If you are on the hunt for a delightful and crowd-pleasing side dish, this Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the perfect balance of crisp broccoli, savory bacon, and sweet-tart cranberries, all wrapped up in a creamy, tangy dressing that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or enjoying it as a fresh accompaniment to your dinner, this salad combines vibrant flavors and textures that make it endlessly satisfying and fun to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but pack a punch in flavor and texture, making this Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe truly special. Each element plays a crucial role—from the crunchy broccoli florets to the smoky bacon, to the bright sweetness of dried cranberries, creating a perfect harmony in every bite.
- Bacon (10-11 strips): Cooked until crispy to add a smoky crunch that elevates the salad.
- Broccoli (2 heads, about 1.5 pounds): The fresh, crunchy base that brings vibrant green color and nutrition.
- Dried cranberries (1 cup): Adds a pop of sweetness and a chewy contrast.
- Roasted sunflower seeds (1/3 cup): Provides nutty flavor and extra crunch.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Contributes a creamy, tangy richness.
- Chopped red onion (1/3 cup): Offers a mild sharpness to balance the salad.
- Miracle Whip or mayonnaise (1 and 1/4 cups): Creates the creamy, luscious dressing that ties everything together.
- Lemon zest and juice: Adds brightness and a refreshing zing.
- White wine vinegar: Brings a subtle acidity to brighten the flavors.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
- Dry mustard and cayenne pepper (optional): Adds depth and a little heat to the dressing.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by preheating your oven and cooking the bacon strips until they’re perfectly crispy. This not only locks in a delicious smoky flavor but also ensures the bacon pieces add a satisfying crunch to the salad. Once cooked, let them cool before chopping the bacon into bite-sized pieces that will mix beautifully with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Miracle Whip or mayonnaise with fresh lemon zest and juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. This creamy dressing is the magic that binds the salad, balancing sweetness, tang, and a kick of spice in one silky blend.
Step 3: Chop the Broccoli
Trim the broccoli into small, uniform florets. Using smaller pieces lets the dressing coat everything evenly and makes the salad easier to eat. The fresh crunch of broccoli is the heart of this salad, so don’t skip this step!
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Add the chopped broccoli into the bowl with the dressing and gently toss to coat. Follow by stirring in the dried cranberries, roasted sunflower seeds, shredded cheddar cheese, most of the chopped bacon (saving some for garnish), and the chopped red onion. Mix just enough to combine so the salad remains light and crunchy.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Pop your salad into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling lets the flavors meld together and develops a refreshing, crisp texture that makes this Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of the remaining crispy bacon on top before serving adds that final pop of smoky flavor and a beautiful visual contrast. You might also add a few extra sunflower seeds or even some freshly chopped herbs like parsley for a touch of green and freshness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or even your favorite sandwich. Its bright and hearty nature makes it a perfect companion to grilled meats and summertime cookouts, adding a burst of freshness and crunch unlike any other side dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe in individual mason jars or colorful bowls to highlight the vibrant ingredients. You can also pile it high on a rustic wooden board surrounded by crackers or as a topping on baked potatoes for a unique twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad holds up well for 2 to 3 days, though the broccoli is best enjoyed fresh to retain its crispness. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing evenly.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the broccoli’s texture and the creamy dressing don’t freeze well. The fresh crunch and creaminess are key to this Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe’s appeal, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can let it sit out for a few minutes before serving, but reheating is not advised as it will compromise the texture and flavor balance.
FAQs
Can I use mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip in this Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe?
Absolutely! Mayonnaise works just as well and will give you a creamy dressing. Miracle Whip adds a slightly tangier flavor, but either is delicious—choose based on what you prefer or have on hand.
What can I substitute for dried cranberries?
If you don’t have cranberries, dried cherries or raisins make a great alternative. They provide a similar sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory bacon and sharp cheddar.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon and perhaps add toasted nuts like almonds or extra sunflower seeds for a satisfying crunch. Using smoked paprika in the dressing can help recreate some of that smoky flavor.
Can I prepare this salad a day in advance?
Definitely! Making it a day ahead allows the flavors to develop wonderfully. Just keep it covered in the fridge and give it a gentle toss before serving.
How can I keep the broccoli from getting soggy?
Chop the broccoli into small florets and be sure to dry it thoroughly after washing. Also, toss the salad gently and refrigerate as soon as you’re done to maintain that signature crispness in this Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about this Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe—the perfect harmony of textures, flavors, and freshness wrapped up in a creamy dressing. It’s always a hit wherever it goes and honestly, it’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving repeatedly. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with this salad just like I have!
Print
Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A crunchy and flavorful broccoli salad featuring crispy bacon, dried cranberries, roasted sunflower seeds, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy, creamy dressing made with Miracle Whip and lemon. This easy no-cook recipe is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 10–11 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 heads broccoli (about 1.5 pounds), chopped into small florets
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup roasted sunflower seeds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
Dressing
- 1 1/4 cups Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Preheat the oven and cook the bacon strips on a baking sheet until they become crispy. Once cooked, allow them to cool before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together Miracle Whip or mayonnaise with lemon zest, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Prep the broccoli: Chop the broccoli heads into small florets and add them directly to the bowl with the dressing.
- Add mix-ins: Stir in the dried cranberries, roasted sunflower seeds, shredded cheddar cheese, and most of the chopped bacon, reserving some bacon pieces for garnish.
- Combine and chill: Gently mix all ingredients until evenly combined. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise for Miracle Whip if preferred.
- For a nuttier flavor, try toasting the sunflower seeds further before adding.
- Make sure to chop the broccoli into small florets to ensure easy eating and even dressing coverage.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for 2-3 days but is best served fresh.
- Feel free to add chopped red onion for extra bite if desired.
