Description
This Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad is a crunchy, creamy, and flavorful side dish loaded with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a sweet-tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, picnics, and holiday gatherings, it’s always a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
For the Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Wash and chop the broccoli into small florets. Cook and crumble the bacon.
- Mix salad: In a large bowl, combine broccoli, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
- Make dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve: Stir gently before serving and garnish with extra bacon or sunflower seeds if desired.
Notes
For extra crunch, add chopped almonds or pecans. The salad can be prepared up to a day ahead and actually tastes even better after chilling. Blanch the broccoli briefly if you prefer a slightly softer texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: broccoli bacon salad, broccoli salad recipe, easy side dish, potluck salad, summer salad