Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe

If you’re looking for a fantastic side dish that’s sure to impress, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe is a personal favorite of mine. It brings together crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and sharp cheddar cheese all tossed in a creamy dressing. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just want to add something special to your dinner table, this salad fits the bill perfectly!

This recipe not only delights your taste buds but also comes together easily. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, it’s always a hit with kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
• Crowd Pleaser: The combination of flavors and textures makes it the star of any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this salad ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters enjoy the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of bacon!
• Versatile: Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or holiday feasts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather the wholesome ingredients for our delightful salad! Don’t worry; these are all easy to find and come together beautifully.

For the Salad

• 10-11 strips bacon (cooked)
• 2 heads broccoli (about 1 and 1/2 pounds or 5-6 cups)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds (roasted and salted)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/3 cup chopped red onion (or more to taste)

For the Dressing

• 1 and 1/4 cups Miracle Whip OR mayonnaise
• Zest from 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons white grape juice vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 and 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch.
• Nut-Free Version: Swap out sunflower seeds for pumpkin seeds if you prefer.
• Cheese Choices: Use feta or goat cheese instead of cheddar for a tangy twist.
• Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can elevate the flavor profile even more.

How to Make Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by making the bacon. I highly recommend baking it in the oven. It’s so much easier and avoids messy splatters! Cook those strips until they reach your desired crispness, then set them aside on paper towels to cool. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces that will blend perfectly into your salad.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

While your bacon cooks, let’s whip up that creamy dressing! In a large bowl, combine Miracle Whip (or mayonnaise), lemon zest, lemon juice, white grape juice vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth. This dressing adds all that delicious creaminess we love!

Step 3: Chop the Broccoli

Next up is preparing our star ingredient—broccoli! Using a chef’s knife, chop your broccoli into small florets. I like them bite-sized so each forkful has just the right amount of broccoli without overwhelming bites. Don’t forget about those stems; they’re packed with flavor too!

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add your chopped broccoli into the bowl with the dressing. Then toss in dried cranberries, roasted sunflower seeds, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and most of your crispy bacon—saving some for garnish later. Mixing these ingredients creates an explosion of flavors!

Step 5: Serve or Chill

Give everything a good stir so it’s all well-coated in that yummy dressing. This salad can be served right away at room temperature but chilling it first enhances those flavors even more. If you choose to chill it, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt!), store them covered in the fridge. This salad will keep fresh for about five days—if you can resist eating it all before then!

Enjoy creating this Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe—it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for many occasions!

Pro Tips for Making Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe

Creating the perfect Broccoli Salad is all about the little details, and these tips will help elevate your dish to new heights!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your broccoli and other ingredients, the better the flavor and texture. Fresh veggies make a world of difference in taste and nutrition!
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing your salad to chill for at least an hour enhances the flavors as they meld together beautifully. It also gives you a refreshing dish on a warm day.
• Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like chopped apples or almonds for an extra crunch! This flexibility allows you to tailor the salad to your taste preferences.
• Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a tangier flavor, add more lemon juice or vinegar to the dressing. Adjusting the dressing can make all the difference in achieving your desired taste profile.
• Save Some Toppings: Reserve some bacon, cheese, or cranberries to sprinkle on top just before serving. This adds an appealing visual element and keeps those toppings nice and crunchy!

How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe

Presenting your Broccoli Salad in an attractive way can really enhance the dining experience. Here are some creative ideas for serving this delicious dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: A sprinkle of fresh green onions adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the salad perfectly.
• Toasted Sunflower Seeds: Toasting them just slightly brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your salad.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for guests who may like a bit more citrus zing in their salad.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken: Simple grilled chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper pair wonderfully with this fresh salad, making it a hearty meal.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob complements the flavors of broccoli and bacon while adding a summer vibe to your table.
• Quinoa Pilaf: A light and fluffy quinoa pilaf with herbs provides a nutritious side that balances well against the richness of the salad.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness and depth of flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the salad.

Enjoy serving this delightful Broccoli Salad with Bacon at your next gathering! It’s sure to become a favorite among friends and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. Plus, it stores well for a few days, making it an ideal side dish for any occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• If the salad appears dry after a few days, simply stir in a bit more dressing before serving.

Freezing

• Unfortunately, I do not recommend freezing this salad. The texture of the broccoli and other ingredients may suffer when thawed.
• It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge.

Reheating

• This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat.
• If you prefer it slightly warmed, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe:

Can I make this Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe without bacon?

Absolutely! You can use crispy plant-based bacon or simply omit the bacon altogether. The salad will still be tasty with all the other ingredients.

How long does this Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this salad will last for about 5 days in the refrigerator.

Can I add other ingredients to the Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to customize by adding nuts, seeds, or your favorite vegetables to enhance flavor and texture.

What dressing works best for Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe?

The homemade dressing made from Miracle Whip or mayonnaise combined with lemon juice and vinegar complements the salad perfectly. However, you can experiment with your favorite dressings if you like!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe as much as I do! It’s not just a side dish; it’s a delightful addition that brings vibrant flavors and textures to any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue or enjoying it as part of your weekly meal prep, this salad is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your variations!