Roasted Broccoli Salad: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Side Dish with Bacon & Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

This easy-to-make Roasted Broccoli Salad is a true culinary delight, offering a harmonious blend of smoky bacon, crisp apples, crunchy almonds and sunflower seeds, and chewy dried cranberries. All these vibrant ingredients are then generously tossed in a luscious, creamy poppy seed dressing, creating a sweet-and-savory superfood salad that is simply irresistible. Forget everything you thought you knew about broccoli salads – this roasted version elevates the classic to an entirely new level, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

If you’re searching for a standout side dish to refresh your potluck recipe rotation or a versatile accompaniment for weeknight dinners, look no further than this Roasted Broccoli Salad. Many people are hesitant about traditional broccoli salads due to their often raw, crunchy texture or overly sweet dressings. However, this recipe is different! By roasting the broccoli, we unlock a depth of flavor and achieve a wonderfully tender-crisp texture that is neither mushy nor overly dry. This simple step transforms the entire dish, making the broccoli more approachable and incredibly delicious.

Beyond the perfectly roasted broccoli, this salad boasts an array of complementary ingredients. The addition of crispy bacon, tart cranberries, juicy apples, and a delightful mix of crunchy seeds and nuts makes it an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. This makes it an especially fantastic choice for fall gatherings, holiday feasts, or even as a vibrant addition to your everyday lunch menu. One of its greatest advantages is how well the leftovers keep, allowing you to prepare a large batch and enjoy healthy, flavorful meals throughout the week. For an extra layer of sophisticated spice and crunch, consider adding some Indian Spiced Nuts – they pair beautifully with the existing flavors.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Roasted Broccoli Salad

This isn’t just another salad; it’s a culinary experience designed to delight your senses. Here’s why this Roasted Broccoli Salad will quickly become a favorite:

• Irresistible Texture Contrast: You’ll adore the dynamic interplay of textures within this salad. Enjoy the satisfying crunch of sliced almonds and roasted sunflower seeds, the savory crispness of smoky bacon, the delightful chewiness of dried cranberries, all perfectly balanced with the tender-crisp bite of roasted broccoli florets. Each forkful offers a new textural adventure.
• Exquisite Balance of Flavors: The thoughtful combination of sweet and tart elements is what truly elevates this salad from merely good to absolutely extraordinary. The natural sweetness of the apples and honey in the dressing beautifully complements the tartness of the cranberries and the zesty lemon juice, creating a vibrant flavor profile that is both refreshing and comforting.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: This salad is remarkably versatile and makes a perfect side dish for virtually any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside a casual weekday lunch, as a hearty accompaniment to dinner, or as a standout contribution to a festive potluck or holiday gathering, it’s sure to impress with its vibrant appearance and delicious taste.
• Convenient Make-Ahead Option: Simplify your meal prep! Both the creamy poppy seed dressing and many of the core salad ingredients can be prepared in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator. This makes assembly quick and easy, perfect for busy schedules or entertaining.
• Delicious Way to Boost Vegetable Intake: Enjoying more vegetables has never been this delightful. This salad offers a genuinely tasty and exciting way to incorporate nutrient-rich broccoli and other fresh ingredients into your diet, proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing an ounce of incredible flavor. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your well-being.

Essential Ingredients for Your Roasted Broccoli Salad

For detailed measurements and the complete recipe instructions, please refer to the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card at the bottom of this post.

For the Flavorful Salad Base:

• Broccoli Florets – The star of our salad! Fresh broccoli forms the robust and nutritious base of this dish, offering a wealth of vitamins and minerals. Roasting it brings out its natural sweetness and provides a softer, more inviting texture than raw broccoli.
• Bacon – Crispy, smoky bacon is a game-changer, adding an incredible depth of savory flavor and a satisfying crunch, along with a boost of protein. Its rich notes perfectly complement the fresh elements of the salad.
• Apple – Cubes of fresh apple introduce a delightful crispness, juiciness, and a lovely hint of natural sweetness. For the best flavor and texture, we recommend using sweet and crisp varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp apples.
• Dried Cranberries – These jewel-toned berries infuse the salad with a wonderful tartness and a pleasant, chewy texture, balancing the other flavors and adding a touch of vibrant color.
• Sliced Almonds – Adding a delicate crunch and a mild, nutty flavor, sliced almonds contribute healthy fats and extra nutrition, making this salad even more wholesome and satisfying.
• Roasted Sunflower Seeds – For an additional layer of crunch and a distinct toasty flavor, roasted sunflower seeds are a must. Be sure to use the shelled variety for convenience and enjoyment.
• Red Onions – Finely chopped red onions provide a subtle, savory onion flavor that isn’t overpowering, adding a slight bite and aromatic freshness to the mix.
• Olive Oil – Essential for roasting the broccoli to perfection, olive oil helps achieve those delicious browned edges and tender texture. High-quality extra virgin olive oil can also add a nice flavor. You can easily substitute this with avocado oil if you prefer a different healthy fat option.
• Salt and Pepper – Basic seasonings that are crucial for enhancing all the individual flavors and bringing the entire salad into balance.

For the Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing:

• Poppy Seeds – These tiny, delicious seeds are the signature ingredient for our dressing, making it both visually appealing with their speckled appearance and imparting a mildly sweet and nutty flavor that’s distinctive and delightful.
• Mayonnaise – Forms the rich and creamy base of our dressing, lending a thick consistency and a bold, luxurious flavor that perfectly coats every ingredient in the salad.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a crucial element of acidity and tang, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and the sweetness of the honey. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as suitable alternatives.
• Honey – A touch of natural sweetness from honey helps to round out the dressing’s flavor profile, making it subtly sweet and utterly delicious.
• Juice of 1 Lemon – Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dressing with its zingy, fresh acidity, cutting through the richness and adding an extra layer of vibrant flavor.
• Salt and Pepper – To season the dressing, ensuring it’s perfectly balanced and flavorful. Adjust to your personal taste.

How To Make This Irresistible Roasted Broccoli Salad

Creating this delicious roasted broccoli salad is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a perfect outcome that will impress everyone.

• Prepare and Roast the Broccoli. Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the fresh broccoli florets with olive oil, ensuring they are lightly and evenly coated. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the seasoned broccoli in a single layer on a large baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, which ensures even roasting. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges of the broccoli begin to turn a beautiful golden brown and the florets are tender-crisp. Once roasted, remove the broccoli from the oven and allow it to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients. This cooling step is crucial to prevent the salad from becoming warm or soggy.
• Whip Up the Creamy Dressing. While the roasted broccoli cools, it’s the perfect time to prepare the delectable poppy seed dressing. In a medium bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, fresh lemon juice, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well-combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Once prepared, cover the dressing and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the salad. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Combine the Salad Components. Once your roasted broccoli has cooled to room temperature, gather a large mixing bowl. Add the cooled broccoli, crumbled cooked bacon, cubed apple, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, finely chopped red onion, and roasted sunflower seeds to the bowl. Alternatively, if your baking sheet is large enough and cooled, you can mix everything directly on it for fewer dishes!
• Dress and Chill Until Serving. Pour the prepared and chilled poppy seed dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring that every piece of broccoli, bacon, fruit, and nut is evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to marry and deepen, resulting in a truly harmonious and delicious salad.

Recipe Tips & Exciting Variations

Elevate your Roasted Broccoli Salad with these helpful tips and creative variations:

• Mind the Broccoli’s Doneness. The key to perfect roasted broccoli is achieving that tender-crisp texture with slightly browned edges without allowing it to become burnt or overly soft. Keep a close eye on the oven, especially during the last few minutes of roasting. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy, losing its desirable texture. Aim for bright green florets with caramelized tips.
• Prepare Bacon in Advance. To save time on the day of serving, cook and crumble your bacon ahead of time. You can cook bacon in the oven, on the stovetop, or even in the microwave. Once cooked, drain the excess fat, crumble it, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use. This makes assembly a breeze.
• Dress Right Before Serving for Optimal Freshness. While the dressing can be made a day ahead, it’s best to assemble and dress the entire salad just before serving. If you plan to make the salad ingredients a day in advance, store the dressing separately. Additionally, to prevent apples from oxidizing and browning, wait to add them to the salad until you are ready to toss it with the dressing. A squeeze of lemon juice on the apples before adding can also help maintain their freshness.
• Customize with Your Favorite Flavors and Textures. This versatile side dish is incredibly adaptable to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with other delicious additions:
  • Cheeses: Crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese can add a creamy, tangy dimension.
  • Vegetables: Sliced cherry tomatoes, diced jicama (for extra crunch), or finely chopped celery can enhance the flavor and texture profile.
  • Nuts: Swap out almonds for chopped walnuts or pecans, or add candied pecans for a sweeter crunch.
  • Fruits: Consider adding a handful of golden raisins or chopped dried apricots for more sweetness.
  • Herbs: Fresh dill or parsley can brighten the flavors.
  • Protein Boost: For a more substantial main course salad, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs.

Delightful Serving Suggestions for Roasted Broccoli Salad

While Roasted Broccoli Salad truly shines as a centerpiece at big potlucks and gatherings, its versatility extends far beyond! It’s an excellent complement to a wide variety of main courses, enhancing any meal with its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.

• Creamy Tomato Soup – Pair this refreshing salad with a comforting bowl of creamy tomato soup. It’s a classic combination that feels both hearty and wholesome, perfect for a cozy lunch or light dinner. Prepare the soup quickly on the stove or effortlessly in a crock pot.
• One-Pan Spicy Garlic Shrimp – For a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, serve this salad alongside spicy garlic shrimp. With just 15 minutes and a single sheet pan, you can have a vibrant and delicious dinner ready to enjoy.
• Smoked Chicken Thighs – The smoky notes of the bacon in the salad are wonderfully complemented by the rich flavors of smoked chicken thighs. If you have a smoker, these can be ready in about an hour, creating a truly memorable meal.
• Crispy Boneless Chicken Wings – Hosting a casual get-together? These crispy boneless chicken wings are always a guaranteed hit! Pair them with a generous serving of roasted broccoli salad for a balanced and crowd-pleasing party menu.
• Sous Vide Turkey Breast – Achieve the juiciest, most tender Thanksgiving turkey ever using the sous vide method. Serve it alongside this flavorful roasted broccoli salad for a delicious, nutritious, and visually appealing holiday feast.
• Grilled Salmon or White Fish – The fresh, bright flavors of the salad offer a perfect contrast to flaky grilled fish, making for a light yet satisfying meal.
• BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches – Cut through the richness of BBQ with this crisp, tangy salad. It’s a fantastic counterpoint to any hearty BBQ dish.

More Easy and Delicious Side Dish Recipes

Looking for more fantastic accompaniments to your meals? Explore these other popular and easy-to-make side dish recipes:

• Loaded Potato Salad
• Classic Baked Beans
• Fresh Bruschetta
• Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
• Grilled Potato Packs
• Roasted Green Beans with Sesame and Garlic

4.80 from 35 votes

Roasted Broccoli Salad

By

Erin Sellin

This delicious Roasted Broccoli Salad features tender-crisp roasted broccoli, smoky bacon, crisp apples, chewy cranberries, crunchy almonds and sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy, sweet and tangy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for any gathering!

Prep:

15 minutes
mins

Cook:

20 minutes
mins

Total:

35 minutes
mins

Servings:
6

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Ingredients

• 
  ▢
  
  
  6
  cups
  fresh broccoli florets

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  Tablespoons
  
  olive oil
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  
  salt and pepper
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  8
  slices
  
  bacon
  , cooked and crumbled

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  cup
  
  apple
  , cubed (Fuji or Honeycrisp recommended)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/2
  cup
  
  dried cranberries
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/3
  cup
  
  sliced almonds
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/4
  cup
  red onion finely chopped

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/4
  cup
  roasted sunflower seeds (shelled)

Poppy Seed Dressing

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2/3
  cup
  
  mayo
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  Tablespoon
  
  apple cider vinegar
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  3
  Tablespoons
  
  honey
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  
  lemon
  , juiced (about 2 Tablespoons)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  Tablespoon
  
  poppy seeds
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  
  salt and pepper
  to taste

Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220°C).
• Roast Broccoli: In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, ensuring they are well coated. Season generously with salt and pepper. Spread the seasoned broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown and the broccoli is tender-crisp. Remove from the oven and allow the roasted broccoli to cool completely to room temperature before proceeding.
• Prepare Dressing: While the broccoli cools, prepare the poppy seed dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, fresh lemon juice, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper until all ingredients are well blended and the dressing is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Store the dressing in the fridge until ready to use.
• Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl (or directly on the cooled baking sheet if preferred), combine the cooled roasted broccoli, crumbled cooked bacon, cubed apple, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and finely chopped red onion, along with the roasted sunflower seeds.
• Dress and Serve: Pour the chilled dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving:
1
g

|

Calories:
516
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
28
g

|

Protein:
9
g

|

Saturated Fat:
8
g

|

Cholesterol:
29
mg

|

Sodium:
384
mg

|

Fiber:
5
g

|

Sugar:
17
g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

15 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

35 minutes
minutes

Course:
Side Dish Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
6

Calories:
516

Keyword:
Broccoli Salad, Roasted Broccoli

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