Broccoli salad with bacon is a vibrant, flavorful, and crunchy dish that brings together a delightful mix of fresh vegetables, savory bacon, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect as a side dish for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, it’s a crowd-pleaser that balances health and indulgence in every bite.
This classic salad is easy to prepare, and it keeps well in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option. In this article, you’ll find a detailed recipe, helpful preparation tips, variations to try, and ideas for what to serve with this delicious broccoli salad.
1. Broccoli Salad Recipe With Bacon
Ingredients
For the Broccoli
- 8 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ⅓ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup bacon bits
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly and cutting it into small, bite-sized florets. You can also peel and chop the stems if you like a bit of extra crunch. Blanching the broccoli is optional, but it can soften the texture slightly while preserving its bright green color. To blanch, boil for 1 minute, then plunge into ice water and drain well.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli, diced red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits. Toss everything together gently to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the vinegar or sugar depending on how tangy or sweet you prefer the dressing.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Use a large spoon or spatula to toss the salad until all the ingredients are well coated in the dressing. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the broccoli florets.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad into an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Give the salad a quick stir before serving, and enjoy cold.
2. Tips for Perfect Broccoli Salad With Bacon
Use Fresh Broccoli: Choose firm, vibrant green broccoli heads with tight florets. Avoid any yellowing or limp stems, as they signal the vegetable is past its prime.
Crisp the Bacon: If using fresh bacon instead of pre-made bits, cook it until crispy for the best texture and flavor. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
Let It Marinate: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Overnight is even better for deeper flavor infusion.
Balance the Dressing: Taste the dressing before mixing it into the salad. Adjust the sugar or vinegar to suit your taste preferences without overpowering the freshness of the broccoli.
Dice Ingredients Evenly: Chopping the onions and other ingredients into uniform pieces helps ensure every bite is well-balanced and easy to eat.
3. Some Variations You Can Try
Cheddar Broccoli Bacon Salad
Add ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a richer, creamier texture. The cheese pairs deliciously with the tangy dressing and crunchy veggies.
Greek Yogurt Dressing
Replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that still delivers creaminess and tang.
Nutty Twist
Swap sunflower seeds for chopped almonds or walnuts to introduce a different kind of crunch and nutty flavor.
Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing to give the salad a gentle heat.
Vegetarian Version
Omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative to make the salad vegetarian without sacrificing the smoky flavor.
4. What to Eat With Broccoli Salad
Grilled Chicken
Juicy grilled chicken breasts or thighs make an excellent main dish to pair with this salad. The smoky flavor complements the bacon and balances the creamy dressing.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
This salad is a fantastic side dish for BBQ-style pulled pork sandwiches. The crisp broccoli and tangy dressing help cut through the richness of the meat.
Baked Salmon
Serve alongside a piece of oven-baked or grilled salmon for a healthy, well-rounded meal full of flavor and nutrients.
Steak or Burgers
Broccoli salad makes a refreshing and crunchy counterpoint to classic grilled meats like steak or burgers, especially during summer cookouts.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Pair with roasted sweet potato wedges or cubes for a satisfying and colorful vegetarian plate with contrasting textures and flavors.
Broccoli salad with bacon is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of textures and flavors that come together in a bright, creamy, and savory bowl. With its crunchy broccoli, chewy cranberries, salty bacon, and sweet-tangy dressing, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste.
Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal, a picnic, or a holiday spread, this broccoli salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on the perfect combination of healthy and indulgent.
