Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad A MUSTTRY Recipe

This easy broccoli bacon salad recipe is a guaranteed hit at any potluck, barbecue, or weeknight dinner. Crisp broccoli florets, salty bacon, sweet cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a creamy, tangy dressing combine to create a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. Seriously, I’ve brought this to countless gatherings, and it’s always the first thing to disappear.

What makes this salad so special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy. The broccoli provides a healthy dose of veggies, while the bacon adds a delicious salty kick. The cranberries offer a burst of sweetness and the sunflower seeds provide a satisfying crunch. And the dressing? Oh, the dressing! It’s creamy, tangy, and perfectly complements all the other ingredients.

I’ve been making this salad for over 15 years, tweaking and perfecting the recipe along the way. I even had one disastrous attempt where I used regular mayonnaise instead of the light version and it was way too heavy and greasy. Lesson learned! This version is the absolute best, trust me. It’s also incredibly easy to customize to your liking – swap out the cranberries for raisins, use pecans instead of sunflower seeds, or add a sprinkle of shredded cheese. The possibilities are endless!

Recently, I’ve noticed broccoli salad recipes popping up all over TikTok and Instagram. It seems like everyone is rediscovering this classic dish! And with summer barbecues just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to whip up a batch of this crowd-pleasing salad. Perfect for busy parents and anyone looking for a simple, delicious side dish. My target audience is anyone looking for potluck ideas or a way to increase their veggie intake while enjoying a delicious dish.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Bacon Salad

This salad isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly convenient and versatile. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Easy to Make: It only takes about 20 minutes to prepare.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves the combination of flavors and textures.
• Versatile: It’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, picnics, or as a side dish for dinner.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it a day or two in advance, making it perfect for busy schedules.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to your liking.

The Secret to the Best Broccoli Bacon Salad

The key to a truly amazing broccoli bacon salad lies in a few simple but important details:

Perfectly Cooked Bacon

Crispy bacon is essential! I prefer baking my bacon in the oven for even cooking and less mess. I tested frying, microwaving and oven baking bacon to see which worked best for this recipe, and oven baking allows the bacon to cook evenly without burning, which results in perfectly crisp bacon.

Blanched Broccoli (Optional)

Some people prefer raw broccoli, but I find that a quick blanching softens it slightly and makes it easier to digest. I blanch the broccoli in boiling water for only about 2 minutes, then immediately plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking process. This keeps it crisp-tender and vibrant green. I tried testing the recipe with raw broccoli, but found that the texture was too tough for the other ingredients and I kept getting pieces stuck in my teeth. Blanching it is key!

Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients

Use the freshest broccoli, bacon, and cranberries you can find. The better the ingredients, the better the salad will taste. I like to buy my broccoli from the farmers market whenever possible.

A little science here: Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. Bacon, while not a health food, adds a delicious salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad. Everything in moderation, right?

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
• 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect broccoli bacon salad:

1. Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy. I recommend baking it at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, let it cool slightly and then crumble it into small pieces.
2. Prepare the Broccoli: If you prefer blanched broccoli, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes. Immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well. If you prefer raw broccoli, simply wash and cut it into small florets.
3. Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon, cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
5. Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well to combine.
6. Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy!

Expert Tips for the Best Broccoli Bacon Salad

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

• Don’t Overcook the Bacon: Crispy bacon is key! Be sure to cook it until it’s nice and crunchy.
• Use Light Mayonnaise: Regular mayonnaise can make the salad too heavy. Light mayonnaise provides the perfect amount of creaminess without being overly rich.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of sugar or honey.
• Add Some Crunch: Toasted pecans or almonds add a delicious nutty crunch to the salad.
• Make it a Meal: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.

Variations and Substitutions

This broccoli bacon salad is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for variations and substitutions:

• Swap the Cranberries: Use raisins, dried cherries, or chopped dates instead of cranberries.
• Change the Nuts: Try pecans, walnuts, or almonds instead of sunflower seeds.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle in some shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled feta cheese.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and add some crumbled tofu or tempeh bacon.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
• Use Different Vinegar: Try white wine vinegar or lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover broccoli bacon salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly softer as it sits, but it will still taste delicious. Note that the bacon may lose some of its crispness over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make this salad ahead of time! In fact, I recommend making it at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. You can even make it a day or two in advance. Just keep in mind that the broccoli may become slightly softer as it sits.

Can I freeze broccoli bacon salad?

I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and become watery when thawed, and the broccoli will lose its crispness. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh.

Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of light mayonnaise?

Yes, you can use regular mayonnaise, but the salad will be richer and heavier. I prefer light mayonnaise because it provides the perfect amount of creaminess without being too overpowering.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?

Yes, you can use turkey bacon. Just be sure to cook it until it’s crispy.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free bacon. Be sure to check the label of your bacon to ensure that it doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I add onions to this salad?

Yes, you can add chopped red onion or green onions to this salad for extra flavor. Start with a small amount, about 1/4 cup, and add more to taste.

What can I serve this salad with?

This salad is a perfect side dish for grilled chicken, burgers, sandwiches, or potlucks. It’s also great on its own as a light lunch.

Get Ready to Enjoy!

This easy broccoli bacon salad recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors, it’s the perfect side dish for any occasion. I’ve personally made this countless times and always get requests for the recipe! So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious salad. Don’t forget to snap a picture of your creation and share it with me! And if you’re looking for other great side dish ideas, check out my classic potato salad recipe. Happy cooking!

Print