I’ve always been a fan of dishes that pack a punch of flavor without much fuss, and that’s exactly what drew me to Broccoli Salad with Bacon the first time I tried it at a family picnic. Picture this: crisp broccoli florets mingling with smoky, crispy bacon bits in a creamy dressing that’s tangy and just a touch sweet—it’s the kind of side that steals the show every time. In my experience, this Broccoli Salad with Bacon turns skeptics into fans, especially those who think salads are boring. If you’re looking for an easy way to get more veggies on the table, this recipe is a game-changer, and I’m excited to share how I make it at home.
What I love most about preparing Broccoli Salad with Bacon is how it comes together in under 30 minutes, yet tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. It’s versatile too—perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or even as a light lunch. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t crave that irresistible combo of crunchy and creamy? Dive into this homemade Broccoli Salad with Bacon, and you’ll see why it’s become a staple in my recipe rotation. For more crowd-pleasing sides, check out our best moist banana bread recipe or the best recipe for apple pie.
Key Takeaways:
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a nutrient-packed side that’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- No cooking required beyond the bacon, saving you time and cleanup in the kitchen.
- The smoky bacon and tangy dressing create a flavor explosion that balances the fresh broccoli perfectly.
- Chill it for at least an hour to let the flavors meld for the best taste.
- Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days—great for meal prep.
Why You’ll Adore This Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Health Boost in Every Bite: This salad sneaks in plenty of veggies without feeling forced, and the bacon adds just enough indulgence to keep it exciting. I find that the broccoli provides fiber and vitamins that make you feel good about eating it. You’ll love how it fits into a balanced meal effortlessly.
Quick and Effortless Prep: Forget complicated recipes; this comes together with minimal chopping and mixing. In my kitchen, it’s a go-to when I’m short on time but want something impressive. The best part? It tastes even better after chilling, so you can make it ahead.
Irresistible Crunch and Creaminess: The contrast of textures in Broccoli Salad with Bacon is what keeps me coming back—the crisp broccoli against the creamy dressing is pure magic. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and utterly addictive. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch it disappear.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer cookout or a holiday spread, this salad adapts beautifully. I’ve paired it with everything from grilled meats to sandwiches, and it always shines. Here’s the thing: it’s customizable, so you can tweak it to your taste.
Essential Ingredients for Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Fresh Broccoli Florets: Opt for bright green, firm broccoli to ensure that signature crunch in your Broccoli Salad with Bacon. It forms the hearty base, absorbing the dressing while keeping its texture intact. In my experience, blanching it lightly makes it even more tender without sogginess. This veggie powerhouse adds vitamins and fiber to every forkful.
Crispy Bacon: Thick-cut bacon gives the best smoky flavor and bite—cook it until it’s golden and crumbly. It elevates the Broccoli Salad with Bacon from good to unforgettable with its salty richness. I always save a bit extra for snacking while prepping. Without it, the salad just wouldn’t be the same.
Creamy Mayonnaise Dressing: A mix of mayo, vinegar, and sugar creates that classic tangy-sweet coating for Broccoli Salad with Bacon. It ties all the elements together, balancing the freshness of the veggies with indulgence. Use full-fat for creaminess, or light for a guilt-free twist. This is the secret to the salad’s addictive quality.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Prep the Bacon and Broccoli
Start by cooking your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy, about 8-10 minutes—this infuses your Broccoli Salad with Bacon with that irresistible smokiness. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces once cooled. Meanwhile, chop the broccoli into small florets, discarding tough stems for the best texture. Rinse and dry them thoroughly; in my experience, this step prevents a watery salad. Toss in some diced red onion and sunflower seeds for extra crunch, setting the stage for a flavorful mix.
Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tang to your liking—I’ve found a little extra vinegar brightens it up. This creamy blend is what makes Broccoli Salad with Bacon so memorable, coating everything just right. Let it sit for a minute while you finish prepping; the flavors deepen quickly.
Assemble and Chill
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently to coat evenly, ensuring every piece gets some love. Fold in the chopped bacon last to keep it crisp in your Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—overnight is even better for flavor absorption. For a fun twist, I’ve sometimes added dried cranberries here. Serve chilled, and enjoy the compliments rolling in. If you’re into hearty sides, try our oatmeal chocolate chip cookies recipe as a sweet pairing.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
Broccoli Salad with Bacon Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy, crumble, and set aside.
- Chop broccoli into florets and dice red onion.
- Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper for dressing.
- Toss broccoli, onion, sunflower seeds, and bacon with dressing.
- Chill for 1 hour or more before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Blanch for Tenderness: Quickly blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1 minute, then ice bath it—this keeps it vibrant and slightly softer without losing crunch.
Bacon Crispiness: Bake the bacon at 400°F for even cooking; it renders fat better and stays crisp longer in the salad.
Dressing Consistency: If the dressing seems too thick, thin it with a splash of milk for easier coating on your Broccoli Salad with Bacon.
You Must Know
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon is best made with fresh, in-season broccoli for maximum crunch and flavor.
- The vinegar in the dressing helps preserve the salad’s freshness longer.
- Avoid overcooking the bacon to prevent it from becoming chewy in the mix.
- This recipe serves 6-8 as a side, perfect for gatherings.
How to Store Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Keep your Broccoli Salad with Bacon in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as they meld together. If reheating isn’t needed, just serve it straight from the fridge—it’s a cold salad at heart. For longer storage, freeze portions without the dressing to maintain texture.
Customizing Your Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Swap in cauliflower for a low-carb twist or add sharp cheddar cheese for extra savoriness in your Broccoli Salad with Bacon. For a vegan version, use coconut bacon and a tahini-based dressing. I’ve experimented with adding grapes for sweetness, which pairs surprisingly well. Check out our snickerdoodle cookies recipe for a sweet complement to fruity variations.
What to Serve with Broccoli Salad with Bacon
This salad shines alongside grilled chicken or burgers at a barbecue, adding a fresh contrast to smoky meats. Pair it with crusty bread and a light white wine for a simple dinner. For potlucks, it goes great with potato salad or coleslaw. Don’t forget iced tea or lemonade to balance the richness.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
Everyone needs a recipe for the best Broccoli Salad! This one is stuffed with bacon, cranberry, cheese, sunflower seeds, and tangy homemade dressing. It is easy to make and is a huge crowd pleaser. The perfect side dish to bring to your summer barbecue, or even to serve at Thanksgiving!
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 10-11 strips bacon (cooked)
- 02 2 heads broccoli (about 1 and 1/2 pounds or 5-6 cups)
- 03 1 cup dried cranberries
- 04 1/3 cup sunflower seeds (roasted and salted)
- 05 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 06 1/3 cup red onion (chopped or more to taste)
- 07 1 1/4 cups Miracle Whip OR mayonnaise
- 08 1 lemon zest
- 09 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 10 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 11 1/4 cup sugar
- 12 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 13 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 14 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 15 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
Start by making the bacon. I highly recommend baking it in the oven. So mush easier, and no splatter. However you want to do it, cook 10-11 slices of bacon to your desired level of crispness, then set aside on paper towels to cool. Once cool, chop into bite size pieces.
While the bacon cooks, mix together the ingredients for the dressing. In a large bowl add 1 and 1/4 cups Miracle Whip OR Mayonnaise, the zest from 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 and 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper. (the cayenne adds flavor but not heat. Don't be scared of it! Just careful 🙂 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together.
Add the ingredients for the salad to the bowl with the dressing. Start by chopping your broccoli using a chef's knife. I like really small florets, so you don't get any bites that are just giant broccoli. See photos. I also like to save the stems, chop them up, and add them into the salad, but you can leave them out if you prefer.
Add all the broccoli to the large bowl. Add 1 cup dried cranberries, 1/3 cup sunflower seeds, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and 1/3 cup chopped red onion. Add in most of the bacon, reserving some to sprinkle on top for serving.* (Actually, any of the ingredients besides broccoli would look pretty sprinkled on top right before serving.)
Stir it all together. This salad can be served room temperature or chilled. If you chill it first, let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes before serving.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge! This salad will keep for about 5 days.
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Can I make Broccoli Salad with Bacon ahead of time?
Absolutely, it’s ideal for prepping in advance—make it up to 24 hours ahead and store in the fridge. The chilling time enhances the flavors, making it taste even better. Just stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
How long does Broccoli Salad with Bacon last in the fridge?
It keeps well for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Beyond that, the broccoli might soften too much. Always check for freshness before eating.
Is Broccoli Salad with Bacon healthy?
Yes, it’s loaded with broccoli’s nutrients and fiber, plus protein from bacon. Opt for light mayo to cut calories without sacrificing taste. It’s a balanced side that feels indulgent yet nutritious.
Can I add cheese to Broccoli Salad with Bacon?
Definitely—shredded cheddar or feta adds a creamy, tangy element that pairs perfectly with the bacon in this Broccoli Salad with Bacon. About 1/2 cup works great without overwhelming the dish. Try it for a heartier version.
What’s the best bacon for this recipe?
Thick-cut or center-cut bacon gives the best texture and flavor. Avoid pre-cooked varieties, as they can get soggy when mixed in.
Can Broccoli Salad with Bacon be frozen?
It’s not ideal for freezing due to the creamy dressing separating, but the undressed veggies and bacon can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw and remix fresh dressing before serving your Broccoli Salad with Bacon.
How do I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for heat. This keeps the classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon vibe but with a kick.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, use a vegan mayo alternative and skip any cheese add-ins. The result is still delicious and true to the original flavors. For more ideas, see our Mexican hot chocolate cookies recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a simple dish like Broccoli Salad with Bacon that brings people together around the table with its fresh, bold flavors. I’ve shared this recipe with friends and family, and it never fails to impress—it’s that reliable crowd-pleaser we all need. Give it a try next time you’re hosting, and let me know how it turns out; you might just make it your new go-to. For another easy win, explore our fudgy chewy brookies recipe.