Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Paleo
In this easy recipe crisp broccoli, sweet raisins, salty bacon, and nutty pistachios are coated in a creamy, sweet and tangy dressing.
Why I Love This Recipe
Made without onions or cheese, this quick Dairy Free Broccoli Salad is perfectly balanced with crunchy, chewy and creamy textures. It has all the bright freshness you expect in a broccoli salad with notes of salty, umami, sweet and tangy flavor!
This recipe is so good you'll be going back for seconds (or thirds like my husband and son)! Plus, it's kid approved! My 7 year old has been raving about this side all week. He wants to eat it for both lunch and dinner and goes back for more! To be fair, my 5 year old doesn't even want it on his plate 😏. So, like any recipe with a "kid-approved" stamp, it's pretty arbitrary.
While traditional broccoli salads commonly use raisins or dried cranberries, I opted for golden raisins instead. They are sweeter than typical raisins and more moist and tender compared to dried cranberries which are more chewy. Their tender sweetness is texturally delicious next to the fresh crisp broccoli, meaty bacon and earthy pistachios.
Furthermore, instead of almonds or sunflower seeds, I opted for meaty, buttery pistachios! They provide rich scrumptious flavor and crunch that balances out the sweet raisins, tangy dressing, and fresh bitter broccoli.
This fresh, mouthwatering recipe is perfect for holidays like Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, 4th of July, and Thanksgiving. Bring this quick dish to brunches or summer cookouts, barbecues, and potlucks.
Paleo tips
Here are some of my family's favorite Paleo condiments that work well in this Dairy Free Broccoli Salad:
- Chosen Foods has a creamy, tasty paleo friendly mayonnaise.
- Primal Kitchen is a trusted paleo condiment brand that makes Djion mustard.
Vinegars that work well in this recipe
Use whatever vinegar you have on hand. I personally prefer white wine vinegar, however red wine vinegar or white vinegar would also work well in this recipe.
How small to dice florets
I also think chopping the broccoli into teeny tiny florets makes for a more uniform and enjoyable bite. However, chop them to the size of your liking!
Storage tips
Finally, you can store leftover broccoli salad for 3-5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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📖 Recipe
Dairy Free Broccoli Salad With Bacon {Paleo}
Equipment
- 1 large rimmed baking sheet
- Aluminum foil optional
- 1 large mixing bowl
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise select a paleo friendly brand if desired*
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard select a paleo friendly brand if desired**
- 2 tablespoon white wine vinegar***
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon maple sugar
Goodies
- 2 heads broccoli about 5-6 cups cut into extra small florets
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup golden raisins
- ½ cup pistachios lightly salted or unsalted, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425℉. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean up if desired. Place bacon in a single layer, bake 12-15 minutes (depending on thickness), flip, and continue baking until fully cooked about 2-6 more minutes (depending on the thickness). Remove to a paper towel lined plate to remove excess oil and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl add dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar, salt, black pepper, and maple sugar. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Add broccoli florets, chopped bacon, golden raisins, and pistachios to the bowl with the dressing. Mix until all components are fully coated in dressing. Serve immediately or chill and serve later!
Sherry Adams
Have to try this!