Name: Strawberry Broccoli Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups broccoli florets; 2 cups strawberries sliced; ½ red onion thinly sliced; 1 cup candied pecans recipe below; 1 cup pecan halves; 1 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp brown sugar; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp cinnamon; ½ cup mayonnaise; ½ cup plain yogurt; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp poppy seeds; ½ tsp salt

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

The vibrant colors of a fresh salad often lure you in, but when it comes to one that combines the crunch of broccoli with the sweet burst of strawberries, it’s an irresistible pull. This Strawberry Broccoli Salad is not just a dish; it’s a delightful explosion of textures and flavors that transports you straight to a sunny picnic or a lively summer gathering. Rather than settling for a store-bought salad, you’ll find that this homemade version offers a freshness you can’t replicate, all while proving that salads can indeed steal the spotlight.

Pin this for later!

Crafting this fresh and zesty salad couldn’t be easier or quicker, making it the go-to option for weeknight dinners or holiday brunches. This dish comes together in just 20 minutes of prep time. With a handful of pantry staples and a rainbow of ingredients, you can prepare a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. Perfect for meal prep or impromptu gatherings, give this salad a chance to shine on your table. You won’t regret it.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Strawberry Broccoli Salad
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Strawberry Broccoli Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
Irresistible Flavor: The unique combination of sweet strawberries and savory broccoli makes each bite exciting.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This salad is a showstopper, with bright colors that brighten up any table.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for lunch, dinner, or a potluck dish—you’ll always impress!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap out ingredients for gluten-free or vegan versions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

6 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds a delightful crunch and earthy flavor, making it the salad’s heart. For a twist, feel free to use blanched broccoli to soften it slightly.
2 cups strawberries, sliced: Sweet and juicy, strawberries add a vibrant pop of color and flavor. If strawberries are out of season, try substituting with raspberries or sliced kiwi.
½ red onion, thinly sliced: The red onion offers a sharp bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweeter components. For a milder flavor, consider using green onions instead.
1 cup candied pecans: These bring a delightful sweetness and crunch. You can easily make your own with the following ingredients, or swap them for walnuts if you prefer.
1 cup pecan halves: Adds additional crunch and complexity. You can toast them lightly for extra flavor.
1 tbsp butter: Used to cook the pecans, it adds rich, savory depth to the sweetness.
2 tbsp brown sugar: Helps to caramelize the pecans, enhancing their flavor. Coconut sugar can be a great substitute for a healthier option.
¼ tsp salt: Elevates all the flavors without overpowering.
¼ tsp cinnamon: Introduces warmth to the sweetness of the candied pecans; it works well to complement the strawberries.
½ cup mayonnaise: For creaminess, this adds a smooth texture to the dressing. Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative.
½ cup plain yogurt: Balances the richness of mayonnaise and lends a wonderful tang. Swap with non-dairy yogurt to accommodate dietary needs.
2 tbsp sugar: Sweetens the dressing, pulling all the flavors together.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Provides a bright acidity that balances the sweetness in the salad.
1 tsp poppy seeds: Adds a slight crunch and visual appeal, bringing the dressing to life.
½ tsp salt: To fully season the dressing, enhancing all components.

How to Make Strawberry Broccoli Salad

Prepare the Candied Pecans: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp of butter. Add 2 tbsp of brown sugar, ¼ tsp of salt, and ¼ tsp of cinnamon. Stir until fully combined. Reduce heat to low and mix continuously until the mixture becomes glossy.
Caramelize the Pecans: Add the 1 cup of pecan halves to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 3 to 4 minutes until the pecans are well-coated and caramelized. Transfer them to a parchment-lined plate to cool.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup of plain yogurt, 2 tbsp of sugar, ½ tsp of salt, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, and 1 tsp of poppy seeds until smooth and well-blended.
Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine 6 cups of broccoli florets, 2 cups of sliced strawberries, and ½ red onion thinly sliced.
Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the broccoli, strawberries, and red onion mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Finish with Pecans: Just before serving, top the salad with the candied pecans for that extra crunch and sweetness. Enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Strawberry Broccoli Salad, keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing the ingredients separately. When freezing, the salad can last up to 3 months, but be aware that freezing will change the texture of the strawberries. Simply defrost in the fridge and toss again before serving for a refresh.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Soggy Salad: If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and mix it in just before serving to maintain the salad’s crispness.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother dressing, ensure your yogurt and mayonnaise are at room temperature.
Quantity Adjustments: If making for a crowd, easily double the ingredients, but keep the dressing proportions the same to avoid overpowering flavors.
Flavor Enhancement: If you desire a little zing, consider adding a bit of grated ginger to the dressing for a fresh kick.
Make-Ahead: Feel free to prepare the candied pecans and dressing a day in advance; it helps to save time on the day you plan to serve!

A medley of tastes and textures brings joy to each bite of this fabulous salad. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, enjoying it on a cozy afternoon, or packing it for work lunches, there’s something undeniably cheerful about it. Give yourself permission to play around with its components; you might even discover a new favorite twist!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the candied pecans and the dressing up to a day in advance. Just store them separately and assemble the salad just before you plan to serve it to maintain freshness.

What can I use instead of pecans?

If pecans aren’t your thing, walnuts or slivered almonds work beautifully as alternatives. Both will provide that necessary crunch along with their distinct flavors.

Is this salad suitable for vegetarian diets?

Yes! This Strawberry Broccoli Salad is completely vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply swap the mayonnaise and yogurt for plant-based options.

Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Definitely! This salad is versatile. Feel free to mix in sliced apples, blueberries, or even mandarin oranges for an extra fruity twist. Each fruit will lend its unique flavor, making the salad even more delightful.

More Dinner Recipes

👉 If you make my Strawberry Broccoli Salad recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — it really helps others discover the recipe.
Follow me on Pinterest for more easy recipes.

Strawberry Broccoli Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Strawberry Broccoli Salad

Storing & Reheating

Chef’s Helpful Tips