The easiest Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe loaded with so much flavor and texture. The combination of broccoli florets with bacon mixed with our homemade creamy dressing is truly amazing.

This salad along with broccoli cauliflower is our favorite side dish to bring to a bbq or potluck – always a hit.

Broccoli bacon salad in a bowl next to a green rag and sun flower seeds.

BROCCOLI BACON SALAD VIDEO-

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BROCCOLI BACON SALAD-

This hearty broccoli and bacon salad not only tastes amazing but is so easy to make. All the flavors combined with the broccoli salad dressing make for such a great salad recipe. Raw broccoli florets with bacon bits, crunchy almond slices, cheddar cheese, red onion, and sunflower seeds in the easiest sweet and tangy creamy mayo dressing.

The salad has a wonderful crunch and crisp from the amazing combination of the ingredients.

All the ingredients for this hearty broccoli salad in bowls.

SALAD INGREDIENTS-

  • BROCCOLI– You want fresh broccoli cut into even sized medium florets.
  • NUTS– We use sliced almonds and sunflower kernels but you can use your favorite nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, pecans, and pumpkin seeds.
  • RED ONION– Finely chopped red onion or sweet onion will do for this salad.
  • BACON– Cooked bacon pieces or bacon bits will work great for this recipe.
  • DRIED FRUIT– We love using dried craisins but you can also use dried raisins, cranberries, cheries, or any other dried fruit you would like. 
  • BROCCOLI SALAD DRESSING– A creamy homemade broccoli salad dressing that brings this salad together!
Upclose picture of broccoli bacon salad.

BROCCOLI SALAD DRESSING-

The dressing for this hearty broccoli salad is SO GOOD! All you need is to combine the 3 simple ingredients and it’s ready!

  • MAYO– the mayonnaise is the base for this dressing, you can use classic Hellman’s mayonnaise. If you’re watching your cholesterol, plain Greek yogurt is a good substitute. Though I don’t like miracle whip, if you use it, feel free to substitute for mayo.
  • GRANULATED SUGAR–  The sugar is a sweetener for the dressing. Honey may be used instead.
  • WHITE VINEGAR– The vinegar gives the dressing acidity and tanginess. You can substitute for lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (to taste).
  1. In a bowl, whisk together the mayo, sugar and vinegar until sugar dissolves.
Hearty broccoli bacon salad in a bowl next to sunflower seeds.l

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST BROCCOLI SALAD-

With just a few simple steps you can have this hearty broccoli bacon salad recipe ready to enjoy!

  1. BACON– Cook the bacon until cooked and cut into small bite sized pieces. You can use our air-fryer bacon as well.
  2. PREP– Cut the broccoli into even-sized florets and finely chop the onion. (TIP: When chopping the broccoli florets, be sure they are all bite-sized uniform pieces.)
  3. DRESSING– Combine all the ingredients for the dressing, before serving the salad.
  4. ASSEMBLE– Add all the broccoli mixture into a large bowl and toss to combine. Pour dressing over every and stir until combined. Add freshly ground black pepper before serving the salad, optional.
Broccoli bacon salad with onions and almonds in a white bowl.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS-

Can I add protein?

You may definitely add chicken as protein to the salad recipe. This is a great way to use leftover chicken.

Can I prepare the salad in advance?

This salad and the dressing may be prepared in advance and kept refrigerated overnight.

How long will this broccoli salad last?

If you have leftovers, the salad will keep fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerated, covered.

How do I store the broccoli bacon salad?

Broccoli salad is best if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Do I need to cook the broccoli?

No, raw broccoli is great in this recipe. The homemade dressing softens the broccoli florets and it’s a perfect crunchy salad. The best part, uncooked broccoli retains more fiber.

What do I do with the broccoli stems?

The broccoli stems are very nutritious so you can chop them up and use them in the salad. But you can also just discard the stems.

Broccoli bacon salad in a glass bowl next to a green rag.

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Broccoli Bacon Salad

Author: Valentina
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5 from 13 votes
The easiest Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe loaded with so much flavor and texture. The combination of broccoli florets with bacon mixed with our homemade creamy dressing is truly amazing.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 cups broccoli florets, raw
  • 1/2 lb bacon, chopped and cooked
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup craisins
  • 1/2 cup sunflower kernels
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Dressing

Instructions

  • Cook bacon until crispy.
  • Cut broccoli into medium uniform florets. Finely chop the onion.
  • Prepare the dressing; whisk together the mayo, sugar and vinegar until creamy. 
  • Combine all of the ingredients. Mix well.

Notes

The dressing tends to travel to the bottom of the bowl. Mix salad and scoop from the bottom up. 
You can add a few more Tablespoons of sugar if you want the salad sweeter. 

Nutrition

623kcal Calories28g Carbs10g Protein53g Fat10g Saturated Fat40mg Cholesterol504mg Sodium374mg Potassium3g Fiber20g Sugar320IU Vitamin A41.4mg Vitamin C61mg Calcium1.5mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Broccoli Bacon Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 623 Calories from Fat 477
% Daily Value*
Fat 53g82%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Cholesterol 40mg13%
Sodium 504mg22%
Potassium 374mg11%
Carbohydrates 28g9%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 20g22%
Protein 10g20%
Vitamin A 320IU6%
Vitamin C 41.4mg50%
Calcium 61mg6%
Iron 1.5mg8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
(The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)