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This Creamy Broccoli Grape Salad will get rave reviews! Overflowing with fresh broccoli, juicy grapes, chicken and/or bacon, crunchy almonds, and a creamy, tangy dressing – there’s heavenly delicious flavor in every single bite! This broccoli salad with grapes only requires 9 ingredients, can be made in advance and it’s totally customizable! 

Continue to read on for simple tips on preparing the best broccoli grape salad! And, don’t miss the step-by-step photographs and recipe video showing you exactly how easy it is to prepare this broccoli side dish at home!

Overhead photo of Creamy Broccoli Grape Salad garnished with lemon wedges in a large serving bowl with a ramekin of sliced scallions and jar of creamy dressing next to the bowl.

Update: This salad with grapes recipe was originally published in April 2020. I made updates to the post below to include more information about this delicious summer staple. 

About this broccoli salad with grapes 

Say hello to your new favorite type of green salad! Broccoli may be humble and unassuming, but this salad will knock your socks off at first taste! It’s light and fresh, yet creamy and rich, and overflowing with color, texture and flavor!! But, fair warning, it’s seriously delicious too!

This flavorful raw broccoli salad is loaded with crisp fresh broccoli, juicy red grapes, tender diced chicken (or salty, crumbled bacon), toasted crunchy almonds, pungent red onions and delicate scallions. Tossed with a creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, heavenly delicious dressing, it’s a broccoli salad you will actually want to eat!!

This salad with grapes is totally adaptable and can easily be customized to include what you have on hand or whatever ingredients you and your family love! It’s insanely easy to make, only requires 9 ingredients and can be prepared in advance! Plus, this broccoli salad travels well and easily feeds a crowd, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, summer parties and backyard barbecues! Whatever the situation may be, this easy broccoli grape salad fits the bill!

Why you will love this recipe

  • SO much flavor: This broccoli grape salad is bursting with both delicious flavor and texture! It’s creamy and rich, yet light and tangy in taste; and crisp and crunchy in texture!
  • Just 9 easy to find ingredients: This salad with grapes uses simple ingredients to create a broccoli salad that is truly delicious!
  • Incredibly easy to make: It couldn’t be any easier to prepare this broccoli recipe – simply toss together a few ingredients, mix up the dressing, toss it all together and serve!
  • Fast recipe: This fresh broccoli salad with bacon is ready in 10 minutes or less!
  • Easy to customize: This broccoli and grape recipe is totally flexible and so easy to customize with your favorite tasty additions!
  • Make ahead: You can easily prepare this salad ahead of time! In fact, making it ahead allows dressing to marry and meld with the salad, so I actually recommend making it in advance!
  • Crowd pleaser: Everyone absolutely loves this grape broccoli salad! Prepare it, serve it at your next potluck, picnic or backyard barbecue and get ready to instantly impress!

Overhead photo of raw broccoli florets for salad on a wood cutting board.

What’s in grape broccoli salad?

A simple search of the internet will return tons of recipes for cold broccoli salad. Every recipe centers around raw broccoli; however, the exact ingredients and measurements vary from recipe to recipe.

This broccoli salad with grapes recipe is bursting with delicious flavor and the entire recipe requires just 9 simple ingredients! However, this salad is totally flexible and you can tweak any of the ingredients to your personal taste or dietary needs!

(Scroll down for delicious ways to customize this recipe to make it your own!)

Ingredients in broccoli grape salad

  • Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is the star of this salad. You will need to cut the broccoli into bite-size florets foe easy eating.
  • Grapes: I recommend red, seedless grapes for this salad recipe. If your grapes are large be sure to cut them in half.
  • Chicken: You can use any cooked chicken you like in this recipe – just make sure you either shred or cut the chicken pieces roughly the same size as your broccoli florets!
    • Substitution: Alternatively, you can substitute cooked and crumbled bacon! Or, try using both chicken and bacon for the ultimate broccoli salad!
  • Green Onion: Also known as scallions, green onions are mild and delicate in flavor. Green onions are bright white at the bottom (stalk) with dark green tops. You will only need the dark green parts for this recipe.
  • Almonds: Sliced and toasted almonds provide a delicious salty crunch! There are instructions for two different easy ways to toast almonds in the notes section of the recipe below!
  • Red Onion: Red onions are relatively mild in flavor. They provide a bright flavor and beautiful color to the salad!
    • Tip: If you don’t like the taste of raw onion, you can soak the diced onion in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes. Soaking the onion will mellow its flavor. Just make sure you drain them before proceeding with the recipe.

Grape broccoli salad variations

Do you want to make a few changes or additions to this broccoli grape salad recipe? Fantastic – I totally encourage you to make this salad your own! This broccoli salad is flexible so you can easily customize the ingredient list and use whatever you love or have on hand! However, please note, when adding additional ingredients, you may want to consider increasing the amount of dressing!

What can I add to broccoli and grape salad?

  • Protein: Are you looking to make this salad protein-rich? Try adding in turkey, bacon or hard-boiled eggs! (In the recipe video below I use a combination of chicken and bacon!)
  • Cheese: Let’s face it – cheese is always a welcome addition! I love to add cubes of cheddar, goat cheese crumbles, grated parmesan or grated pecorino!
  • Vegetables: Looking for a healthy way to add bulk to this salad? Try tossing in your favorite vegetables, just be sure to finely dice, thinly slice or halve them first if they are larger! Celery, bell peppers, radishes, sweet peas and cherry tomatoes are all wonderful additions!
  • Small Pasta: You can easily transform this recipe into broccoli pasta salad by adding in  your favorite pasta of choice – just make sure you cook the pasta to al dente and allow it to cool completely before adding it to the salad! Tip: Small shapes such as mini shells, macaroni or orecchiette work best!
  • Seeds: I love to add a bit of salty crunch to this salad by adding whatever seeds I have on hand! Sunflower seeds, pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and poppy all work great! Tip: Add the seeds to your salad just before serving so they retain their crunch!
  • Nuts: Nuts are another delicious way to add salty crunch to this broccoli grape salad! You can substitute the almonds for your favorite nut, or simply add another variety for even more crunch! Cashews, pecans and pine nuts are all delicious! Tip: For the best flavor, make sure you toast your nuts! For the best texture, wait to add the nuts until just before serving so they retain their crunch!
  • Fruit: While it may sound a little odd, fresh fruit tastes delicious with broccoli and grapes! My favorite additions are avocado, apples and blueberries! If you are using a larger fruit, such as an apple, make sure you chop it into small pieces before adding it to the salad!
  • Dried Fruit: Dried fruits, such as raisins and cranberries are a wonderful way to add a touch of chewy texture along with a bit of tart flavor!

Dressing for salad with broccoli

Broccoli grape salad is traditionally served with a tangy, creamy, mayonnaise-based dressing. (Please see above for ingredient descriptions.)

This broccoli salad dressing is made with just 4 simple ingredients – mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar and Dijon mustard. However, once the ingredients are combined, they transform into the most delicious, creamy, complex dressing with a tangy and slightly sweet flavor! It tastes magically delicious with this grape salad!

Dressing ingredients for salad with grapes

  • Mayonnaise: Make sure you use a high-quality mayonnaise for this dressing. The mayonnaise gives the dressing it’s delicious creamy taste!
    • Substitution: If you are looking for a healthy swap, replace the mayo with plain Greek yogurt. Or if you prefer a thinner dressing, swap some of the mayonnaise for buttermilk.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar provides a hint of sweetness!
    • Substitution: You can swap out the sugar for honey or agave if you prefer a natural or vegan sweetener.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: The tart vinegar balances out the creamy, sweet flavor.
    • Substitution: You can use white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar instead of ACV. Or, you can use plain white (distilled) vinegar mixed with a splash of lemon juice.
  • Dijon Mustard: The touch of Dijon mustard adds a beautiful complex flavor to the dressing.
  • Honey Mustard Dressing: Alternatively, you can substitute this tangy homemade broccoli dressing for store-bought or homemade creamy honey mustard dressing!

Overhead photo of all the ingredients in broccoli salad with grapes neatly arranged in a large mixing bowl.

FAQ: Fresh broccoli

How to select the best broccoli for salad with grapes?

Since the bulk of this salad is made up of fresh broccoli, it’s imperative you select the best-looking head or crown at the store!

What to look for when buying broccoli for salads

  • Uniform color:  Look for a head of broccoli that has a uniform green color.
  • No discoloration:  Do not select broccoli that has any large yellow or brown spots.
  • Firm to the touch:  The broccoli stem should feel firm to the touch while the crown should be tight. Likewise, the florets should feel stiff. Broccoli that appears or feels soft and limp is old and not at its peak freshness.
  • Storage:  Once you have selected the perfect head, store broccoli in the crisper drawer in the refrigerator. Fresh broccoli will keep for at least a week if properly stored.

How to cut broccoli into florets?

This salad with grapes recipe uses fresh heads or crowns of broccoli. However, the broccoli needs to be broken down into easy-to-eat, small florets.

Broccoli florets are the flowery part of the broccoli head. If you look at a head of broccoli as a tiny tree, the florets are the small branches and leaves coming off of the thick, green stem.

While tackling a whole head of broccoli to cut evenly shaped florets can seem like a daunting task, it really is quite easy! This step by step tutorial on how to cut broccoli into florets will walk you through the process if you need help.

Pro-tip:  Do not discard the broccoli stems! Store them in a zip-closure bag in the refrigerator. Use them to make cream of broccoli soup or broccoli pesto! Shred them and add them to salads and slaws! Or, add them to stir-fries!

FAQ: Broccoli Grape Salad

Frozen or cooked broccoli for grape broccoli salad?

This broccoli and grape recipe tastes best with fresh broccoli. Traditionally, raw broccoli is used in salads; however, the broccoli doesn’t taste completely raw since it is finely chopped and tossed with a creamy dressing.

Nonetheless, you can blanch the broccoli florets if desired! Simply add the florets to a pot of boiling, lightly salted water and cook for 1 minute. Drain and transfer the broccoli to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain the cooled broccoli well before using it in the recipe.

I do not recommend using frozen broccoli as the florets will cause the salad to be too wet and unappetizing.

Overhead photo of creamy dressing for broccoli with bacon salad in a glass jar with a spoon full of dressing next to the jar.

How to make broccoli grape salad?

Broccoli grape salad is incredibly easy to make! This recipe only requires 9 simple ingredients and 10 minutes of preparation!

  1. Make the dressing:  In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar and Dijon. Season to taste with ½ teaspoon salt and a generous pinch of pepper. Whisk well. Set aside.
  2. Make the salad:  In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, grapes, chicken, green onions, almonds, red onions and any optional additions if using. Toss well to combine.
  3. Add dressing:  Pour dressing (to taste) over the broccoli floret salad. Toss or stir well.
  4. Chill:  For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
  5. To serve:  Toss or stir broccoli salad well before serving. Taste and adjust with more dressing or salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy!

How to make grape broccoli salad step by step photos

(Scroll down for the detailed measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.)

Overhead photo collage of how to make grape broccoli salad step by step with written instructions on each step.

Serving suggestions

Are you looking for new and exciting ways to serve your creamy broccoli salad with grapes? Below are a few of my family’s favorite ways to serve and enjoy this recipe!

How to serve easy broccoli salad?

The broccoli and grape salad is incredibly multifaceted and you can use it numerous ways!!

You can serve this salad the traditional way, as an easy vegetable side dish or a light vegetarian entree! Or, you can use broccoli salad as a filling for wraps, sandwiches, burritos and quesadillas! And, you can toss it with cooked, cooled pasta and transformed into a delicious pasta salad!

One broccoli salad recipe, limitless serving opportunities!

What goes with broccoli grape salad?

This grape broccoli salad is extremely versatile! It tastes absolutely delicious paired , making it the perfect side for potlucks, picnics, summer barbecues and even weeknight dinners!

This crisp, colorful and creamy broccoli salad is extremely versatile (think of it as a recipe of all trades!). It pairs wonderfully with wide variety of dishes, making it the perfect side for your next picnic, potluck or summer barbecue! Plus, it makes a fabulous grab-and-go lunch or easy weeknight dinner!

Our favorite summer dinner includes this grape and broccoli with bacon salad and The Best Coleslaw, along with Black Bean Burgers (for her) and Barbecue Pulled Pork (for him)!

13 delicious dishes to serve with broccoli bacon grape salad

  • Grilled Meats: Anything from steaks and beef kebabs to pork chops and sausages!
  • Smoked Meats: Smoked ribs, chicken, pork, brisket or even meatloaf!
  • Pulled Meats: Pulled Pork or Pulled Chicken.
  • Grilled Chicken: Chicken breasts, thighs, kebabs, burgers and even chicken sausages!
  • Grilled Fish and Seafood: Salmon, scallops, shrimp and any type of white fish.
  • Burgers and Sandwiches:  Plain burgers, cheeseburgers, artisan sandwiches, hotdogs, paninis and grilled cheese.
  • Soups: Soup and salad is a great pairing! Anything from lighter summer soups such as gazpacho to heavier corn chowder is delicious!
  • Salads: Throw a salad smorgasbord and pair it with roasted cauliflower saladchopped salad ItalianBLT salad, or cream cheese chicken salad.
  • Fresh Fruit: Watermelon, berries, cantaloupe, honeydew, kiwi and fruit salads.
  • Seasonal Vegetables: Grilled, roasted or steamed vegetables. Any fresh vegetable you love works well with salads!
  • Beans: Baked bean recipes, marinated beans and bean salads.
  • Potato Salads: Creamy potato salads, no mayo potato salads, and faux potato salad made with cauliflower!
  • Pasta Salads: Light, cold pasta salads are the perfect accompaniment! We love pairing this salad with classic macaroni salad or Greek orzo salad.

How much fresh broccoli salad per person?

If you are wanting to make this simple broccoli salad for a large party or family gathering, a general guideline to follow is about 4 ounces of broccoli salad per person.

However, this is just a guideline and not a rule. Keep in mind the time of day, other types of food and the people you are serving. You should adjust the amount according to your specific needs!

How long can creamy salad with grapes sit out?

Broccoli salad should not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours maximum! If you are serving creamy salad with bacon at an outdoor function, such as a picnic or barbecue, consider keeping the salad on ice or in a cooler until ready to serve and in the shade while serving.

Angled photo of yogurt dressing being poured over a salad with grapes and broccoli..

Storing broccoli salad with grapes

When it comes to food storage and storing leftovers, safety is of the utmost importance! Make sure you follow the simple tips below for properly storing and reheating cold broccoli salad!

Can I make this broccoli grape salad in advance?

Absolutely! This salad with broccoli and chicken actually tastes best if made a few hours, or up to overnight in advance so the flavors have a chance to develop and merry.

You can make the salad up to several days ahead. However, if making it more than 8 hours in advance, I recommend storing the raw salad and the creamy mayo dressing in separate airtight containers. Then, toss everything together at least an hour before serving.

How long does grape broccoli salad last?

Leftover broccoli salad should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Properly stored, it will keep for up to 3 to 4 days.

Can you freeze salad with grapes?

Due to the mayonnaise-based dressing, as well as the grapes and the fresh ingredients, this salad with broccoli does not freeze well. You should prepare and enjoy the salad within the timeframes listed above!

Nutritional information

How many calories in creamy grape broccoli salad?

The exact number of calories and carbohydrates in broccoli salad will depend upon the brand of ingredients you use, along with the precise measurements. This recipe serves 8 and has approximately 216 calories and 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

To cut out some of the calories and increase the amount of protein in this salad with grapes, you can ditch the mayonnaise and substitute Greek yogurt!

Overhead, close-up photo of creamy broccoli and grape salad with almonds.

Packed with flavor, texture and tons of yummy goodies, this grape salad will make a broccoli lover out of even the pickiest of eaters!

Until next week, friends, cheers! To bodacious broccoli!

Cheyanne

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More easy broccoli recipes!

If you love this creamy salad with broccoli, try one of these delicious recipes for broccoli next:

Overhead photo of the best broccoli grape salad in a large serving bowl with serving spoons inserted into the salad.

How to make the Best Broccoli Salad recipe👇

Broccoli Grape Salad

5 from 4 votes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
This Creamy Healthy Grape Broccoli Salad will get rave reviews! Bursting with fresh broccoli florets, bacon or chicken, grapes, almonds, onions and a creamy, tangy dressing - it's heavenly deliciousness in every single bite!  This quick salad is fresh, colorful, flavorful and the perfect addition to picnics, potlucks, barbecues, lunches and easy weeknight dinners!  It only requires 9 ingredients, can be made in advance and it's easily adaptable! 
Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.

Equipment

  • 2 Mixing Bowls

Ingredients 

Broccoli Salad

  • 5-6 Cups Broccoli Florets - (about 1 pound or 2 crowns) (SEE NOTES)
  • 1 ½ Cups Red Seedless Grapes – halved (about 8-9 ounces)
  • 1 ½ Cups Cooked Chicken – shredded or small diced (about 8-9 ounces) (SEE NOTES FOR ADDING OR SUBSTITUTING BACON)
  • 3 Greed Onions - dark green parts only, sliced (about scant 1/3 cup)
  • ½ Cup Sliced Almonds – toasted (SEE NOTES)
  • ¼ Cup Red Onion – finely diced
  • Optional Mix-Ins Cheese (Diced Cheddar, Crumbled Goat Cheese, Grated Parmesan), Crumbled Bacon, Cooked Pasta, Avocado, Dried Fruits, Nuts (SEE POST for full list)

Dressing

Instructions

  • Make the dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar and Dijon. Season to taste with ½ teaspoon salt and a generous pinch of pepper. Whisk well. Set aside.
  • Make the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, grapes, chicken, green onions, almonds, red onions and any optional additions if using. Toss well to combine.
  • Add dressing: Pour half the dressing (or more to taste) over the broccoli salad. Toss or gently stir to combine.
  • Chill: For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
  • To serve: Toss or stir salad well before serving. Taste and adjust with more dressing or salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

  1. To cook broccoli: If you do not like raw broccoli, you can blanch it. To blanch, add broccoli florets to a pot of boiling, lightly salted water. Boil for 45 seconds - 1 minute, or until the broccoli turns bright green in color. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well before making the salad.
  2. Chicken/Bacon Combination: If you would like to use a combination of chicken and bacon, use 5 to 5.5 ounces of chicken and 3 to 3.5 ounces of cooked & crumbled bacon.
  3. Bacon Only: You can substitute the chicken for 8 ounces of cooked & crumbled bacon! 
  4. To toast almonds: I highly recommend toasting your almonds for the best flavor! Toasting really brings out their flavor and lets them shine! You can toast your almonds using either of the below methods (I prefer the stovetop).
    1. Stovetop: Place skillet over medium-low heat. Add ½ cup of sliced almonds. Toast, stirring frequently to avoid burning, until almonds are fragrant and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove to plate and season with a generous pinch of salt. Let cool and store in airtight container.
    2. Oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add almonds to a large baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 3 minutes. Remove from oven and shake pan to stir the almonds. Return to the oven and continue to bake in 1-minute intervals, stirring at the 1-minute mark, until almonds are golden in color. Remove to plate and season with a generous pinch of salt. Let cool and store in airtight container.
  5. Dressing: For a healthier dressing, replace some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.  See post above for a full list of how to customize the dressing. 
Nutritional information is an approximation based upon 8 servings.  Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 216kcal    Carbohydrates: 20g    Protein: 12g    Fat: 11g    Saturated Fat: 2g    Cholesterol: 27mg    Sodium: 269mg    Potassium: 365mg    Fiber: 3g    Sugar: 13g    Vitamin A: 393IU    Vitamin C: 52mg    Calcium: 53mg    Iron: 1mg

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