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Costco Broccoli Salad

The classic sweet-savory broccoli salad made with Costco's large broccoli crowns — crispy bacon, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a tangy honey-mustard dressing that disappears at every potluck.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
8 min
Servings
8
Cost / Serving
$3.62

Quick Answer

Blanch Costco broccoli florets for 60 seconds, ice-bath, then toss with crispy bacon, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a honey-mustard dressing. The blanch keeps the broccoli crunchy without being raw-tough. Ready in 28 minutes; eight servings.

This broccoli salad is one of those recipes that disappears at every gathering. Costco's large broccoli crowns are perfect — cut into bite-sized florets, tossed raw (or lightly blanched) with crispy bacon, dried cranberries, red onion, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Make it ahead and it only gets better. One large Costco broccoli crown makes enough for 8–10 servings.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cut broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Blanch in boiling salted water for 60 seconds, then transfer immediately to an ice bath. Drain and pat dry. (Skip blanching if you prefer raw crunch.)

  2. 2

    Cook bacon in a skillet or microwave until crispy. Let cool, then crumble or break into pieces.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper until smooth.

  4. 4

    Add broccoli to the bowl and toss to coat with dressing.

  5. 5

    Add most of the bacon, cranberries, sunflower seeds, red onion, and cheddar. Fold everything together gently.

  6. 6

    Taste and adjust — add more vinegar for tang, honey for sweetness, or salt as needed.

  7. 7

    Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Top with remaining bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you use raw or cooked broccoli for broccoli salad?+
Both work. Raw broccoli gives maximum crunch and is the most traditional approach. Blanching for 60 seconds softens it slightly and brightens the color while keeping most of the crunch. Do not fully cook — soft broccoli makes the salad watery and limp.
How far in advance can I make broccoli salad?+
Broccoli salad can be made up to 24 hours ahead and kept refrigerated. The flavors develop beautifully overnight. Add the bacon just before serving to preserve its crunch. The dressing may thin slightly — give it a stir before serving.
Can I make broccoli salad without mayonnaise?+
Yes. Greek yogurt is the best mayo substitute — it gives the same creamy texture with more tang and fewer calories. Use a full-fat Greek yogurt and add an extra teaspoon of Dijon to compensate for the milder flavor.
What can I substitute for dried cranberries in broccoli salad?+
Raisins are the classic substitute and work perfectly. Golden raisins, dried cherries, or even diced dried apricots all add the same sweet-chewy contrast. For a less sweet version, skip the dried fruit entirely and double the sunflower seeds.
Is broccoli salad better the next day?+
Yes — broccoli salad improves after the dressing has time to soak into the florets, usually after at least 30 minutes but best after 4–12 hours. The dressing softens the broccoli slightly and all the flavors meld together.

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