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Broccoli grape salad is the perfect combination of fresh broccoli, juicy red grapes, savory bacon, and salty blue cheese in a tangy, sweet dressing. It's a flavor explosion in every bite!
Why you'll love this recipe
- This salad is sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy.
- Broccoli salad without mayo is even more versatile.
- Nutritious, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Can be made ahead and tossed upon serving.
- Adding a cooked protein makes it a complete meal.
The combination of broccoli, grapes, bacon, blue cheese, walnuts, and sweet dressing makes this a unique and delicious salad for any occasion. Take it to the BBQ, family dinner, potluck, or picnic – this salad satisfies and nourishes in the most delicious way!
Ingredients
- fresh broccoli - Broccoli is the base of this salad and star of the show. It's flavorful, crunchy, and loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- bacon - Adds a savory and salty flavor, which complements the sweetness of the grapes and dressing.
- grapes - These add juicy, refreshing, bursts of flavor and sweetness to broccoli salad, which also balances the salty and savory flavors nicely.
- red onion - Adds a sharp and tangy flavor to the salad, which complements the other flavors of this salad.
- blue cheese - This adds salty, sharp flavor and creaminess to the salad, which pairs nicely with the bitter and salty flavors.
- walnuts - These add nutty flavor, crunchy texture, and are a source of healthy fats and protein.
- extra virgin olive oil - Use this to make the dressing. It provides a healthy source of monounsaturated fats and has a rich, nutty flavor.
- apple cider vinegar This makes the salad dressing tangy and slightly sweet.
- maple syrup - Adds the perfect sweetness to the dressing, which balances the savory, salty, and bitter flavors of this salad.
- Dijon mustard - This adds a sharpness to the dressing flavor and helps emulsify the oil and vinegar.
- salt and pepper - Use this to season the dressing, to taste. Doing so will enhance the other flavors and bring everything together.
How to make broccoli grape salad
This delicious salad is as easy as prepping a few ingredients, tossing in dressing, and serving. Enjoy these step-by-step instructions and get the full printable recipe below.
Step 1. Prep the broccoli by rinsing, drying, and chopping into bite-sized pieces. Chop other ingredients as indicated. In a mixing bowl, combine broccoli, grapes, bacon, onions, blue cheese, and walnuts. Cover and refrigerate.
Step 2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking rapidly to form a creamy emulsion. Cover and refrigerate, or pour over the salad.
Step 3. Toss everything together. Pro tip: If you mix with your hands, you can work the dressing into the crevices of the broccoli.
Recipe Tips
- Although not required, the fresh broccoli can be blanched and cooled for a softer texture, if desired.
- I prefer to leave grapes whole for this broccoli salad because it preserves their shape. However, you can slice them in half if desired.
- Use seedless grapes to prevent any unwanted crunchy surprises.
- I prefer to use a blue cheese wedge over the pre-crumbled variety because the texture is richer and creamier, yet still crumbles nicely for this salad. Use what's available, of course.
- Save time and buy prepped ingredients, such as chopped broccoli, diced onions, chopped nuts, and pre-cooked bacon.
- To make ahead, prep everything in advance. Store the salad and dressing separately until ready to serve.
Recipe Variations
- Add chopped apples to this salad for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Substitute the blue cheese with feta or goat cheese.
- Toast the walnuts for even more nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
- Substitute the walnuts with other nuts, such as pecans, almonds, or pepitas.
- Substitute apple cider vinegar with and equal amount of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar to vary the flavor.
- This broccoli salad is made with a vinaigrette and doesn't use mayonnaise. Of course, you're welcome to substitute the oil for mayo for a more traditional dressing for this salad.
Serving ideas
Serve broccoli grape salad alongside TKG favorites, such as juicy broiled salmon, easy baked chicken legs, and grilled salmon. It also pairs well with roasted chicken, pan-seared steak, or pork.
More salads to love
If you love broccoli bacon salad, you'll surely enjoy this creamy pasta BLT salad recipe or shaved Brussels sprouts salad. Tortellini pesto pasta salad is another winner, especially during summer, just like easy creamy cucumber salad. If you favor a protein salad, this turkey salad recipe hits all the right notes!
📖 Recipe
Broccoli Grape Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Fresh Broccoli about 6 cups
- 2 cups Red Grapes
- ½ cup Crumbled Bacon about 6 strips or 2 ounces
- ½ small Red Onion ¼ cup diced
- ¼ cup Crumbled Blue Cheese
- ¼ cup Walnuts chopped
- 3 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup
- 2 teaspoons Dijon
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper or to taste
- ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Equipment
- serving utensils
Instructions
- Wash the broccoli thoroughly and pat dry to remove excess moisture. Chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine BROCCOLI, GRAPES, BACON, ONIONS, BLUE CHEESE, and WALNUTS. Cover and refrigerate.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together VINEGAR, MAPLE SYRUP, DIJON, SALT, and PEPPER. Slowly drizzle in the OLIVE OIL while whisking rapidly to form a creamy emulsion. Cover and refrigerate.
- To serve, toss broccoli salad with dressing and enjoy!
Final step
Click stars to vote. Please visit 'Comments' below for reviews.
Video
Recipe Notes
- Although not required, the fresh broccoli can be blanched and cooled for a softer texture, if desired.
- I prefer to leave grapes whole for this broccoli salad because it preserves their shape. However, you can slice them in half if desired.
- Use seedless grapes to prevent any unwanted crunchy surprises.
- I prefer to use a blue cheese wedge over the pre-crumbled variety because the texture is richer and creamier, yet still crumbles nicely for this salad. Use what's available, of course.
- Save time and buy prepped ingredients, such as chopped broccoli, diced onions, chopped nuts, and pre-cooked bacon.
- To make ahead, prep everything in advance. Store the salad and dressing separately until ready to serve.
Mamadawg GF says
I just made this broccoli salad and WOW what a great combination of ingredients, it's a flavor explosion. They just compliment each other so well. I have to admit that I think I put just a little bit more bleu cheese in mine but not enough to overtake the other ingredients. (Cuz I love me some blue cheese!) 🙂 I absolutely love this salad and will be making it frequently this summer. Good job Kitchen Girl!!
Traci says
Yay!!! I'm so glad you went for it and love it as much as we do! I'm all for more BC lol because YUM! Thanks for sharing details of your experience 🙂 xoxo
JayBee says
Wow! I never would have thought to put grapes and broccoli together, but it's delicious! The other ingredients make it even more interesting with flavor and texture. Excellent with grilled meats. Than you for sharing!
Traci says
You're so welcome and I'm glad you went for it!! Thanks for sharing your experience 🙂
Jyoti says
Very yum, we had some reservations with raw broccoli, but it came out so well! Everything was just perfect
The Kitchen Girl says
Yayy! Yes, I totally understand the hesitation but it just works so nicely in this, doesn't it 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to leave feedback. So glad you enjoyed!
jack says
I am loving this recipe, that dressing is amazing 🙂
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks so much, Jack Yes, the dressing really brings this broccoli salad together for a flavor party
Jacqueline Meldrum says
It's so colourful and broccoli is so good in salads. Perfect for the summer.
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Jacqueline...all color credit goes to the produce
Jeff says
Just had this broccoli salad with smoked pork loin for dinner tonight and it was a home run. It's easy, loaded with flavor, and goes perfect with roasted or smoked meats.
The Kitchen Girl says
I'm so glad you love this broccoli salad as much as I do, JB You're right, it IS perfect with smoked meats YUMMM
Pam Reimer says
This beautiful and delicious salad is a regular at my house. It's super easy to prep the ingredients and just assemble whenever you are hungry. It also tastes great with a store bought strawberry vinaigrette dressing.
Traci Antonovich says
I'm SO glad to hear this, Pam! That dressing sounds amazing too 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to let me know...I appreciate you
Mel says
Broccoli and blue cheese work so well together! Can I come for lunch? I'd love your salad!
Traci Antonovich says
Haha thanks...grab a fork, Mel! 🙂
Karyn says
What a delicious combo of ingredients. I especially love that you added broccoli..it's my favorite veg
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Karyn...right there with you on the broccoli love 🙂
Elaine Benoit says
I love everything about this broccoli salad! Love all the ingredients you've put together and can't wait to make it!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Elaine! Hope you love it! 😉
Veena says
Salads are my all time favorite. Love the healthy options like walnuts, broccoli, grapes and off course also love Bacon and Cheese. I am already craving for it. Love the combination of the Salad dressing too.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Veena! Love hearing that 🙂
Cliona Keane says
This looks like it has so much crunch and texture to it! A delicious salad!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Cliona! Yes, all the crunch and texture is here 🙂
Wajeeha Nadeem says
I love all the textures going on in this salad. I'm actually not really into healthy eating, but I absolutely love broccoli. I love the addition of red grapes, they make the salad look gorgeous too. I'll be trying this salad very soon. Do you think slivered almonds in place of the walnuts would be a good addition? Thanks! 🙂
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much Wajeeha! Yep, I think slivered almonds would be excellent in this salad, and they'd hold up well too (since they're thicker than sliced almonds). Hope you get to try it out...and LOVE it 🙂
Elizabeth says
What a wonderful variety of textures and flavours in this salad! I'll have to try it for myself soon!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Elizabeth...hope you do get to try it! 🙂
Sally says
What a fabulous combination of ingredients. Trying this on my OH - I think he'll be surprised.
Traci Antonovich says
Yay thanks Sally! Hope he loves it 🙂
jillian says
I love, love salads and blue cheese is a definite fav. addition too!
Traci Antonovich says
Yay thanks Jillian! I'm pretty crazy about blue cheese too! 🙂
Sara Lehman says
This looks like a tasty salad! Can't wait to try it!
Traci Antonovich says
Yay Sara! Hope you love it! 🙂
Veena Azmanov says
Wow this salad looks very easy and delicious! I like that one of the ingredients is Broccoli. Because I love broccoli. I definitely want to try this salad! Thanks for the great recipe!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Veena, I'm with you on the broccoli love! Hope you get to try this one out! 🙂
Rae says
You've hit a home run with this salad, it'll be absolutely perfect on a warm day when it's too hot to cook.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Rae...bring on those warm days and all the salads 🙂
Leslie says
I love the flavors here...smoky, salty, sweet, savory...so much going on in this salad. The colors are very appetizing, too!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Leslie...you're spot on about those flavors! One of my most favorite salads for sure 🙂
Ginny says
Love all those grapes and broccoli in that salad. Those little bits of walnut sound perfect too!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much Ginny! Yeah, this salad's all about that texture...and I am crazy for walnuts too! 🙂
Shashi says
YES - YES - the planets most definitely align with this combo of bitter, savory, salty, and delightfully sweet! What a delicious combo of flavors AND textures!!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Shashi! I love your enthusiasm about this recipe! I feel the same way 🙂