The Sam’s Broccoli Salad Recipe, a delicious recipe, replicates the classic crunchy, creamy sweet-savory flavor balance of deli-style broccoli salad. It is quick, simple, and refreshing, made with everyday wholesome ingredients.
In this recipe, we will recreate the salad as closely as possible, using a homemade creamy dressing, fresh and crispy broccoli, bacon, sunflower kernels, and raisins. It is the perfect salad to make ahead for potlucks, lunch, or a weeknight side dish.
If you love recreating restaurant-style dishes at home, you’ll enjoy pairing this Sam’s Broccoli Salad Recipe with other flavorful creations from our kitchen. Try it alongside our rich Sous Vide Beef Shank Recipe for a hearty meal, or add a touch of sweetness with our Crumbl Tres Leches Cake Recipe for dessert.
Why You Will Love This Sams Broccoli Salad
This recipe is just like the Sam’s Club broccoli salad that you love – it has bright crunchy broccoli, crisp smoky bacon, sweet raisins, salty sunflower kernels, and a creamy dressing to bring it all together.
This salad can be made any time, and is quick, adaptable, and an excellent option for meal prepping, summer potlucks, and meals on busy weeknights.
Ingredients Used in This Sams Broccoli Salad Recipe
For the Salad
- 6 cups chopped fresh broccoli (bite-sized pieces)
- 1 package cooked bacon, crumbled Or use bacon bits
- 1 cup raisins
- The original recipe uses golden raisins, but regular raisins work perfectly
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup roasted sunflower kernels
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sugar (or substitute)
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
Essential Kitchen Equipment Required
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 2–3 hours
How To Make Sams Broccoli Salad
1. Prepare the Broccoli
Cut the fresh broccoli into small, evenly sized, bite-sized pieces, and place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the Bacon
Crumble the cooked bacon over the broccoli. Bacon bits work great if you want to hurry things along.
3. Mix in the Raisins
Pour in 1 cup of standard raisins to add a bit of sweetness to the salad.
4. Add the Red Onion
Finely dice half of the red onion and toss with the other ingredients for crunch and flavor.
5. Add the Sunflower Kernels
Add roasted sunflower kernels for an enjoyable crunchy flavor.
6. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, sugar, and white wine vinegar, and whisk until smooth, creamy, and well-enveloped.
7. Combine Everything
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently fold the broccoli mixture and dressing together until everything is nicely coated.
8. Chill Before Serving
Put the salad in the fridge for a little while to let the flavors come together and the dressing settle in nicely.
9. Serve
Lightly toss salad ingredients, and serve while chilled.
Notable Tips to Make This Sams Broccoli Salad Recipe Perfect
Here are some notable tips, that can help you to make this recipe perfect in the very first attempt. Check below
1. First, chop or cut the broccoli small. Smaller pieces taste better and are easier to enjoy.
2. Second, use fresh broccoli. Fresh broccoli stays crunchy and crunchy = yummy.
3. Third, cook the bacon crispy. Crispy bacon provides a great crunch.
4. Fourth, chill the salad. The salad should be cooled (or just sit in the fridge) so the flavors are happy together.
5. Fifth, make sure you mix the dressing very well. You want to make sure the mayo, sugar, and vinegar are all smooth.
6. Sixth, use roasted sunflower seeds. They give a toasted flavor and fun crunch.
7. Seventh, do not skip the raisins. Raisins make the salad sweet and chewy.
8.Eighth, chop the onions small. You want to provide flavor, but not whoa – onion!!!
9. Ninth, taste it and adjust if necessary. If you want it sweeter, add a tiny bit more sugar. If you want it a little tangier, add a tiny bit more vinegar.
10. Finally, serve the salad cold. Cold, crunchy, fresh = best!
Some Delicious Ways to Enjoy This Sams Broccoli Salad
Whether it’s a party, family function or you are enjoying this Sams Broccoli Salad at your home, the following serving ideas can make your meal more comfortable and delicious to enjoy.
1. With grilled chicken – The salad’s bright freshness contrasts nicely with smoky flavors from the grill.
2. As a side to BBQ ribs – We have served this salad at cookouts, and it disappears the fastest.
3. With burgers – When served with burgers, whether beef or turkey, this salad is a nice crunch added to the meal.
4. With roasted salmon – The sweet and tangy flavors in this salad surprisingly go nicely with flaky fish.
5. As a picnic salad – This salad is a great picnic dish as it moves well and won’t wilt like a leafy salad.
6. With sandwiches – This salad is also great with deli sandwiches like turkey or ham.
7. With baked potato – Using a scoop beside a baked potato makes the whole meal feel heartier.
8. As a potluck favorite – Every time we take it, we have at least one person asking for the recipe.
9. With grilled steak – The crisp vegetables were a nice balance to the richness of the meat.
10. All by itself for lunch – Honestly, most weeks we enjoyed bowls of this salad all on its own. It is that good.
How to Store and Reheat This Sams Broccoli Salad Properly
Refrigerate leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as it chills, making it even more delicious the next day! This is a cold salad, so you do not have to reheat it; just give it a quick stir before serving to refresh it a little.
FAQs on This Sams Broccoli Salad Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Sams Broccoli Salad Recipe that people often ask.
1. Can I use regular raisins instead of golden raisins?
Yes, regular raisins work just as well. The taste is slightly different, but it’s still delicious.
2. Is it better to use raw or blanched broccoli?
Raw broccoli keeps the salad crunchy, but some people prefer to blanch it for a softer texture. Both options are great.
3. Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. The salad tastes even better after chilling overnight, as the flavors blend and the broccoli softens a bit.
4. Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, sugar substitutes like Splenda work fine. Adjust the amount to your taste.
5. Do I need to use sunflower seeds?
Sunflower seeds add crunch, but you can use almonds or leave them out if you prefer.
6. Can I use a different vinegar?
White wine vinegar is classic, but plain white vinegar or apple cider vinegar also work well.
7. Should I add cheese?
The original recipe doesn’t include cheese, but some people add cheddar for extra flavor.
8. How long does the salad keep in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to2–3 days. The broccoli will soften over time, but the dressing keeps it moist.
9. Can I use bacon bits instead of real bacon?
Bacon bits are convenient and work fine, but real cooked bacon gives a richer flavor.
10. What’s the best way to chop the broccoli?
Cut the florets into bite-sized pieces so they’re easy to eat and absorb the dressing well. Some also chop the stems for extra texture.
Sams Broccoli Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the fresh broccoli into small, evenly sized, bite-sized pieces, and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Crumble the cooked bacon over the broccoli. Bacon bits work great if you want to hurry things along.
- Pour in 1 cup of standard raisins to add a bit of sweetness to the salad.
- Finely dice half of the red onion and toss with the other ingredients for crunch and flavor.
- Add roasted sunflower kernels for an enjoyable crunchy flavor.
- In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, sugar, and white wine vinegar, and whisk until smooth, creamy, and well-enveloped.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently fold the broccoli mixture and dressing together until everything is nicely coated.
- Put the salad in the fridge for a little while to let the flavors come together and the dressing settle in nicely.
- Lightly toss salad ingredients, and serve while chilled.
Video
Notes
This copycat Sam’s Broccoli Salad recipe brings all of the creamy, crunchy, satisfying flavors less than 30 minutes from your own kitchen. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and is always a hit with the crowd! Make it your next barbecue, potluck or meal prep destination, and be sure to tag me on social media or leave a comment if you tried it out!
Drop a comment on the blog with your feedback-I can’t wait to hear what you think.
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