Broccoli Bacon Salad

Name: Broccoli Bacon Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 cups broccoli florets, chopped; 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp; 1/2 red onion, finely diced; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

A crowd-pleasing American classic featuring crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, cheese, and dried cranberries in a creamy dressing. Perfect for potlucks and barbecues.

30 minEasyServes 8245 cal/serving

AmericanSaladStovetopStandardLow CarbGluten-FreeLow-SodiumCorn-Free

Ingredients

8 cups broccoli florets, chopped
8 slices bacon, cooked crisp
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1

Cook 8 slices bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble and set aside.
2

In a large bowl, combine 8 cups chopped broccoli florets, crumbled cooked crisp bacon, 1/2 finely diced red onion, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, and 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds.
3

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar until the sugar dissolves.
4

Season the dressing with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
5

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
6

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow flavors to blend.
7

Toss again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Questions

Can I make Broccoli Bacon Salad dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded. Swap the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Broccoli Bacon Salad ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Dressed, it is best the day it is made. Keep the components separate and refrigerated and they hold about two days; dress just before serving.

Can I halve or double Broccoli Bacon Salad?

Yes. As written it serves 8. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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