Broccoli Bacon Salad

Broccoli Bacon Salad is a crisp, creamy, and flavor-packed side dish that combines fresh broccoli florets, smoky bacon, and a tangy-sweet dressing. It’s a classic potluck and picnic favorite that balances crunchy veggies with rich, savory, and slightly sweet notes. Quick to make and even better the next day, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crunchy, creamy, and full of bold flavor
• Easy to make ahead—perfect for meal prep
• Great for barbecues, picnics, holidays, and potlucks
• Balanced with sweet, salty, and tangy notes
• Customizable with simple pantry ingredients

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh broccoli florets (chopped small)
• Cooked bacon (crispy and crumbled)
• Red onion (finely diced)
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sunflower seeds or chopped nuts (optional for crunch)
• Dried cranberries or raisins (for sweetness)

For the dressing:

• Mayonnaise
• Apple cider vinegar
• Sugar or honey
• Salt and black pepper

directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, crumbled bacon, red onion, shredded cheddar, and dried cranberries.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss well to coat evenly.
4. Stir in sunflower seeds or nuts if using.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Toss again just before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour (optional but recommended)
Total time: 15–75 minutes

Variations

• Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayo for the dressing.
• Keto-Friendly: Omit dried fruit and reduce sugar; add more cheese or nuts.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan mayo and plant-based bacon alternatives.
• Extra Veggies: Add shredded carrots, chopped cauliflower, or bell peppers.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the dressing.

storage/reheating

Store leftover broccoli bacon salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
It’s not suitable for freezing as the veggies will lose their texture.
No reheating is needed—serve chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Do I need to cook the broccoli?

No, the broccoli is used raw for a crisp texture. You can blanch it briefly if you prefer a softer bite.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Absolutely—just make sure it’s cooked crispy for the best texture.

What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but you can use mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even feta.

Can I use a different vinegar?

Yes, white wine vinegar or lemon juice can be used in place of apple cider vinegar.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients (especially bacon) are gluten-free.

How do I make it less sweet?

Reduce or omit the sugar in the dressing and skip the dried fruit.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh is best, but if using frozen, thaw and pat dry very well before using to avoid a watery salad.

What other nuts or seeds can I add?

Try chopped almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and flavor.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, burgers, sandwiches, or as part of a holiday spread.

Conclusion

Broccoli Bacon Salad is a quick, tasty, and refreshing side that hits all the right notes—crunchy, creamy, salty, and slightly sweet. It’s perfect for any occasion, from backyard BBQs to weeknight dinners, and it’s easy to prep in advance. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular recipe rotation all year round.

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