When you think of salads, what comes to mind? Boring greens that taste like they were picked in a field and left out in the sun for a week? Well, let me introduce you to the star of my kitchen: Bang Bang Broccoli Salad. another refreshing broccoli salad This dish is like a party in your mouth, with a crunchy texture and a zesty dressing that could make even the pickiest eaters swoon. It’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor that will have your taste buds dancing the cha-cha.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What is Bang Bang Broccoli Salad?
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made this salad for a family gathering. My aunt, who usually only eats iceberg lettuce (bless her heart), took one bite and exclaimed, “What kind of magic is this?” The secret? It’s perfect for summer picnics or as a side dish for those cozy winter dinners—an all-year-round crowd-pleaser! Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked. side dish of roasted carrots.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This vibrant Bang Bang Broccoli Salad is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The explosion of flavors will leave everyone wanting more
- With its beautiful colors and textures, it’s sure to impress at any gathering
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a light side
My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious this salad was when I first served it at our game night. tzatziki chicken salad pairing

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh and vibrant florets bring crunch and nutrients; choose bright green ones without yellowing. For more inspiration, check out this baked apples with feta recipe.
- Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and juicy, red bell pepper adds color and flavor; look for firm peppers without blemishes.
- Carrots: Shredded or julienned carrots provide sweetness and crunch; use fresh ones for the best flavor.
- Green Onions: These add a mild oniony kick; choose bright green stalks with no wilting.
- Peanuts: Roasted peanuts bring nuttiness and crunch; opt for unsalted varieties if you’re watching your sodium intake.
For the Dressing:
- Mayonnaise: Use creamy mayo as the base; try Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Sriracha Sauce: For heat and flavor; adjust based on your spice tolerance!
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up the dish; roll limes before cutting for maximum juice extraction.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of sweetness balances the heat from Sriracha; choose according to your preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Veggies: Start by washing your broccoli thoroughly. Cut it into bite-sized florets so they can soak up all that delicious dressing.
Make the Dressing: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, lime juice, and honey. Whisk until smooth and creamy—adjust sweetness or spice level according to your taste.
Toss in Your Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, add broccoli florets, shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions. Drizzle half of the dressing over them.
Mix It Up!: Gently toss everything together until well coated. You want each piece of veggie covered in that delectable sauce—think of it as giving them all a relaxing spa treatment!
Add Crunchy Peanuts: Just before serving, sprinkle roasted peanuts on top for that extra crunch factor. Who doesn’t love some nutty goodness?
Chill Before Serving (Optional): If you have time, let the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to mingle—a quick cool down before the party starts!
Now you have an irresistible Bang Bang Broccoli Salad ready to wow everyone around your dinner table! Enjoy every crunchy bite while basking in compliments from your guests! For more inspiration, check out this Amish country casserole recipe.
You Must Know
- Bang Bang Broccoli Salad is a delightful mix of crunch and flavor; it’s a fun way to eat your greens
- The creamy dressing combined with crispy veggies makes every bite exciting
- Perfect for potlucks or as a vibrant side dish any day of the week
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by blanching the broccoli until it’s bright green and tender-crisp, then shock it in ice water. This keeps its color and crunch intact, ensuring a salad that looks as good as it tastes.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the nuts for seeds if allergies are a concern. You can also experiment with different add-ins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost.
Storing & Reheating
Store Bang Bang Broccoli Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you need to reheat, do so gently in the microwave to avoid losing that wonderful crunch.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance the salad’s flavor, let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to soak into the broccoli
- Use fresh broccoli for maximum crunch and flavor, avoiding limp veggies at all costs
- A little zest from lemon juice can brighten up the dish tremendously
Making this salad always reminds me of my friend’s backyard barbecue where everyone was skeptical about eating broccoli until they took a bite. The empty bowl by the end of the night proved that even skeptics can become fans!

FAQ
What is Bang Bang Broccoli Salad?
Bang Bang Broccoli Salad is a crunchy vegetable salad with a creamy, spicy dressing. spicy shrimp and grits dish.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to three days in advance; just store it properly.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
Greek yogurt or avocado can be great alternatives if you’re looking for healthier options.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Bang Bang Broccoli Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Bang Bang Broccoli Salad is a vibrant, crunchy dish that transforms the mundane salad experience into a flavorful fiesta. With fresh broccoli, sweet bell peppers, and a creamy, spicy dressing, this salad is perfect for summer picnics or cozy winter dinners. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup roasted unsalted peanuts
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce (to taste)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Wash and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, lime juice, and honey until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, red bell pepper, carrots, and green onions. Drizzle half of the dressing over the veggies.
- Toss gently to coat all vegetables in the dressing.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with roasted peanuts and drizzle remaining dressing if desired.
- For enhanced flavor, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg





