When Dolly Parton released her Good Lookin’ Cookin’ cookbook in 2024, fans anticipated classic country comfort foods with Dolly’s signature charm. What they didn’t expect? A broccoli salad so deliciously addictive it’s already gone viral—and for good reason. This sweet-and-salty sensation, which Dolly and her sister Rachel swear will “steal the show” at any picnic or potluck, takes just 15 minutes to make and is quickly becoming a must-have recipe from Nashville to New York.

 

A Salad with Stardom Backing

“Salads are always good. I’m big on them, especially in the summer,” Dolly writes in her cookbook. “My husband, Carl, likes salads year-round, and I can do a good salad whether it’s using all sorts of vegetables or just one. There’s nothing better than a summer garden salad, and this is a great one.”

Her broccoli salad mixes crisp florets with sharp onion, crunchy pecans, sweet raisins, and smoky bacon—all bound by a creamy, tangy dressing. This twist on a humble garden salad has captivated food lovers everywhere with its perfect balance of flavors and textures.

What’s in the Bowl

Dressing (enough for an 8-cup salad):

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp cider vinegar
3 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Salad:

8 cups broccoli florets (about one large head), chopped
1 medium sweet onion, diced
½ cup raisins
½ cup coarsely chopped raw pecans
6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped

Quick Method

    Whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
    Toss broccoli, onion, raisins, pecans, and bacon in a large bowl.
    Drizzle half the dressing over the salad, mix, then add the rest and toss again.
    Serve immediately or chill up to 24 hours—both ways keep the salad crunchy and flavorful.

Critics and Fans Can’t Get Enough

Food site EatingWell praised Dolly’s talent for turning simple ingredients into showstoppers. One enthusiastic fan review in the Express captured the appeal perfectly: “If you like sweet and savory, then this salad is for you! It’s crunchy and sweet from the dressing and raisins, but has some nice salty hits from the bacon. It would be a great salad to serve with smoked pork.”

Adriana Chavez of SimplyRecipes called it “fresh, tangy, and sweet,” dubbing it her “new favorite” side dish—a glowing endorsement from a seasoned food writer.

Why It Works

By combining unexpected elements—broccoli for substance, raisins for bursts of sweetness, and bacon for savory umami—Dolly has created a salad that satisfies every craving. It’s a delicious embodiment of her cooking philosophy: keep it fun, effortless, and above all, tasty.

So next time you’re looking for a quick crowd-pleaser, take a page from Dolly’s cookbook. Fifteen minutes is all it takes to transform ordinary broccoli into a chart-topping hit.