Broccoli Bacon Salad is a classic, crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or attending a potluck, this dish is always a hit. Combining crunchy broccoli, savory bacon, tangy dressing, and a delightful mix of dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and cheddar cheese, this recipe will become a go-to for your family gatherings. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy cooks who want to impress.
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Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Bacon Salad
This Broccoli Bacon Salad is not only delicious but also versatile, making it suitable for various occasions. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish for a BBQ or a savory salad to complement your Thanksgiving spread, this recipe has got you covered. The combination of fresh broccoli and crispy bacon, along with a creamy and tangy dressing, makes each bite irresistible. Plus, the addition of crunchy sunflower seeds and sweet dried cranberries offers texture and a burst of flavor in every forkful.
Ingredients for Broccoli Bacon Salad
This Broccoli Bacon Salad is made with simple ingredients that come together to create an explosion of flavors. Here are the key components:
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory crunch to balance the freshness of the broccoli.
- Broccoli: A healthy base that provides a satisfying crunch and a burst of color.
- Dried Cranberries: Introduces a touch of sweetness that complements the savory elements.
- Sunflower Seeds: Add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that enhances the overall salad.
- Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness of freshly grated cheddar adds richness and depth to the salad.
- Red Onion: Provides a bit of sharpness and bite, balancing out the sweetness of the cranberries.
Dressing Ingredients:
- Miracle Whip or Mayonnaise: For a creamy and tangy base.
- Lemon Zest & Lemon Juice: Add freshness and a hint of citrus to brighten the salad.
- White Wine Vinegar: Offers a mild acidity that enhances the flavor of the dressing.
- Sugar: Balances the tanginess with a slight sweetness.
- Seasonings: Kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper add complexity and a subtle kick to the dressing.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to modify the recipe based on dietary preferences or ingredients you have on hand, here are some great alternatives:
- Nuts instead of sunflower seeds: Swap sunflower seeds with toasted walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for a different crunchy element.
- Cranberries for raisins or cherries: If you’re not a fan of cranberries, you can use raisins, dried cherries, or even dried apricots for a different fruity flavor.
- Mayo instead of Miracle Whip: If you prefer a more traditional taste, you can replace Miracle Whip with mayonnaise. The flavor will be slightly different but equally creamy and delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Broccoli Bacon Salad
Making this Broccoli Bacon Salad is incredibly easy. Follow these simple steps:
- Cook the Bacon: Start by baking 10-11 strips of bacon in the oven for an easy, mess-free process. Once crispy, remove the bacon, place it on paper towels to drain, and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together Miracle Whip (or mayo), lemon zest, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Make sure all ingredients are well combined to form a smooth dressing.
- Chop the Broccoli: Wash and chop two heads of broccoli into small florets. Don’t forget to include the stems—they’re flavorful when chopped small and add extra texture to the salad.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: Add the chopped broccoli, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, cheddar cheese, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Add the Bacon: Add most of the bacon to the salad, leaving some aside to sprinkle on top for serving. Stir everything to combine.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving. If you prefer, you can also serve it at room temperature right after preparing.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Broccoli Bacon Salad
To get the most out of this delicious salad, here are a few helpful tips:
- Chop the broccoli into small florets: For a more balanced bite, chop the broccoli into small pieces, so you can enjoy the crunch with every forkful.
- Keep the bacon separate: If you’re preparing the salad ahead of time, store the bacon separately and add it just before serving. This will keep it crispy and prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Let it sit: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together. It tastes even better the next day!
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Broccoli Bacon Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Some of the best options include:
- Grilled Meats: This salad is the perfect side dish for BBQ smoked pulled pork, grilled flank steak, or even grilled chicken.
- Sauces and Dressings: You can serve it with a tangy BBQ sauce or a creamy ranch dressing for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, this salad naturally fits the bill as long as you make sure to check any packaged ingredients like bacon and dressing for gluten.
Why Broccoli Bacon Salad is the Ultimate Side Dish
Broccoli Bacon Salad isn’t just tasty—it’s also a great way to get more vegetables into your meals. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the broccoli, this salad is a healthy choice, especially when paired with the protein and healthy fats from the bacon and sunflower seeds. It’s also a versatile dish, perfect for any season, whether you’re enjoying it at a summer cookout or a winter holiday meal.
Enjoy this Broccoli Bacon Salad as a side dish at your next gathering, and watch it become a favorite!
Conclusion
Broccoli Bacon Salad is the perfect combination of flavors and textures, from the crunchiness of fresh broccoli to the savory bacon and tangy dressing. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s not only easy to make but also offers a healthy alternative to other heavy side dishes. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a holiday dinner, or preparing a simple weeknight meal, this salad fits every occasion and can easily be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Make sure to try it out—your guests (and family!) will rave about it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?
While fresh broccoli is ideal for its crisp texture, you can technically use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available. However, frozen broccoli tends to be softer and may not hold up as well in this salad. To keep the salad crunchy and fresh, it’s best to use fresh broccoli.
Can I make this Broccoli Bacon Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make this salad ahead of time! In fact, it’s often better after it has been refrigerated for a few hours, as the flavors have time to meld together. Just be sure to keep the bacon separate until right before serving to keep it crispy.
Is there a substitute for Miracle Whip in the dressing?
If you’re not a fan of Miracle Whip, you can substitute it with mayonnaise. The flavor will be slightly different—mayonnaise offers a richer, creamier taste—but it will still result in a delicious dressing. Alternatively, you could use Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.
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Broccoli Bacon Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Broccoli Bacon Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish. With a combination of fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, tangy dressing, and a mix of dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and cheddar cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether it’s for a BBQ, a potluck, or a family meal, this salad is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 10–11 strips bacon, cooked
- 2 heads broccoli (about 1.5 pounds or 5–6 cups)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds, roasted and salted
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1 and 1/4 cups Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
- 1 lemon zest
- 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
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Start by baking the bacon in the oven. Once crispy, set it on paper towels to cool, and then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the dressing by combining Miracle Whip (or mayo), lemon zest, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Chop the broccoli into small florets, including the stems if desired, and add to the bowl with the dressing.
- To the bowl, add the dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped red onion.
- Stir everything together, and then fold in most of the bacon, saving some to sprinkle on top when serving.
- Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving or serve it at room temperature.
Notes
- To keep the bacon crispy, store it separately and add it to the salad just before serving.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of Miracle Whip or mayonnaise.
- For a twist, try adding other nuts like toasted walnuts or pecans.
- This salad can be made a day ahead for better flavor, but make sure to add the bacon just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 615mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 32g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 48mg
