9 Dressings that Go on Broccoli Salad
I don’t know about you, but I’m a big fan of broccoli salad.
This is especially true in the summertime, when I can make it using fresh broccoli from my garden and then top it with some delicious fruits like peaches or berries.
However, the right dressing can really take your broccoli salad to the next level.
So, what dressing goes on broccoli salad?
The most common dressing for broccoli salad is mayonnaise. It’s a creamy, tangy choice that pairs well with the crunchy texture of broccoli. In addition to mayonnaise, you can also use ranch dressing or even a vinaigrette.
Whatever you choose, the key to making this salad taste amazing is to make sure your broccoli is fresh and crisp.
For more ideas, keep scrolling!
9 Dressings that Go on Broccoli Salad
It’s time to talk about dressing.
I know, I know: It’s the most important part of any salad.
But sometimes it’s hard to find the right one.
You want something that’s going to complement the flavors of your salad without overpowering them or making it too heavy.
Well, I’ve got your back!
Here are 9 dressings that go on broccoli salad:
1. Ranch Dressing
Ranch is a great choice because it has a bit of a kick to it, but not so much that it will make your mouth burn or leave you feeling like you need to take a nap after eating your salad.
The tangy flavors from ranch are also going to cut through any bitterness from the broccoli, so you don’t have to worry about having an unpleasant experience with this dressing!
2. Blue Cheese Dressing
Blue cheese dressing is another great choice for broccoli salad because the rich flavor really complements all of those fresh ingredients that make up the dish itself—and there’s just enough blue cheese in there for you to get a little bit extra without feeling like someone just dumped an entire block of cheese on top of your dinner plate!
3. French Dressing
This is an easy one—just a simple combination of olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.
It’s great because it’s light, but not too light!
The flavors are subtle enough that they won’t overpower the salad, but they’ll make the whole thing taste delicious.
4. Italian Dressing
Another classic option!
Italian dressing probably sounds familiar to you because it’s one of those things that makes everything taste better—you know, like ranch dressing?
But you don’t need to stick with just ranch dressing—Italian dressing has so much more flavor than your standard salad dressing and goes perfectly on this broccoli salad!
5. Caesar Salad Dressing
Caesar salad dressing is a classic for a reason—it’s delicious!
And it pairs perfectly with broccoli salad because of its creamy texture and rich flavor.
The acidity of the lemon juice cuts through some of the richness in this dressing, so it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy at all.
Plus, it has that nice tanginess that helps bring out the other ingredients in your salad without overwhelming them.
6. Thousand Island Dressing
Thousand Island dressing also works well with broccoli salad, but for a different reason:
It’s made from mayonnaise (instead of vinegar or lemon juice), so it’s thick and creamy like a regular salad dressing.
It has some spices in it to give it some pizzazz—and if you use pickles as one of the ingredients, it’ll add even more flavor!
7. Honey Mustard Dressing
Honey mustard dressing has a sweet flavor but still packs some tanginess from mustard, which makes it an excellent choice for broccoli salads that have strong ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice in them already.
You can also use honey mustard dressing as a dipping sauce for chicken or fish if you want something more substantial than just veggies.
8. Green Goddess Dressing
This is such a classic dressing!
It’s vibrant green and creamy with a little bit of tanginess, which makes it a great option for vegetables like broccoli and kale, since they tend to be on the bitter side.
This dressing is also great at balancing out strong flavors like bacon or sun-dried tomatoes.
9. Balsamic Vinaigrette
This is another classic dressing that works well with almost any vegetable (as long as you don’t add too much salt).
The balsamic vinegar gives it a rich flavor and helps balance out any bitterness from cruciferous veggies like broccoli or kale—plus, it tastes amazing with bacon or tomatoes!
Why You Should Use a Dressing on Your Broccoli Salad
If you’re like me, you love your broccoli salad.
It’s crunchy, it’s tasty, and it’s something you can make ahead of time and take with you to work or school.
- But what happens when the broccoli starts to get soggy?
- Or when you want to add a little something extra?
That’s where a dressing comes in!
Dressing is one of those things that can really make or break a dish—it can be too oily, too sweet, or just plain bland.
But with the right dressing for your salad, you’ll find yourself with a delicious new addition that will keep your salad from getting soggy and give it some extra flair.
So here are two reasons why I think you should consider using a dressing on your broccoli salad:
1. It Can Act as A Healthy Substitute for Croutons (Or Bread)
Croutons are delicious! But they’re also kind of unhealthy and don’t really add much nutritional value to your salad.
If you’d like to replace them with something healthier but still flavorful and crunchy, consider using dressing instead!
It won’t take away from the flavor of your salad—in fact, it might even enhance it by adding extra flavor and texture!
2. It Will Add Flavor
The second reason I think you should use a dressing on your broccoli salad is because it gives you an opportunity to add flavor.
If you’re like me, sometimes all you want to do is eat some fresh veggies and maybe add some cheese or bacon or ham—but those are pretty bland by themselves!
Adding a dressing allows me to add something like ranch or blue cheese or whatever else sounds good at the time without having to worry about ruining my salad with too much oil or sugar (or both).
9 Dressings that Go on Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- Ranch Dressing
- Blue Cheese Dressing
- French Dressing
- Italian Dressing
- Caesar Salad Dressing
- Thousand Island Dressing
- Honey Mustard Dressing
- Green Goddess Dressing
- Balsamic Vinaigrette
Instructions
- Pick your favorite dressing from this list to use with your delicious salad.
- Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
- Be ready to munch in less than 20 minutes!
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.