Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad Recipe
Oh, do I have a treat for you today! If you’re looking for a salad that’s both vibrant and hearty, this Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad is exactly what you need. Imagine crisp, fresh broccoli paired with crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese—tossed in a tangy, dreamy dressing. This salad brings all the right textures and flavors together in one satisfying bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, it’s bound to be a hit. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments of joy. From the crunch of the broccoli to the rich flavors of the bacon and avocado, each bite will make you feel like you’re having a mini celebration. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: This salad can shine at any gathering—whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a backyard BBQ, or a potluck with friends. It’s the kind of dish that makes people ask for seconds (and the recipe, too!).
- Budget-Friendly: It uses everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank. You can create a flavorful and satisfying salad without needing to track down hard-to-find ingredients.
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in no time, making it perfect for when you’re looking for something fresh and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Customizable: Want to make it your own? Add some chopped nuts for extra crunch, swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative, or toss in some roasted chicken for a heartier meal. The possibilities are endless!
- Crowd-Pleasing: With its mix of creamy, crispy, and crunchy elements, this salad is a sure hit with everyone—whether you’re serving kids or adults. It’s the kind of dish that can make even the pickiest eaters smile.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad come to life. It’s simple, but every ingredient plays a key role in making this salad burst with flavor:
- Broccoli: The base of the salad. Fresh, crunchy, and packed with nutrients, it’s the perfect vehicle for all the creamy and crispy goodness.
- Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon that adds that satisfying crunch and savory bite.
- Avocado: Creamy, buttery avocado that makes every bite feel rich and indulgent.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a nice bite that complements the creamy avocado and crispy bacon perfectly.
- Red Onion: A little bit of tang and bite from the red onion balances the creaminess of the other ingredients.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: These add richness and protein, making the salad more filling and hearty.
- Dressing: A tangy, creamy dressing that ties everything together and brings all the flavors in this salad into perfect harmony.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get to the fun part—making this delicious salad! Don’t worry, it’s quick and easy, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by chopping the broccoli into bite-sized florets, and cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Set the bacon aside and chop it into small pieces. Don’t forget to hard-boil the eggs if you haven’t already—just boil them for about 10 minutes and peel them.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the broccoli, crispy bacon, diced avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, and red onion. Chop the hard-boiled eggs into small pieces and add them to the mix.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together your dressing ingredients. It’s usually a simple combo of mayo, a little bit of mustard or vinegar for tang, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend it!
Step 5: Enjoy!
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the delicious crunch, creaminess, and savory goodness in every bite!
How to Serve Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad
This salad can be the star of the show or an amazing side dish. Here are a few ways to serve it up:
- As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats, like chicken, steak, or burgers. It’s a perfect complement to any main course.
- As a Main Dish: Add some grilled chicken or roasted turkey to turn this salad into a complete meal.
- On its Own: Honestly, this salad is so satisfying that it could easily be a meal in itself. Enjoy it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a perfect lunch or dinner!
Additional Tips
A few tips to take your Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad to the next level:
- Make it Ahead: This salad keeps well in the fridge for a day or two, so feel free to make it ahead of time and let the flavors develop.
- Mix it Up: Try adding other veggies like carrots or bell peppers if you like extra crunch. Or add some dried cranberries for a sweet twist.
- Dressing Variations: Want a lighter dressing? You can swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy option that’s a bit lighter.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A1: Yes! Feel free to use any cheese you like. Feta or goat cheese would add a great tangy twist.
Q2: Can I make this salad without bacon?
A2: Of course! You can skip the bacon if you want to make it vegetarian or try using crispy chickpeas for a crunchy, savory alternative.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The broccoli may soften a bit, but it will still taste delicious!
Q4: Can I freeze this salad?
A4: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the texture of the broccoli and avocado may change once frozen. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Q5: What other toppings can I add?
A5: You can top it with some crunchy nuts like walnuts or almonds, or add fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad is everything you want in a dish—fresh, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or just treat yourself to a delicious and healthy meal, this salad has got your back. It’s easy to make, easy to love, and perfect for just about any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it, and when you do, I know it’s going to become one of your new favorites! Enjoy!
Print
Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for the candied pecans)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4–6 people (depending on portion size) 1x
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-cook, Toss, Stovetop (for pecans)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This fresh and flavorful broccoli salad is packed with crisp apples, creamy cheddar, and candied pecans, all tossed in a maple poppy seed dressing. Perfect for any season!
Ingredients
-
For the Salad
-
2 small heads broccoli, chopped
-
3 hardboiled eggs, chopped
-
1/3 cup craisins (or dried cherries)
-
1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, chopped
-
1 apple, chopped
-
6 slices salami, chopped
-
2 tablespoons pepitas
For the Dressing
-
1/3 cup mayonnaise
-
1/4 cup milk
-
2 tablespoons maple syrup (Grade A)
-
Pinch of cinnamon
-
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
-
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
For the Candied Pecans
-
1 cup pecans
-
1 tablespoon butter
-
1 tablespoon brown sugar
-
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
-
Instructions
-
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds. Set aside. -
Candy the Pecans:
Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Toast the pecans for 1 minute, then add butter, stirring until melted.
Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon until the pecans are coated.
Transfer to parchment paper and let cool completely. -
Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, eggs, craisins, cheese, apple, and candied pecans.
Pour in the maple poppy seed dressing and toss gently.
Add salami and pepitas, then toss again to coat.
Notes
-
The salad can be made ahead of time, but it’s best to add the candied pecans and dressing just before serving to keep them crisp.
-
For a vegetarian version, substitute the salami with roasted chickpeas or more cheese.
-
You can also swap the apple for a pear for a different twist!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the salad
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg