Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
Crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, and a creamy dressing come together in this classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a side dish for weeknight dinners, this salad is crunchy, flavorful, and slightly sweet. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and packed with textures and tastes that everyone will love. For another bright and flavorful side, check out my Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Broccoli Salad with Bacon is the perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, and slightly sweet flavors. Smoky bacon, fresh broccoli, and tangy dressing come together to create a side dish that’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday spreads. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
Knowing the nutrition behind your dish helps you enjoy it mindfully. This salad provides a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber while remaining a flavorful and satisfying addition to any meal.
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
Time Breakdown
Time management makes cooking stress-free. With only 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, this broccoli salad comes together quickly, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal and your guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
The right ingredients are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Fresh broccoli, smoky bacon, cheddar, and a tangy-sweet dressing combine to make this dish irresistible.
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1–2 tbsp honey or sugar (to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Condensed Grocery Checklist
A simplified grocery list ensures you have all the essentials on hand for easy, stress-free preparation. Check off each item to streamline your cooking process. Many of these ingredients are also perfect for making Broccoli Salad with Cheese, a cheesy twist on a classic favorite.
✔ Fresh broccoli florets
✔ Bacon
✔ Cheddar cheese
✔ Red onion
✔ Sunflower seeds (optional)
✔ Mayonnaise
✔ Apple cider vinegar
✔ Honey or sugar
✔ Salt & pepper
How to Make – Step by Step
Clear, step-by-step instructions make this recipe simple to follow. From crisping the bacon to tossing everything in a creamy dressing, each step ensures the salad comes out perfectly every time.
- Cook the Bacon: Fry bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble.
- Prepare Broccoli: Wash and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Optionally, blanch in boiling water for 1–2 minutes for a slightly softer texture.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Salad: In a large bowl, toss broccoli, bacon, cheddar, red onion, and sunflower seeds (if using) with the dressing until evenly coated.
- Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Flexibility keeps this recipe exciting. Whether you want to make it lighter, add more color, or introduce extra sweetness, these swaps and variations let you customize the salad to your taste.
- Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Swap bacon for turkey bacon for a lower-fat option.
- Add raisins or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
- Include chopped bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this broccoli salad as a side dish with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, sandwiches, or even as part of a potluck spread. It pairs well with any hearty main dish and adds a refreshing crunch to your meal. For a tropical drink pairing, try a refreshing Mango Margarita.
Storing Tips
Proper storage keeps your salad fresh and crisp. These tips show you how to maintain texture and flavor, whether you’re serving it immediately or preparing it ahead of time.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- Keep the dressing separate if you want to prevent the broccoli from getting soggy.
- Avoid freezing; fresh broccoli and dressing don’t maintain their texture when frozen.
Chef’s Special Tips
Little tricks from the kitchen make a big difference. From selecting the freshest broccoli to maximizing crunch and flavor, these tips ensure your salad is perfect every time.
- Use fresh, firm broccoli for the best texture.
- Make the salad a few hours ahead to let the flavors blend, but avoid making it too early to prevent sogginess.
- Toast sunflower seeds lightly for added crunch and nuttiness.
Conclusion
Crunchy, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this Broccoli Salad with Bacon is the perfect side dish for any occasion—from casual weeknight dinners to festive holiday gatherings. The smoky bacon, fresh broccoli, tangy dressing, and optional sweet accents create a balanced and irresistible combination that everyone will love. Easy to prepare, visually appealing, and endlessly versatile, this salad is a must-have for your recipe collection. Serve it chilled, watch it disappear, and enjoy the compliments.