Sweet Tomatoes Joan’s Broccoli Madness Salad – Easy Copycat Recipe

By Stephanie Manley Published August 24, 2023, Last Updated July 18, 2025

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Few salads have achieved the legendary status of Sweet Tomatoes’ Joan’s Broccoli Madness Salad. This beloved cold salad proved that raw broccoli could be absolutely irresistible when paired with the right combination of flavors and textures. What made this salad truly special was the perfect balance of fresh, crisp broccoli florets with sweet raisins, salty cashews, smoky bacon bits, and sharp red onions, all brought together with a creamy, slightly sweet dressing.

Copycat Sweet Tomatoes Joan's broccoli madness salad in a serving bowl.

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Table of Contents

Why This Recipe Works

The genius of this salad lies in its contrast of textures and flavors. The raw broccoli provides a fresh, slightly bitter base that’s perfectly balanced by sweet raisins and rich cashews. The bacon adds a smoky, salty element that makes the salad feel indulgent, while the creamy dressing ties everything together. The key is using fresh, crisp broccoli cut into perfect bite-sized pieces that are easy to eat and don’t overwhelm the palate.

Remembering Sweet Tomatoes/Souplantation

Sweet Tomatoes (also known as Soup Plantation in some regions) was a beloved family restaurant chain renowned for its impressive salad bar, homemade soups, and fresh-baked bread. This Broccoli Madness Salad was one of their most popular offerings, always fresh and made in-house daily. Although the restaurant permanently closed in 2020, the chain is starting up operations in Arizona, so hopefully, it will return.

Joan’s Broccoli Madness Salad ingredients

This Sweet Tomatoes Joans Broccoli Madness Salad has these delicious ingredients.

For the Salad:

Fresh broccoli – Provides the nutritious base with a perfect crunch when cut into florets
Red onion – Adds a sharp bite and beautiful color contrast
Raisins – Contribute natural sweetness that balances the broccoli’s slight bitterness
Cashews – Provide rich, buttery crunch and healthy fats
Bacon – Creates a smoky, salty flavor that makes the salad irresistible

Copycat Sweet Tomatoes Joan's broccoli madness salad ingredient on a wood board.

For the Dressing:

Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base that coats all ingredients
Apple cider vinegar – Adds tangy acidity that brightens all flavors
Vegetable oil – Helps create smooth consistency and adds richness
Granulated sugar – Balances the acidity and enhances the raisins’ sweetness

How to make broccoli salad

Fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain and chop it into bits.
Combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil, and sugar in a small bowl.
Beat with a whisk until the sugar has dissolved.

Prepping ingredients for broccoli salad.

Place the broccoli, cashews, raisins, bacon bits, and red onion in a large bowl.
Pour the dressing into the bowl.

Adding dressing to broccoli salad ingredients in a bowl.

Fold in the ingredients until evenly coated with the salad dressing.
Refrigerate this tasty salad for at least 4 hours before serving.

Substitutions and variations

If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can leave it out. Replace it with some mixed greens and enjoy it as a side salad.
The cashews can be omitted if you have a nut allergy.
To make this salad vegetarian, substitute a vegan mayonnaise and omit the crispy bacon bits.
You can lighten up the salad by using low-fat Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Note that it will add a tangy flavor to the salad.
To make this salad low-carb and keto-friendly, substitute a suitable sugar substitute (such as Swerve) for the sugar, omit the raisins, and use pecans instead of cashews.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage: Store covered salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad actually improves after the first day, as flavors meld.
Reheating Method: This is a cold salad that doesn’t require reheating. Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh vegetables don’t freeze well.

Overhead view of copycat Sweet Tomatoes Joan's broccoli madness salad in a bowl.

More side salad recipes

This Broccoli Madness Salad is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. It’s especially great with chicken, beef, or fish. Here are a few similar recipes that are also delicious.

Love Broccoli? Try these recipes

And there’s more! Take a look at my copycat restaurant salad recipes and the best side dishes recipes.

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