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Creamy broccoli bacon salad in a large white bowl with fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries coated in creamy dressing, with a spoon lifting a chunky portion from the bowl.
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
Chill time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
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

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.