Best Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar: Creamy, Crunchy Make-Ahead Recipe
This broccoli salad with bacon and cheddar is an easy, flavor-packed side dish. Crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, and shredded cheddar are coated in a creamy dressing for the perfect bite. It’s a great addition to any meal and stays fresh when made ahead.
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Broccoli salad is a classic dish that combines the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and simple ingredients. It’s a simple side that works well for various occasions, from casual dinners to potlucks.
This salad is easy to prepare and can be made in advance, allowing the flavors to blend while the broccoli stays fresh and crisp. It’s a versatile recipe that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and sandwiches, or it can even be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- The perfect balance of textures: Crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, and creamy dressing create a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Simple ingredients: Made with just a few easy-to-find ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and always delicious.
- Make-ahead friendly: It stores well, and the flavors improve when made ahead, making it great for meal prep.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to sandwiches, or enjoyed on its own as a light lunch.
- Crowd-pleaser: A hit at potlucks, picnics, or family dinners—everyone will love it!
Ingredients
Broccoli: Fresh, raw broccoli works best for this salad, providing that signature crunch. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, you can blanch the broccoli briefly before adding it to the salad.
Bacon: For the crispiest bacon bits, cook the bacon until golden brown and crispy. You can use regular or thick-cut bacon based on your preference. Bacon crumbles or pre-cooked bacon bits can be used.
Dressing: I make the dressing with mayonnaise as the base, adding a bit of vinegar for tang and sugar for sweetness. You can swap the mayo for Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter option.
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
How To Make Broccoli Salad
- If you prefer a softer texture, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 30 seconds, then drain and cool in ice water. Otherwise, leave it raw for extra crunch.
- To make the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, dried parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cheese, bacon, onion, cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
- For the best texture, cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy. This ensures it adds a crunch to the salad. Let it drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble everything (except the dressing) ahead of time and add the dressing just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh.
Serving Suggestions
- This broccoli salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops. The creamy dressing complements the smoky flavors of the grilled meats.
- Enjoy it on its own for a quick, satisfying meal. Add some rotisserie chicken or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
- This salad holds up well and can be made ahead, making it an ideal dish for picnics or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with sandwiches, wraps, or burgers.
- Serve alongside roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even roasted Brussels sprouts for a veggie-packed meal.
More Salad Recipes
- Simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor—this Italian Chopped Salad is everything you need for a quick, satisfying meal. Chop, toss, and dig in!
- This garden salad with calamari is one of those dishes that looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. The mix of fresh greens, crunchy vegetables, and tangy citrus dressing perfectly matches tender, pan-seared calamari.
- Bright, fresh, and full of flavor, this Blueberry Grape Salad is the perfect dish to brighten up your day! Packed with sweet, juicy fruits, creamy avocado, and a tangy balsamic glaze, it’s a salad that’s simple to make yet impressive enough for any occasion.
- Bring some color to your table with this vibrant and easy-to-make Watermelon Feta Salad. With just four ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a refreshing, satisfying dish everyone will love.
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Equipment
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 4 cups broccoli florets bite-sized
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup cooked bacon crumbled
- ¼ cup red onion finely diced
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
For the dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- If you prefer a softer texture, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 30 seconds, then drain and cool in ice water. Otherwise, leave it raw for extra crunch.
- To make the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, dried parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cheese, bacon, onion, cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For the best texture, cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy. This ensures it adds a crunch to the salad. Let it drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Sharp Gouda or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble everything (except the dressing) ahead of time and add the dressing just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh.
