Crispy, crunchy, and utterly addictive, Bang Bang Broccoli Salad is the side dish you didn’t know you needed. This vibrant salad transforms ordinary broccoli into a crave-worthy bite with the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory notes. Tossed with a bold, tangy bang bang sauce and finished with a crispy topping, it offers a flavor-packed punch that elevates any dinner table or meal prep plan.

Whether you’re serving it as a snack, side, or even a main on Meatless Mondays, this broccoli dish will win over even the staunchest veggie skeptics. Plus, it’s a quick, oven-free recipe ideal for busy nights or warm-weather meals. Get ready for a salad that steals the spotlight every time it hits the table.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this Bang Bang Broccoli Salad come out as crispy and flavorful as possible, here are the tools you need and why they matter:

Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a spacious bowl to toss the broccoli florets with sauce evenly, ensuring every bite is coated.
Steamer or Pot with Steamer Basket: Lightly steaming the broccoli helps it stay vibrant and tender without losing its crunch. This step is essential for texture.
Baking Sheet (if roasting): While this salad can be made without the oven, roasting is a great alternative for added crispiness. A parchment-lined baking sheet ensures easy cleanup.

Small Whisk or Fork: To blend the bang bang sauce ingredients into a smooth and cohesive dressing.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key with the bold flavors in this recipe. Having your measurements spot-on ensures the right sauce-to-broccoli ratio.
Serving Platter or Bowl: Presentation matters! Use a wide, shallow bowl to display the salad beautifully, letting the sauce and crispy bits shine.

Ingredients for the Bang Bang Broccoli Salad

Every ingredient in this Bang Bang Broccoli Salad is purposeful, combining to deliver layers of flavor and texture that are both satisfying and bold:

Broccoli Florets: The star of the dish, fresh broccoli brings crunch and absorbs the bang bang sauce perfectly when slightly steamed or roasted.
Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base of the bang bang sauce, giving it body and richness.

Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness and tang that balances the heat, creating that iconic bang bang flavor.
Sriracha: Provides the spicy kick to the sauce—you can adjust it based on your heat tolerance.
Garlic Powder: Gives a warm, savory note to the sauce without overpowering.

Panko Breadcrumbs or Crispy Toppings: Toasted and sprinkled on top, they add irresistible crunch.
Olive Oil (optional): If roasting, a light drizzle helps crisp up the broccoli beautifully.
Salt & Pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning and balancing the final taste.

How To Make the Bang Bang Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli

Start by washing and cutting the broccoli into bite-sized florets. If you prefer a more tender bite, steam the broccoli lightly for about 3 minutes until vibrant and crisp-tender. For a roasted version, toss the florets in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast at 425°F for 15-18 minutes until slightly browned.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and garlic powder. Stir until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sriracha for more or less heat.

Step 3: Toss and Coat

Place the steamed or roasted broccoli in a large bowl. Pour the bang bang sauce over the top and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated. Let it sit for 5 minutes so the flavors can meld.

Step 4: Add the Crunch

Toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Sprinkle them over the salad just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter. Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled—it tastes fantastic either way!

How to Serve and Store Bang Bang Broccoli Salad

Bang Bang Broccoli Salad is as versatile as it is flavorful. Serve it fresh and warm as a stunning side for grilled meats or plant-based mains. It’s also fantastic chilled—making it ideal for meal prep, picnics, or potlucks. For a heartier meal, toss it with some cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or even chilled noodles.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crunch alive, store the toasted breadcrumbs separately and sprinkle them on just before eating. Avoid freezing, as the sauce and broccoli texture may change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of mayo?

You can substitute Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a lighter or dairy-free option. It may slightly alter the taste, but still gives a creamy texture.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prep the broccoli and sauce ahead, then toss them together when ready to serve. Just be sure to wait on the crunchy topping until the last minute.

How spicy is Bang Bang Broccoli?

It has a moderate kick thanks to the sriracha. You can easily adjust the heat by using more or less sriracha to suit your preference.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free panko or skip the crunchy topping altogether. Always double-check labels to be safe.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

You can, but fresh broccoli holds up better in texture and doesn’t release excess water. If using frozen, steam it briefly and pat dry thoroughly before adding sauce.

Want More Salad Ideas with a Bold Twist?

If you love the flavor-packed punch of this Bang Bang Broccoli Salad, check out these other deliciously daring dishes from Life With Olivia:

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a cozy, creamy bite.
Orange Dreamsicle Salad if you’re craving sweet and citrusy comfort.

Mexican Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet for veggie-packed southwest flavors.
Hearty Vegetarian Tortellini Soup when you’re in the mood for something comforting and meatless.
Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot as a flavor-rich main dish to pair with this salad.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can whip it up anytime you’re craving something zesty and veggie-packed.

Follow me on Pinterest here for more daily recipe inspo →

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you roast or steam your broccoli? Add extra sriracha? I’m always excited to see how you make these recipes your own. Questions welcome—let’s make dinner fun again!

Bang Bang Broccoli Salad

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A vibrant and bold twist on classic broccoli salad, this Bang Bang Broccoli Salad brings heat, crunch, and creamy goodness in every bite. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or meal prep star, it’s quick, oven-optional, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

1 large head broccoli, cut into florets

2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for roasting)

1/3 cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs (or other crunchy topping)

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Wash and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.

2. Steam the florets for 3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender, or roast at 425°F for 15–18 minutes after tossing with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and garlic powder until smooth.

4. Place the cooked broccoli in a large bowl and toss it with the bang bang sauce until evenly coated. Let sit for 5 minutes.

5. Toast panko in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden, then sprinkle over the salad before serving.

6. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.