Best Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe

Hey there, fellow foodies! Today, I’m super excited to share with you my absolute favorite broccoli salad recipe. It’s packed with crispy bacon, tangy dressing, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re heading to a picnic, a potluck, or just want a fresh side dish for dinner, this broccoli bacon salad is sure to be a hit. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be ready in about 30 minutes. Let’s dive in and make some deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor—it’s a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
• Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick family dinners or weeknight meals.
• It’s versatile! Serve it as a side dish, add it to your meal prep, or bring it to your next gathering.
• The dressing is homemade but still easy, with a delightful tang from lemon zest and juice.
• It’s a great way to enjoy broccoli in a whole new way—if you’re not a huge fan of plain broccoli, this will convert you!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering broccoli salad:

• 10-11 strips of bacon (cooked and chopped)
• 2 heads of broccoli (about 1 and 1/2 pounds or 5-6 cups of florets)
• 1 cup of dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup of roasted and salted sunflower seeds
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup of chopped red onion (or more to taste)
• 1 and 1/4 cups of Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
• 1 lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 1 and 1/4 teaspoons of kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of dry mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

A full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through how to make this delicious broccoli salad step by step:

1. Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking 10-11 slices of bacon to your desired crispiness. I recommend baking it in the oven—it’s so much easier and less messy. Once cooked, let it cool on paper towels, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/4 cups of Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Don’t be shy with the cayenne—it adds flavor without the heat!
3. Prep the Broccoli: Chop your broccoli into small florets. I like to include the stems too, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer. Add all the broccoli to the bowl with the dressing.
4. Add the Mix-Ins: Toss in the dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped red onion. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Stir in the Bacon: Add most of the bacon to the salad and give it a good stir. Reserve a little bacon to sprinkle on top for that extra crunch and visual appeal.
6. Chill or Serve: This salad can be served room temperature or chilled. If you refrigerate it, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to take your broccoli salad to the next level:

• Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
• Customize It: Feel free to tweak the ingredients to your liking. Want more crunch? Add some chopped nuts or extra sunflower seeds. Prefer it sweeter? Add a bit more sugar or some honey to taste.
• Don’t Overdress: The dressing is creamy and flavorful, but be careful not to overdress the salad. You want everything to be coated but not soggy.
• Texture Matters: Keep the broccoli florets small and bite-sized for the best texture. No one wants a mouthful of giant broccoli pieces!

How to Serve

This broccoli salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are a few ideas for how to serve it:

• Picnic Perfect: It’s a great addition to any picnic spread. Pair it with some grilled meats or sandwiches for a complete meal.
• Potluck Star: Bring it to your next potluck and watch it disappear. It’s easy to transport and serves a crowd.
• Side Dish: Serve it alongside your favorite main dishes, like roasted chicken or fish. It’s also a fantastic side for Asian Cucumber Salad or Creamy Cucumber Salad.
• Meal Prep: Add it to your meal prep lineup for a quick and healthy lunch option throughout the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this broccoli salad is that it keeps well in the fridge. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Refresh: If the salad seems a bit soggy after a few days, give it a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to perk it up.
• Freeze: While I don’t recommend freezing the entire salad, you can freeze just the broccoli florets ahead of time. Simply thaw and pat dry before using.

And there you have it, folks! A simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing broccoli salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner idea or a dish to bring to your next gathering, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!