Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe

If you’re searching for a salad that’s bright, fresh, and truly unforgettable, the Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is about to become your new favorite! This dish is a colorful medley of crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, and crunchy vegetables, all tossed in a tangy-sweet honey Dijon dressing. The combination of flavors and textures makes every bite sing, and it’s just as perfect for weeknight family dinners as it is for potlucks or picnics.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing brings something special to the table, whether that’s crunch, color, or lip-smacking flavor. Gather these essentials for a bowlful of happy simplicity:

• Broccoli: Fresh, chopped florets are the star for that perfect crisp bite (skip pre-cut bags for best crunch and flavor).
• Bacon: Four slices cooked and crumbled add savory, smoky richness—try thick-cut for extra texture.
• Red onion: Chopped for a sharp, zesty bite that wakes up the whole salad (sub green onion for a milder touch).
• Red cabbage: A quarter cup of purple slivers not only looks gorgeous, but brings added crunch and earthiness.
• Carrots: Shredded carrots lend just a hint of sweetness and pop of sunshine color.
• Dijon mustard: The base of the dressing—choose a tangy, grainy variety for extra depth.
• Olive oil: For silkiness and smoothness in every drop of dressing.
• Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the mustard’s zing—locally sourced honey is a bonus!
• Apple cider vinegar: Brings just the right amount of tang to the Honey Dijon dressing.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for savory warmth and a touch of complexity.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, letting you dial in the perfect balance of savor and spice.

How to Make Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables and Bacon

Start by prepping all your veggies. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, making sure each piece is easy to spear with a fork. Dice the red onion, shred the carrots, and thinly slice the red cabbage into fine slivers. If you haven’t already, cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then crumble it into little pieces—it’ll add irresistible crunch and flavor throughout the salad.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, crispy bacon, red onion, red cabbage, and shredded carrots. Toss them together gently to distribute all those vibrant colors and textures—this salad is already a feast for the eyes before the dressing even goes on!

Step 3: Mix the Honey Dijon Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. The honey Dijon dressing should be smooth, creamy, and taste perfectly balanced between sweet, tangy, and savory. Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—this is what will bring your Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing to life.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the honey Dijon dressing all over your veggie mix. Using salad tongs or clean hands, toss everything together thoroughly, making sure every floret and crumb gets coated. At this point, you have the option of diving in immediately or letting the flavors mingle in the fridge for an hour—the choice is yours! I promise the extra wait is totally worth it, as the flavors deepen beautifully.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

If you have the patience (and I always try!), cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour. Not only does this let the honey Dijon dressing soak in and soften the crunch just right, but it makes the whole salad cold and especially refreshing for warmer days.

How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

Garnishes

Elevate every serving with a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds or a handful of sliced almonds for some extra crunch. A scatter of fresh chopped parsley can add a pop of green, or try some crumbled feta if you’re feeling fancy and want an added salty bite!

Side Dishes

This Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is wonderful alongside classic picnic fare like grilled chicken, roast beef sandwiches, or even a simple quiche. It’s light enough to brighten up a hearty meal, and flavorful enough to stand out on its own—you might even find yourself heaping seconds onto your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you like to play with presentation, try serving the salad in individual mason jars for pretty grab-and-go portions at parties. Or mound it on a platter lined with leafy greens for that extra wow factor at brunch or buffets. Tiny serving cups or lettuce boats can turn this Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing into the perfect finger food for a laid-back gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is made, it keeps happily in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to keep things crisp, giving it a good stir before serving again to redistribute the honey Dijon dressing.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The fresh veggies, especially broccoli and cabbage, lose their delightful crunch after thawing, and the creamy dressing can separate. For the best flavor and texture, this dish is meant to be enjoyed fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

There’s actually no need to reheat! This salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If it’s cold straight from the fridge and you prefer a softer bite, let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving. Stir gently and enjoy the revived flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this salad tastes even better after a brief stint in the fridge—the flavors meld together, and the broccoli gets just the right amount of tender while still staying crisp. Just wait to add any extra garnishes until serving.

Is there a substitute for bacon in this recipe?

You can easily make this salad vegetarian by swapping the bacon for toasted nuts, like almonds or pecans, or even crispy chickpeas for a satisfying salty crunch.

Can I use Greek yogurt in the dressing?

Definitely! If you want a creamier dressing, try replacing part of the olive oil with Greek yogurt. It adds a tangy richness and works beautifully in Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing.

What’s the best way to chop broccoli for salad?

Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets to ensure they soak up plenty of dressing. You want each piece easy to eat in one bite—save the stems for another recipe or peel and chop them in for added crunch.

How can I make this salad nut-free?

This recipe is naturally nut-free, but if you’re adding garnishes, opt for seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin) instead of nuts to keep it allergy-friendly for everyone.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing a whirl in your own kitchen. It’s a fresh twist on a classic, perfectly balancing color, crunch, and that unforgettable sweet-tangy finish. Share it with friends and family, or simply savor it as a special treat for yourself—it always brings smiles to the table!

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