Festive Broccoli Salad
When the leaves start turning and October rolls around, I can’t help but think of the church salad luncheons I used to attend every fall. They were a tradition in our little town—long tables filled with colorful salads, homemade side dishes, and desserts that everyone had worked hard to prepare.
One of my favorites back then was a Broccoli Salad that always seemed to disappear quickly. Crisp, fresh broccoli tossed with sweet dried cranberries, smoky bacon, and a creamy dressing—what’s not to love?
These days, I still make a version of that same salad every fall, but I’ve added a little twist of my own: chopped pecans.
They bring a nutty crunch that makes this dish even more festive and perfect for holiday meals, whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or a Christmas buffet.
Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad
- Go Fresh: Use fresh, crisp broccoli for the best crunch.
- Swap the Sweetener: Try honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a more natural sweetness.
- Make it Lighter: Substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter dressing.
- Customize It: Swap pecans for almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds depending on what you have on hand.
If you love broccoli, be sure to try some of my other delicious broccoli recipes like my Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup, Ground Beef and Broccoli, and Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole.
What is Festive Broccoli Salad?
Festive Broccoli Salad is a fresh, colorful side dish that’s especially popular in the fall and around the holidays.
It’s made with crisp broccoli florets tossed with ingredients that bring a balance of flavors and textures—typically red onion, dried cranberries, bacon, and a creamy sweet-tangy dressing.
The “festive” part comes from the mix of colors (green broccoli, red cranberries, purple onion) and flavors that feel special enough for gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals.
Adding nuts like pecans or almonds makes it even more celebratory by giving the salad a rich, crunchy contrast.
It’s often served chilled, making it a refreshing counterpart to heavier dishes like turkey, ham, casseroles, or roasts.
That’s why you’ll see it on buffet tables for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Friendsgiving, and fall potlucks—it’s a bright, crunchy, and flavorful dish that looks just as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
- Broccoli florets
- Vidalia onion
- Sweetened dried cranberries
- Cooked crumbled bacon
- Chopped pecans
- Mayonnaise
- Red wine vinegar
- Sugar
How to make Festive Broccoli Salad
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, onion, cranberries, bacon, and pecans.
In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
Pour dressing over the broccoli mixture just before serving and toss gently until well coated.
For the best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Festive Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 2 heads broccoli chopped into florets
- 1 Vidalia onion chopped
- ¾ cup sweetened dried cranberries
- ¾ cup bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ½ cup sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, onion, cranberries, bacon, and pecans.
- In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
- Pour dressing over the broccoli mixture just before serving and toss gently until well coated.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
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