Broccoli Grape Salad

The best salads are those that let you get your fruits and veggies at the same time, and this broccoli grape salad is no exception. It doesn’t hurt that it has plenty of bacon too! Topped with a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, this salad works as a refreshing side or a stand-alone meal if you add a little protein.

Note that this retro broccoli salad with grapes, which originally had its heyday in the latter half of the last century, yields a generous serving, so it’s great for feeding a crowd—bookmark it for your next barbecue or potluck. If you’re making it for a smaller crew or livening up your typical weeknight dinners, you can cut the recipe in half.

Broccoli Grape Salad Ingredients

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• Broccoli florets: Cut up into bite-sized florets and packed with nutrients, the broccoli is the highlight of this dish. If you have any left over, toss them into these broccoli recipes.
• Seedless red grapes: These provide a burst of sweetness, helping balance the more savory elements in the salad.
• Celery: Celery adds some crunch and texture.
• Green onions: Green onions add more complexity to the dish’s savory side with a little bit of bite.
• Mayonnaise: The base of your dressing, the mayo adds creaminess and tang to the dish. You can make homemade mayonnaise, if you’re feeling ambitious.
• Sugar: A little sugar helps balance out the acidic vinegar.
• Cider vinegar: Cider vinegar is a little fruity, and it provides an extra bit of acid to liven up the salad.
• Bacon: Cooked and crumbled on top of the salad, bacon (in our humble opinion) really elevates every bite with its salty savoriness.
• Almonds: You’ll toast the nuts before adding them to the salad. Keep a close eye on them throughout the toasting process to ensure they get that warm flavor without burning.

Directions

Step 1: Make the salad

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In a large salad bowl, combine the broccoli, grapes, celery and onions.

Step 2: Add the dressing

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In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat.

Step 3: Refrigerate till serving

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Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least four hours or overnight. Just before serving, gently stir in the bacon and almonds.

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Broccoli Grape Salad Variations

• Get nutty: If you don’t have almonds, that’s fine. Other nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can work just as well in this broccoli salad.
• Mix up your fruits: You can sub in other fruit instead of the grapes (or in addition to them). Some of our favorites are slivered strawberries or chopped apples.
• Cut the sugar: If you want to reduce the sweetness in the dressing, you can reduce the amount of sugar by half. Taste it before pouring it over the broccoli mixture to ensure it meets your preference.
• Satiate your cheese tooth: Add some cheddar cheese to your broccoli salad, along with the bacon at the end.

How to Store Broccoli Grape Salad

Place any leftover broccoli and grape salad in an airtight container, and store it in your fridge for up to four days. The texture will be better the fresher it is. We don’t recommend freezing this salad.

Can you make broccoli, bacon, grape salad ahead of time?

Yes, and it will taste better if you do. You can make it a day in advance, and the flavors will become more pronounced in the fridge.

Broccoli Grape Salad Tips

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Do I have to use raw broccoli in this recipe?

That’s what the recipe calls for, but you could also roast or steam your broccoli (and let it cool) before throwing it into your salad.

Can I use any color of grapes in this recipe?

You can, although we like that the red grapes are a little sweeter and more flavor forward, so they can hold their own against the bacon, green onion and other ingredients.

How can you tell if broccoli is good?

Broccoli should have bright green florets (greenish-purple is okay too), and the stalk should be firm. If you see yellow or the stalk is limp, the veggie is no longer fresh.