If you are looking for a fresh, crunchy, and colorful dish that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition, this Broccoli Corn Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines crisp broccoli florets, sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a lovely hint of dried cranberries all tied together with a creamy, garlicky dressing that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you want a quick side for a family meal or a vibrant salad to impress guests, this recipe is easy, wholesome, and downright addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to create a salad bursting with different textures and flavors. Each element plays a specific role: the broccoli offers crunch, the corn adds sweetness, the cherry tomatoes contribute juiciness, and the dressing brings everything together with a creamy tang.
- Broccoli: Use one large or two medium heads, including peeled and diced stems for no waste and extra crunch.
- Cherry tomatoes: One cup, halved or quartered to release their sweet, tangy juices.
- Corn: Half a can or fresh from one large ear, providing a naturally sweet, crisp touch.
- Carrot: One large, grated to add subtle earthiness and vibrant color.
- Craisins (dried cranberries): A quarter cup adds a chewy burst of tartness balancing the salad.
- Ranch dressing: Four tablespoons to give creamy, herby notes.
- Mayonnaise: Four tablespoons for richness and a smooth finish.
- Garlic: One large or two small cloves, pressed to infuse a sharp and aromatic flavor.
How to Make Broccoli Corn Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Broccoli
Start by chopping your broccoli into small, bite-sized florets that are easy to enjoy. Don’t discard the stems! Use a potato peeler to strip their tougher outer layer, then dice the softened stems finely. Adding these ensures nothing goes to waste and boosts the salad’s crunch factor.
Step 2: Combine the Veggies and Craisins
In a large bowl, toss together the chopped broccoli, halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, grated carrot, and craisins. This mix balances sweet, tart, and fresh flavors with varied textures, which will make every mouthful exciting and delightful.
Step 3: Whip Up the Dressing
In a smaller bowl or measuring cup, stir the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and pressed garlic until smooth and well blended. This creamy dressing is what elevates the Broccoli Corn Salad Recipe, adding luscious, tangy, and savory notes that perfectly complement the sweet vegetables.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Pour the dressing over your mixed veggies, then toss everything thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated in that garlicky, creamy goodness. Feel free to adjust the amount of dressing to your taste; the recipe suggests using it all, but a lighter hand works well if you prefer.
How to Serve Broccoli Corn Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or even a few shaved Parmesan curls add lovely finishing touches that bring extra texture and flavor brightness to your salad.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Corn Salad Recipe pairs beautifully as a fresh accompaniment to grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or even a hearty sandwich. It also brightens up any picnic or potluck table, offering a fresh contrast to richer mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in individual glass jars for a charming presentation or use hollowed-out bell peppers or avocados as edible bowls to impress guests and add an extra element of fun. The vibrant colors of the ingredients make it visually stunning no matter how you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors even marry better over time, but the crunch of the broccoli is at its peak on the first day.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended as the texture and taste can suffer upon thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If desired, you can let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving so the flavors soften slightly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn in this Broccoli Corn Salad Recipe?
Yes, frozen corn works well. Just thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
Is it okay to substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt provides a tangy twist and lowers the fat content, making the salad a bit lighter without compromising on creaminess.
Can I prepare this salad a day ahead of time?
Yes, preparing it a day before allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but for the best broccoli crunch, toss in the dressing shortly before serving.
What if I don’t have ranch dressing?
You can make a simple ranch-style dressing using mayonnaise, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh herbs, or swap in a different creamy dressing you love.
Can I add nuts or seeds for extra crunch?
Definitely! Toasted almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds are fantastic additions that bring extra texture and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Corn Salad Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser with its perfect blend of crunchy, sweet, creamy, and tangy. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again when you want a quick, fuss-free, yet incredibly delicious salad. Give it a try, and soon it’ll be a favorite in your recipe rotation too!
Print
Broccoli Corn Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and crunchy Broccoli Corn Salad that combines vibrant vegetables, sweet corn, and tangy dressing for a perfect side dish. This easy no-cook salad is packed with texture and flavor, making it an ideal healthy addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large or 2 medium heads of fresh broccoli
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered if larger)
- 1/2 can corn or cooked corn from 1 large ear of corn
- 1 large carrot (grated)
Fruit
- 1/4 cup craisins (dried cranberries)
Dressing
- 4 Tbsp Ranch dressing
- 4 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 small or 1 large garlic clove (pressed)
Instructions
- Prepare Broccoli: Chop the broccoli into small florets. Use a potato peeler to peel the stems, then dice the cleaned stems into small pieces to add into the salad, ensuring no waste.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli, 1 cup of sliced cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, grated carrot, and craisins.
- Make Dressing and Toss Salad: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and pressed garlic until smooth. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well to taste. The full amount is typically used.
Notes
- This salad uses raw broccoli for a crunchy texture, so selecting fresh broccoli is important.
- You can substitute fresh corn for canned for a sweeter, fresher flavor.
- Dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness and texture; raisins or dried cherries can be used as alternatives.
- Adjust garlic amount according to your preference for pungency.
- The salad can be prepared in advance and chilled for better flavor melding.
