Broccoli Bacon Salad

This Broccoli Bacon Salad is one of those classic summer side dishes that always shows up at backyard cookouts, church potlucks, family reunions, and picnic tables all season long. Crisp fresh broccoli is tossed with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and a creamy sweet dressing that perfectly balances savory and fresh flavors.

Cold, crunchy, creamy, and full of texture, this easy broccoli salad is simple to make ahead and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, barbecue chicken, and summer sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy make-ahead side dish
• Perfect for BBQs and summer gatherings
• Crisp, creamy, and flavorful
• Loaded with bacon and cheddar cheese
• Budget-friendly recipe
• Great for potlucks and picnics
• Simple ingredients with big flavor

What to Serve with Broccoli Salad

This broccoli bacon salad pairs perfectly with:

• BBQ chicken drumsticks
• Cheeseburgers
• Pulled pork sandwiches
• Hot dogs
• Baked beans
• Pasta salad
• Corn on the cob
• Grilled chicken

Optional Variations

Healthier Version

Replace part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.

Extra Crunchy Version

Add chopped pecans or almonds.

Sweet & Savory Version

Add diced apples or extra dried cranberries.

Ranch Broccoli Salad

Mix ranch seasoning into the dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make broccoli salad ahead of time?

Yes. This salad is excellent made ahead because the flavors improve after chilling.

How long does broccoli salad last?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli works best for texture and crunch.

Should broccoli salad be served cold?

Yes. This salad is best served chilled.

Jana Rae

Broccoli Bacon Salad

Broccoli Bacon Salad is a creamy cold summer side dish loaded with crisp broccoli, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a sweet homemade dressing. Perfect for Memorial Day cookouts, BBQs, picnics, and potlucks.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Chill time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 10

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 340

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 large heads broccoli chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 12 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded or cubed
• 1/2 red onion finely diced
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional:

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Method

 

1. Wash and dry broccoli thoroughly.
2. Cut broccoli into small bite-sized pieces and place into a large mixing bowl.
3. Cook bacon until crispy. Place onto paper towels to drain and crumble once cooled.
4. Add bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries or raisins to the bowl with broccoli.
5. In a separate bowl whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
6. Pour dressing over broccoli mixture.
7. Stir until evenly coated.
8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
9. Stir again before serving.

Notes

Cut the broccoli into small pieces so the salad is easier to eat.

 

Allowing the salad to chill helps soften the broccoli slightly while blending the flavors.

 

For extra crispy bacon, cook bacon in the oven.

 

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

 

This salad tastes even better after several hours of chilling.

There is something about a big bowl of cold broccoli salad sitting beside barbecue food on a warm summer afternoon that simply feels nostalgic.

The crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, creamy dressing, and little bits of sweetness all come together into one of those simple side dishes people quietly keep scooping onto their plates.

These are the kinds of recipes that make summer gatherings feel like home.

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