Why You’ll Love this Broccoli Supreme Salad
If you’re searching for a show-stopping side dish that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe, this Broccoli Supreme Salad is your new best friend.
The perfect balance of crunchy and creamy textures makes each bite absolutely irresistible.
I’m obsessed with how the sharp cheddar plays against sweet raisins and red peppers.
And those sunflower seeds? They add the most satisfying crunch.
The dressing, with its hint of red wine and rice vinegar, ties everything together perfectly.
Can you think of another salad that stays crisp for days?
Trust me, you’ll want to make extra.
What Ingredients are in Broccoli Supreme Salad?
This Broccoli Supreme Salad brings together a delightful combination of fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and crunchy mix-ins.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can adjust ingredients to your preference while maintaining that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The base of crisp broccoli florets creates the foundation for a medley of complementary ingredients that make this salad truly supreme.
- 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 ingredients, quality matters.
Try to find the freshest broccoli with tight, dark green florets for maximum crunch and nutrition.
The bacon can be omitted for a vegetarian version, or you can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Don’t have raisins? Dried cranberries make a wonderful alternative with their tangy-sweet flavor.
And remember, this salad tastes even better after the flavors have had time to mingle in the refrigerator, so it’s perfect for make-ahead meal planning.
How to Make this Broccoli Supreme Salad
Making this vibrant Broccoli Supreme Salad couldn’t be simpler, and the results are absolutely worth the minimal effort. Start by preparing all your ingredients—cut 3 heads of fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets, shred 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, chop 1 large sweet red pepper, and gather your 1/2 cup raisins, 1 cup matchstick carrots, 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, and 1/4-1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon. I find that having everything ready before assembly makes the process so much more enjoyable, don’t you?
Now comes the fun part. In a large bowl, combine all your salad ingredients except for the bacon bits. This separation is essential—adding bacon too early can make those delicious crispy bits soggy, and nobody wants that disappointment. For quicker meal prep, consider using a pressure cooker to efficiently cook your bacon while you prepare the other ingredients.
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together your dressing: 1 cup low-fat mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon red wine, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon onion flakes. Feel free to adjust the onion flakes to your taste preferences; sometimes I add a pinch more because I love that subtle oniony kick.
Pour your creamy dressing over the vegetable mixture and fold everything together until each broccoli floret is lightly coated. At this point, you can serve your salad immediately if you’re in a rush, but truth be told, it tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours. The flavors meld together in the most extraordinary way.
Just before serving, sprinkle those crunchy bacon bits on top. This little act of patience keeps the bacon perfectly crisp and adds that final texture contrast that makes this salad truly supreme. For special occasions, consider serving this salad alongside seafood dishes where a premium lobster cracker set would elevate the entire dining experience. For presentation points, I like to give it one final gentle toss at the table so everyone can see all those colorful ingredients coming together.
Broccoli Supreme Salad Substitutions and Variations
While the classic Broccoli Supreme Salad recipe is absolutely delicious as written, sometimes you’ll need to make adjustments based on what’s in your pantry or dietary preferences.
No raisins? Try dried cranberries or chopped dates instead. For a dairy-free version, swap the cheddar for a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast. Sunflower allergies? Toasted almonds or pepitas work beautifully.
The dressing is flexible too. No red wine vinegar? Balsamic or apple cider vinegar can pinch-hit.
And for a lighter version, Greek yogurt makes a tangy substitute for some of the mayonnaise. Isn’t it wonderful how adaptable this recipe can be?
What to Serve with Broccoli Supreme Salad
Wondering what pairs perfectly with this vibrant Broccoli Supreme Salad?
I love serving this colorful side dish with grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or even a hearty sandwich. It’s the ideal companion for summer barbecues where the crisp texture contrasts beautifully with smoky meats.
For a complete meal, try it alongside baked ham or roasted turkey—the sweet raisins and savory bacon bits complement these proteins wonderfully.
Want a vegetarian option? Pair it with a warm quiche or vegetable lasagna. The cool, crunchy salad balances rich, cheese-forward main dishes.
Truth be told, it’s substantial enough to be lunch all on its own!
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Supreme Salad has become a staple in my recipe collection for good reason. It’s that perfect blend of crunchy, sweet, and savory that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
The colorful mix of broccoli, red peppers, and carrots makes it as pretty as it’s delicious.
What I love most is how versatile it is. You can prep it ahead for gatherings, tweak ingredients based on what’s in your pantry, or even make it a meal by adding grilled chicken. Much like how egg noodles add substance to a comforting chicken soup, these ingredients come together beautifully.
Much like the slow-simmered goodness of Swiss Steak, this salad proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor.
Trust me, this isn’t just another salad—it’s a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.
