This Broccoli And Bacon Salad Recipe is a simple side with crisp broccoli, cheese, bacon, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing.
author’s note
Sweet, Tangy, Crunchy Broccoli Salad You’ll Crave All Year!
I’ve always been a sucker for potluck salads, especially the broccoli and macaroni salads that show up at every summer cookout. If either one is on the table, I will find space on my plate. After years of bringing different versions of broccoli salad to gatherings, I finally landed on this one, and I haven’t looked back.
The dressing is the secret here. A lot of classic recipes use mayo and sugar, but I wanted something lighter, tangier, and more interesting. So I swapped the sugar for honey and added red wine vinegar, lemon juice, sour cream, and a touch of mustard. The result is a balanced, creamy dressing that makes you crave broccoli salad all year long.
The first time I served this at a neighborhood barbecue, the bowl was scraped clean in minutes and everyone asked for the recipe. That’s always how I know I’ve got a keeper.
Broccoli And Bacon Salad Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Helpful Notes or Swaps |
|---|---|
| Broccoli | Use fresh florets only. No need to cook them. If raw broccoli feels too firm, try a quick blanch then dry well. |
| Sharp Cheddar cheese | Mild cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or feta also work. |
| Dried cranberries | Raisins work great. |
| Bacon | Bake a big batch for straightforward prep or use real bacon crumbles. For vegetarian, leave it out. |
| Sunflower seeds | Use dry roasted, salted seeds. Pepitas also work. |
| Red onion | Soak in salted ice water for 10 mins if you want a milder flavor. |
| Dressing | Adjust honey or vinegar to taste. Add extra lemon for more brightness. |
How To Make This Broccoli And Bacon Salad Recipe
- Broccoli: Cut fresh broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble or chop.
- Salad: Combine broccoli, cheese, cranberries, onion, bacon, and seeds in a bowl.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
- Dress Salad: Toss the dressing with the salad ingredients. Cover and chill.
Featured Comment
“It was a very simple recipes to make. It didn’t take long to do and everyone loved it. Thank you”
– Alex
Tips For Success
- Choose Fresh Broccoli: Look for green, firm stalks with tight florets and a fresh smell. Avoid yellow, loose, or slimy pieces.
- Evenly Sized Pieces: Cut broccoli into similar, bite-sized pieces for better texture.
- Balance Flavors: Taste the dressing and adjust sweetness or seasoning—add honey if too tangy or vinegar if it needs more bite.
- Serve Chilled: Chill for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors.
Storage
Prep the broccoli and bacon salad recipe components and dressing up to a day in advance. Store everything separately then combine the day of.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Once dressed, the salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but it’s best eaten the same day.
More satisfying Potluck Salads
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Mexican Pasta Salad
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Macaroni Coleslaw Salad
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Ranch Potato Salad
Fruit Salads
Watergate Salad Recipe
Variations
- Vegetarian Broccoli Salad Recipe: Skip the bacon.
- Fruit and Nuts: Add apples, grapes, or pears with walnuts or pecans.
- Add Protein: Mix in grilled chicken, steak, or chickpeas.
- Blanch Broccoli: Lightly boil if you prefer softer broccoli, then dry well.
