Broccoli salad is a fantastic make-ahead option for a healthy and delicious side dish or salad. But sometimes it’s a little overwhelming coming up with featured mains to serve this wonderful salad with. That’s why I’ve put together over 30 different and delicious recipe ideas for what to serve with broccoli salad. This list has you covered for everything from picnics, potlucks, or summer BBQ, to a great game day addition or simple side for a family meal.
Quick List of What to Serve with Broccoli Salad
This is just a general overview of ideas to get you started, with a few links included. See the full list of more than 30 recipe ideas to go with broccoli salad below.
- Sandwiches – Sloppy Joes, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Meatloaf Sandwiches
- Meat – Grilled BBQ Chicken, Instant Pot Ribs, Meatloaf, Pork Loin or Pork Chops
- Hamburgers and Hot Dogs or Brats
- Seafood – Salmon, White Fish, Shrimp, Scallops
- Salads – Chopped salad, pasta salad, potato salad
Of all the summer salads, I think broccoli salad is my favorite. It’s crunchy, tasty, simple to make, and loaded with flavor from all the added grapes, green onions, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese all tossed in a light creamy dressing. And it always tastes even better the next day.
But I always seem to be scrambling for what to serve with this sublime salad. I could just eat a large bowl of it as a meal all its own, and I wouldn’t even call myself a broccoli lover. But then what would the rest of my family eat? And it goes so well with so many foods, I get a little overloaded with ideas.
That’s why my family and I started making a list of all our favorite foods to eat with this hearty salad. And now we want to share that list with all of you! You’ll find dozens of great ideas. And hopefully be inspired for a few of your own.
Best Broccoli Salad Recipe
My favorite broccoli salad recipe uses plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangy broccoli salad dressing, but you’d never be able to tell!
Packed with small pieces of crunchy broccoli and delicious ingredients like fresh spring onions and crisp bacon, it’s the perfect side dish to bring to your next get-together or gathering!
What Else to Put in Cold Broccoli Salad
There are all sorts of great extras that can be used as add-ins to make your classic broccoli salad recipe your own
- Crunchy sunflower seeds or slivered almonds
- Dried cranberries or different types of dried fruit
- Cheese chunks instead of shredded cheese
- Thin sliced red onion or sweet onions
- Bite-size pieces of leftover ham
- Hot Peppers, chili peppers, or Pepperoncinis
How Long Does Broccoli Salad Last?
Stored properly in a well-sealed, airtight container, broccoli salad will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Toss or shake well before reserving. Look for any obvious signs of discoloration or bad odor after 2-3 days.
How To Store Broccoli Salad
Store leftover broccoli salad in an appropriately-sized, airtight container for minimal air exposure. The lack of excess air in the container will help the salad stay fresher longer.
What to Serve with Broccoli Salad
Sandwiches
- Serve a large bowl family style with Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches and some tater tots or fries
- Broccoli salad goes great with Instant Pot Sloppy Joes or
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Pair it with either Meatloaf Sandwiches or
- with some delicious Italian Meatball Sandwiches
- Set out a small bowl or two with some Finger Sandwiches
Chicken
- Fresh, crisp broccoli salad goes so well Instant Pot Chicken Breast, my Easy Chicken and Rice Bake, or this One-Pan Roast Chicken and Vegetables
- Of course it’s amazing with Grilled BBQ Chicken
- Broccoli salad is a great vegetable side with Buffalo Chicken Wings and Chicken Tenders
Beef and Pork
- Broccoli bacon salad goes so well with Baked Pork Loin or Pan-Fried Pork Chops
- Serve it as a side with some Easy Instant Pot Ribs
- It is perfect with the Best Ever Meatloaf (aka Mom’s Meatloaf)
- Fresh broccoli salad is one of my favorite side dishes to go with Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast or Instant Pot Traditional Pot Roast
- Try this easy broccoli salad recipe with Chicken Fried Steak
Burgers
- This delicious broccoli salad is the perfect accompaniment to my Copycat Five Guys Burger
- The bacon on the salad really goes great with Juicy Lucies – a cheese stuffed burger recipe
- A great and healthy side for Zesty Salsa Burgers
Fish
- Try this simple broccoli salad with Air Fryer Salmon or Pan-Fried Walleye
- It also goes great with Pan-Seared Sea Scallops for a delicious side.
- Serve some alongside delicious Shrimp Tacos
- Broccoli salad goes surprisingly well with Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi. I like to dip the broccoli in the sauce
Salads
- Get all your greens by pairing some broccoli salad with a Classic Chopped Salad
- Broccoli salad is absolutely amazing with pasta salad! And I’ve got three to choose from: Zesty Italian Pasta Salad, Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad, or Classic Italian Pasta Salad
- Pair it with this Loaded Veggie Salad for a light, healthy lunch or dinner.
- Try it with my Instant Pot Potato Salad. Sometimes I make both and just combine them in a small bowl for a delicious meal.
Other Delicious Sides
- Serve broccoli salad with these other beloved side dishes like Corn on the Cob, Slow Cooker Baked Beans, Sweet Potato Fries, Macaroni and Cheese for a perfect barbecue side spread.
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