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Home » Food » By Course » Salads » Deli Style Broccoli Salad

Deli Style Broccoli Salad

May 24, 2023 by Kimberly Killebrew · 53 Comments

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This Deli Style Broccoli Salad recipe combines a variety of crispy veggies along with sweet raisins, dried cranberries, salty sunflower seeds, and is tossed with a delicious creamy cider coleslaw dressing.  Whether enjoying it as a side dish or as a healthy lunch, this salad is a winner!

broccoli salad recipe best creamy raisins dried cranberries sunflower seeds onions vegetarian vegan deli style

Several years ago I stopped by a local deli and was scanning over their selection of salads when the broccoli salad caught my eye.  I love broccoli salads but this one was particularly good and was different from most.  Whereas most broccoli salads tend to be fairly basic and very mayonnaise heavy, this one had a more interesting combination of ingredients and a far more flavorful dressing.  So I took some extra salad home with me so I could try and replicate it.  My copycat version was a success and has remained a family favorite ever since.  And whether I bring it to potlucks, backyard bbq’s, or picnics, I always get requests for the recipe.

Something you may notice is that, unlike many broccoli salad recipes, this does not have any bacon in it.  No, I didn’t intentionally make this a vegetarian broccoli salad or a vegan broccoli salad, it just happens to be that.  Now trust me when I say this:  I LOVE BACON.  LOVE it.   But this salad honestly and truly does not need it.  Gasp, I said it!  Nor does it need cheese.  No, this broccoli salad is absolutely amazing without either.  Yep, fewer calories, less fat, and absolutely a-mazing.  Give it a try and see if you’re not convinced!

What to Serve With Broccoli Salad

This broccoli salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of main dishes.  Here are few ideas:

  • Grilled Chicken or Chicken Skewers:  The freshness and crunch of this salad complements the tender texture and smokiness of of the grilled chicken.
  • Roasted Salmon:  The combination of this nutritious crunchy salad with tender, flaky salmon creates a well-balanced meal.
  • BBQ Ribs: A fabulous side to bring to that backyard BBQ, this cool, crisp salad provides a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavor of the ribs.
  • Burgers and Hot Dogs:  Hold the coleslaw and serve this salad with your burgers and dogs instead.
  • Quiche: Whether it’s a vegetable quiche or quiche Lorraine, this crunchy salad makes a terrific accompaniment to your creamy quiche.
  • Sandwiches: Serve this salad with your sandwiches or wraps for a perfectly satisfying meal.
  • Grilled Steak or Pork Chops:  The vibrant salad provides a refreshing contrast to the robust flavors of steak and chops.
  • Soup: Serve this salad with a bowl of hot soup for a complete and comforting meal.

For a light lunch, I enjoy eating this broccoli salad all by its delicious self.

broccoli salad recipe best creamy raisins dried cranberries sunflower seeds onions vegetarian vegan deli style

How Can I Make a Vegan Broccoli Salad?

Easy peasy!  Simply substitute the honey for a liquid sweetener of your choice such as agave syrup.

Can I Make Broccoli Salad in Advance?

Yes!  In fact, I recommend making it the day before because it’s even better after the flavors have had time to meld.

Broccoli Salad Recipe

Let’s get started!

Combine the ingredients for the dressing in a bowl and stir until combined or place the ingredients in a bottle and shake until combined.  Refrigerate until ready to use.

Place all of the veggies, dried fruits and sunflower seeds in a large bowl and stir to combine.

preparing the dressing and combining the ingredients in a bowl

Pour the salad dressing over the salad and stir to combine.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, preferably longer, stirring once or twice to redistribute the dressing.

This salad will keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

pouring the dressing over the vegetables

Enjoy!

broccoli salad recipe best creamy raisins dried cranberries sunflower seeds onions vegetarian vegan deli style

For more delicious salads be sure to try our:

  • Classic Potato Salad
  • Chicken Salad
  • Coleslaw
  • Macaroni Salad
  • Thai Quinoa Salad
  • Freezer Slaw
  • Pea Salad
  • German Cucumber Salad
  • Waldorf Salad
  • Moroccan Chicken Salad
  • Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad
  • Sauerkraut Salad
  • Coronation Chicken
  • Broccoli Pasta Salad
broccoli salad recipe best creamy raisins dried cranberries sunflower seeds onions vegetarian vegan deli style

Crunchy Broccoli Salad

Kimberly Killebrew
Whether enjoying this as a side dish for dinner or as a healthy lunch, this Deli Style Broccoli Salad is a winner!
Print Recipe
5 from 12 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Chill Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 269 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 6 cups finely chopped broccoli florets and stems (about 2 large broccoli crowns)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced celery
  • 1/2 cup finely diced carrot
  • 1/3 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup toasted sunflower seed kernels
  • For the Cider Coleslaw Dressing:
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2-3 tablespoons honey (vegan: use agave syrup)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Combine the ingredients for the dressing in a bottle and shake to combine until the honey is completely dissolved. Refrigerate until ready to use.
    Combine all the salad ingredients in a large bowl, pour the dressing over, and stir to combine. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, preferably longer, stirring once or twice to redistribute the dressing.
    Will keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 483mg | Potassium: 384mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1804IU | Vitamin C: 63mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg
Keyword Broccoli Salad
Tried this recipe? Mention @daringgourmet or hashtag #daringgourmet

Originally published on The Daring Gourmet September 16, 2014

 

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53 Comments →

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53 Responses

  1. Heather Smith says

    July 24, 2022 at 9:15 am

    I make and bring this to every bbq and it gets rave reviews every time! Thanks so much!!!
    Today I added a half head of finely chopped raw green cabbage and it is terrific and stretches it a bit further.

    Reply
    • Kimberly Killebrew says

      July 30, 2022 at 11:33 am

      Fantastic, Heather, I’m thrilled to hear that and appreciate the feedback, thank you!

      Reply
  2. EFH (Eileen) says

    April 3, 2022 at 8:44 pm

    I’d like to make a lite version. Have you ever tried using Greek yogurt instead of mayo? Any other suggestions for a lite version? Did you say the calorie count is for 1/8 of the recipe (as currently written, of course)?

    Reply
  3. Donna says

    June 30, 2021 at 5:39 pm

    Do you happen to have the current “Broccoli Crunch salad? Not sure if it’s still the same in June of 2021. It’s a creamy white sweet dressing.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      June 30, 2021 at 7:04 pm

      Hi Donna, this is the only one I have and it’s made with creamy white sweet dressing.

      Reply
  4. Anita Dubner says

    February 13, 2020 at 4:42 am

    By chance, would you happen to have the calorie count per serving on this salad? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      February 16, 2020 at 12:42 am

      Anita, I just added the nutrition info which is based on 8 servings and calorie count shown is for 1 serving.

      Reply
      • Anita says

        February 22, 2020 at 6:40 pm

        Thank you!!

        Reply
  5. Pam says

    November 24, 2019 at 11:17 am

    I’ve been using your recipe for a few years now. I started adding cauliflower to it as well. This is a staple on the Thanksgiving and Christmas table. If there are any leftovers, everyone knows my mom has first dibs. So darn delicious!

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      November 24, 2019 at 11:23 am

      Thanks so much, Pam, and the addition of the cauliflower sounds great, I’ll have to try that next time! Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply
  6. Adrienne Rivers says

    October 29, 2019 at 3:25 pm

    Love the store-bought version. Looking forward to making my own. What is the nutritional breakdown of the salad?

    Reply
  7. Elaine says

    July 11, 2019 at 3:38 pm

    So Delish!!! Didn’t have cranberries so added chopped dry cherries… and used veganaise …tested before putting in fridge and ended eating a whole bowl full! I hope it lasts till dinner! Lol

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      July 11, 2019 at 4:44 pm

      Fantastic, Elaine, thank you! I often substitute dried cherries too and they’re great. I know, I have the same problem – it seems every time I make a batch of this I end up eating most of it before it actually gets to the dinner table, it’s just too good to resist!

      Reply
  8. Ands says

    March 8, 2019 at 5:28 am

    Are we suppose to boil the broccoli or use it raw?

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      March 8, 2019 at 2:19 pm

      Hi Ands, you use it raw.

      Reply
  9. Lisa Menante says

    January 3, 2019 at 6:53 am

    Great yummy salad!! I would love to know it’s nutritional info since I’m trying to do a good journal.

    Reply
  10. Dawana says

    August 21, 2018 at 7:02 pm

    DELICIOUS!!! The entire family loved it.
    Certainly a keeper! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      August 21, 2018 at 8:10 pm

      Awesome, Dawana, I’m so glad, thank you!

      Reply
  11. Susan Felton says

    April 7, 2018 at 1:31 pm

    I am very happy to have found your recipe for Crunchy Broccoli Salad. I’m made it, I love it. I did use part broccoli and part cauliflower, because the deli salad I was trying to duplicate had cauliflower. It’s fabulous, your dressing tops the deli’s.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      April 7, 2018 at 7:29 pm

      Wonderful, thanks so much, Susan!

      Reply
  12. DLJ says

    February 12, 2018 at 11:42 am

    I have made this salad several times for family and friends and EACH time it is a hit! It is nice to be able to serve a healthy entree that tastes very good

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      February 12, 2018 at 5:25 pm

      Thanks so much, DLJ!

      Reply
  13. Jan Herman says

    January 19, 2018 at 12:46 pm

    What are the nutritional values? How many carbs per serving? Serving size?

    Reply
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kimberly killebrew the daring gourmet

Welcome!  I’m Kimberly and I share delicious originals, revitalized classics and authentic dishes from around the world.  Come travel the world through your taste buds!

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