and paleo-approved, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Easy Preparation: Ready in under 15 minutes, this salad is perfect for quick weeknight meals or last-minute gatherings—great to pair with dishes like Honey BBQ Chicken or Mexican Street Salad. Make-Ahead Goodness: Its flavors improve with time, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or potlucks. Just let it sit for a while before serving for an even tastier experience! Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing This mayo-free salad is a delicious mix of crunchy and healthy ingredients. For the Base Broccoli – Provides crunch and is the salad’s foundation; substitute with cauliflower for a different texture. Bacon – Adds a savory, crunchy element; omit for a vegetarian version and consider adding nuts for crunch. Red Onion – Contributes sharp flavor and vibrant color; swap for green onions for a milder taste. Red Cabbage – Offers added crunch and color; green cabbage can serve as a substitute if needed. Carrots – Imparts sweetness and texture; use shredded or julienned varieties for best results. For the Dressing Dijon Mustard – Acts as a tangy base for the dressing; yellow mustard can be substituted for a milder flavor. Olive Oil – Provides richness and helps emulsify the dressing; avocado oil makes a great alternative. Honey – Adds sweetness to balance the tang; maple syrup works well for a vegan option. Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds acidity and depth to the dressing; white vinegar can be used as a substitute if necessary. Garlic – Enhances flavor; it can be omitted if desired. Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning the dressing and salad to taste. Each bite of this Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing delivers freshness and excitement, making it a flavorful addition to your table! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base Start by rinsing and trimming 2 cups of fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli with ½ cup of crumbled bacon, ¼ cup of finely chopped red onion, 1 cup of slivered red cabbage, and 1 cup of shredded carrots. Toss the mixture gently to distribute the ingredients evenly, showcasing a vibrant array of colors. Set aside while you whip up the dressing. Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of Dijon mustard, ⅓ cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Using a whisk, blend these ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. The dressing should have a rich golden color, reflecting its flavorful, tangy-sweet profile, perfect for elevating the Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing. Step 3: Combine the Salad and Dressing Pour the beautifully whisked dressing over the salad base you prepared earlier. With a pair of tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the ingredients together to ensure an even coating of dressing on every piece. Aim for a cheerful mix where all the colors and textures come together harmoniously. Step 4: Chill and Serve For the best flavor, place the tossed salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the freshness of the Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing. When ready to serve, give it one last gentle toss, and transfer it to a serving bowl to showcase its vibrant colors. What to Serve with Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing A vibrant salad deserves equally delightful companions to create a well-rounded meal experience. Grilled Chicken: Tender, smoky flavors from grilled chicken beautifully contrast the fresh crunchiness of the salad, adding protein to the dish. This combination is versatile and universally loved at gatherings. Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf, studded with herbs and vegetables, brings a creamy texture to the meal and complements the salad’s sweet and tangy notes. It’s a perfect option for a heartier side dish. Sweet Potato Wedges: Roasted sweet potato wedges offer a sweet earthiness that pairs wonderfully with the honey-dijon dressing’s flavors, creating a balanced taste on your plate. Their warm crispiness can elevate your dining experience. Classic Lemonade: Refreshing and tart, a glass of classic lemonade provides a sweet contrast to the salad, enhancing its zesty qualities while keeping you cool during warm-weather meals. Fruit Salad: A light, colorful fruit salad adds a layer of sweetness and a variety of textures, making it a refreshing accompaniment that brightens up your meal. Try mixing berries, melon, and citrus for a burst of flavor. Cheese Platter: Serve a selection of cheeses alongside your salad for a delightful grazing experience; choose varieties like goat or feta, which can complement the tangy dressing beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. Roasted Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread can provide a delicious contrast while soaking up any remaining dressing from the salad, creating a satisfying and comforting side dish to round out your meal. Chocolate Mousse: For a sweet finish after this refreshing salad, decadent chocolate mousse makes for an indulgent dessert that leaves a lasting impression and satisfies your sweet tooth. How to Store and Freeze Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Fridge: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant. Make-Ahead: Prepare this Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, making it even more delightful when served. Freezer: Freezing isn’t recommended, as the vegetables may become soggy upon thawing. Enjoy it fresh for the best texture and taste. Reheating: Serve chilled; there’s no need to reheat this salad, as it is best enjoyed cold. Make Ahead Options These Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time! You can chop the broccoli, cook the bacon, and prepare the dressing up to 24 hours in advance to make meal prep a breeze. Simply keep each component in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to serve, just toss the salad together and let it chill for another hour to enhance the flavors before enjoying. This method not only saves you time on busy nights but also allows the dressing to soak into the crisp veggies, making the salad just as delicious as when freshly made! Expert Tips for Broccoli Salad Flavor Melds: Let it rest: For optimal taste, chill the salad for at least one hour. The flavors of the Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing will blend beautifully. Broccoli Crunch: Avoid overcooking: Ensure your broccoli is crisp-tender; overcooking leads to a mushy texture that detracts from the salad’s vibrant appeal. Ingredient Swaps: Embrace flexibility: Feel free to customize ingredients based on what’s available or your dietary needs—nuts can replace bacon for a vegetarian option. Serving Size: Perfect portions: This salad makes a generous side for 4-6 people, but it’s easy to double the recipe for larger gatherings. Storage Tips: Keep it fresh: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days to maintain freshness. The flavors continue to develop over time! Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Variations Feel free to put your spin on this delicious salad and make it your own! Cauliflower Alternative: Swap out broccoli for cauliflower for a unique twist and a delightful crunch. Vegan Delight: Replace honey with maple syrup to make the dressing vegan-friendly without compromising on sweetness. Nuts About Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for extra texture and a boost of healthy fats. Cheesy Flavor: Crumble dairy-free feta or goat cheese if you’re not strictly avoiding dairy for added creaminess. Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like dill or parsley to elevate the flavor profile and add a refreshing note. Fruity Addition: Toss in diced apples or dried cranberries for a sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing. Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a touch of heat that will tantalize your taste buds. Pasta Twist: Make it heartier by mixing in cooked quinoa or whole wheat pasta, transforming it into a filling main dish. The adaptability of this Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing ensures there’s something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a light side or a wholesome entrée. Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best broccoli for the salad? Absolutely! Look for broccoli that’s deep green with firm stalks and bright florets. Avoid any that have dark spots all over or yellowing areas, as these indicate they’re past their prime. Fresh broccoli should feel heavy and have a crisp texture. How should I store leftover broccoli salad? You can store your Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to have leftovers, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the crunch of the vegetables. Can I freeze broccoli salad? It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the fresh vegetables will lose their crispness and turn soggy once thawed. Instead, enjoy it fresh! If you’re looking to prepare ahead, make it a day in advance and refrigerate to allow the flavors to develop. What should I do if my dressing is too thick? If your dressing comes out thicker than you expected, don’t worry! You can thin it out by adding a tablespoon or two of water or extra olive oil and whisking until you reach your desired consistency. This will ensure every bite of the salad is coated deliciously. Is this salad suitable for anyone with dairy allergies? Yes! This Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is entirely dairy-free, making it great for people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. If you’re looking for a creamy element, you can top individual servings with dairy-free cheese options or avocado slices instead! Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing for Vibrant Flavor A fresh and colorful Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing, packed with flavor and suitable for various diets. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 6 peopleCourse: SaladCuisine: AmericanCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base2 cups Fresh Broccoli Trimmed into bite-sized florets0.5 cup Crumbled Bacon Omit for a vegetarian version0.25 cup Finely Chopped Red Onion Can be substituted with green onions1 cup Slivered Red Cabbage Green cabbage can be used as a substitute1 cup Shredded Carrots Shredded or julienned varieties recommendedFor the Dressing0.25 cup Dijon Mustard Can substitute with yellow mustard0.33 cup Olive Oil Avocado oil is a good alternative2 tablespoons Honey Maple syrup can be used for a vegan option2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar White vinegar can be substituted if necessary1 clove Garlic Minced; can be omitted if desiredSalt To tastePepper To taste Equipment Mixing bowlWhiskTongs Method Step-by-Step InstructionsRinse and trim broccoli into bite-sized florets, then combine with bacon, red onion, red cabbage, and carrots in a large mixing bowl.In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.Pour the dressing over the salad base and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg NotesThis salad can be customized with different ingredients based on dietary needs. Makes a great make-ahead dish for potlucks or meal prep. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!