Broccoli Salad Recipe with Bacon

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This Broccoli Salad with Bacon is the ultimate make-ahead side dish that combines crunchy and creamy textures with sweet and savory flavors in every bite! It’s a potluck favorite for good reason, and once you try this version, it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Broccoli salad with bacon in a large bowl next to a plate of salad.

This Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a Crowd-Pleaser!

Broccoli salad with bacon has been a present at countless of our family gatherings, from summer barbecues to holiday tables and everything in between! There is something amazing about the way it makes raw broccoli actually irresistible, with the creamy dressing, crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and savory cheese. It all just comes together so nicely, creating a salad with a variety of flavors and texture!

Also, it’s substantial enough to serve as a light lunch on its own yet goes nicely with almost any main dish you can imagine. And unlike delicate green salads that wilt at the first sign of dressing, the hearty mixture actually improves as it sits, making it the ultimate make-ahead side for busy days or special occasions.

Nikki’s Recipe Rundown

Taste: Salty bacon, sweet cranberries, and tangy dressing create the perfect combination that’s completely addictive.
Texture: Crisp broccoli florets, crunchy sunflower seeds, and chewy cranberries make every bite interesting and packed with texture.
Ease: Chop, mix, and chill—it doesn’t get much simpler than that!
Pros: Make-ahead friendly, travels well to potlucks, and pairs with practically any main dish you can imagine.
Considerations: Needs at least an hour to chill for flavors to meld—but trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Broccoli Bacon Salad Ingredients

Labeled photo of the ingredients needed to make broccoli salad.

Broccoli: Use fresh, crisp broccoli cut into bite-sized florets. Pre-cut florets from the produce section save time, or about 3 heads of fresh broccoli will yield 8 cups.
Bacon: Cook until crispy for the best texture and flavor! The saltiness adds the perfect contrast to the sweet flavors.
Sunflower Kernels: Make sure to use roasted, salted kernels. They add the perfect, salty crunch!
Dried Cranberries: For a sweet flavor and chewy texture.
Red Onion: Adds a sharp bite that cuts through the richness!
Shredded Cheese: Thick-cut shreds offer the best texture and flavor. Sharp cheddar works wonderfully here.
Dressing: To make the broccoli salad dressing, just combine Duke’s mayonnaise (it’s the best!), white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), brown sugar, and salt & pepper!

How To Make Broccoli Salad

✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!

Step 1 | Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, and brown sugar.

Side by side photos of whisking together the broccoli salad dressing.

Step 2 | Prep the Salad

In a very large bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon, sunflower kernels, cranberries, onion, and cheese. Set aside.

Side by side photos of combining the broccoli salad ingredients in a large bowl.

Step 3 | Combine & Chill

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour. Toss again before serving.

Side by side photos of combining the broccoli and vegetables with the dressing in a bowl.

Recipe Tips

Cut broccoli into consistent, bite-sized pieces for easy eating. There is nothing worse than chewing on a huge piece of broccoli!
Soaking Onions in Water to Take the Bite Out of Them: Soak chopped onions in cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to draw out some of the sharp flavor and reduces their pungency.
Make the salad at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld in the fridge, but toss again right before serving.
If you are tight on time, the dressing can be made a day ahead and stored separately until ready to combine!

White plate with a portion of broccoli salad with the large bowl of salad in the background.

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Best Broccoli Salad Recipe Substitutions

Bacon: Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits work for a lighter option.
Sunflower Kernels: Slivered almonds, chopped pecans, or pepitas make great alternatives.
Dried Cranberries: Raisins, dried cherries, or even diced apples can replace the cranberries.
Red Onion: Green onions or shallots offer a milder onion flavor.
Cheese: Try gouda, pepper jack, or smoked cheddar for interesting flavor variations. Just be sure to use a thick-cut shredded cheese for that creamy texture (use that larger cut on you box shredder).
Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt can replace half the mayo for a tangier, lighter dressing.
Sugar: Most broccoli salad recipes use white sugar, but I personally love the flavor of brown sugar! You can use white sugar if you prefer, though.

Recipe FAQs

Is broccoli salad healthy?

While it contains nutritious ingredients like broccoli, it also has bacon and mayonnaise. Balance is key!

Can you make broccoli salad ahead of time?

Yes! It actually improves with 1-2 hours of chill time. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance.

Do you cook broccoli for broccoli salad?

Nope! The broccoli here is added raw for a crunchy, fresh texture.

Can you use frozen broccoli for broccoli salad?

Fresh broccoli is strongly recommended for the best texture and crunch. However, if you need to use frozen broccoli, blanch it for just a few minutes, drain it well and chill it in the fridge before using it. It is important that you drain it well, so that you don’t add extra moisture to the salad and dilute the dressing.

Close up of broccoli salad with bacon in a large white bowl.

What to Serve with Broccoli Salad

This broccoli bacon salad can be served as a side dish with countless main courses. It pairs perfectly with simple grilled chicken, ground chicken burgers, or sweet and spicy mustard pork chops in the summertime. For a Southern feast, serve it with crispy southern oven-fried chicken and creamed corn cornbread muffins! It’s also a lovely potluck option since it travels well without wilting or becoming soggy.

You can even serve it during the holiday season, with the cranberries tying it together with classic holiday dishes like deep fried turkey or a honey baked ham with crockpot cranberry sauce.

How to Store Broccoli Bacon Salad

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The salad may release some liquid as it sits, simply stir before serving.

Make-Ahead Option: For best results when preparing in advance, store the dressing separately and combine with the salad ingredients 1-2 hours before serving.

Can you freeze broccoli salad with bacon?

This salad does not freeze well, as the mayonnaise will separate and the broccoli will become mushy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making!

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Broccoli Salad Recipe with Bacon

This Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a Crowd-Pleaser!

Nikki’s Recipe Rundown

Broccoli Bacon Salad Ingredients