Broccoli Salad with Bacon & Cheddar Recipe

This Broccoli Salad with Bacon & Cheddar is a crunchy, creamy, and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or weeknight dinners. Crisp broccoli florets are tossed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy, tangy dressing for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple. It’s quick to make, can be prepped ahead of time, and pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as a hearty salad on its own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is the perfect mix of crunchy, creamy, savory, and tangy flavors. The crisp broccoli pairs beautifully with salty bacon and rich cheddar, while the creamy dressing ties everything together with a slightly sweet, tangy finish. It’s also super versatile—you can customize it with your favorite nuts, dried fruit, or additional veggies. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prep.

Ingredients

this recipe

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or chopped pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

For the dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the broccoli: Wash and cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Blanching the broccoli for 1 minute in boiling water, followed by an ice bath, is optional if you prefer a slightly softer texture.
2. Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels before crumbling into small pieces.
3. Mix the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, red onion, sunflower seeds or pecans, and dried cranberries (if using).
5. Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve cold and enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Chill time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Lighter version: Replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mixture of half yogurt and half mayo for a lighter dressing.
• Vegetarian option: Omit the bacon or use vegetarian bacon crumbles.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for a little heat.
• Keto-friendly: Skip the dried fruit and reduce the sugar in the dressing for a low-carb version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make-ahead: You can prepare the salad and dressing separately a day ahead and mix them together right before serving to keep the broccoli crisp.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli works best for this salad since it retains its crisp texture. Frozen broccoli tends to be too soft for this recipe.

2. Can I use pre-cooked bacon bits?

Yes, pre-cooked bacon bits can be used for convenience, though freshly cooked bacon adds the best flavor and crunch.

3. Can I substitute cheddar cheese?

Yes, shredded mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled feta are great substitutes if you’re looking for a different flavor.

4. How do I make the salad less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing or skip the dried cranberries to make the salad less sweet.

5. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the salad up to 1 day ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator and toss it again before serving.

6. How do I blanch broccoli for this recipe?

Boil the broccoli florets for 1 minute, then immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly before using.

7. Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes, use a dairy-free mayonnaise and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

8. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or sliced cucumbers are great additions.

9. How long does the salad need to chill?

Chilling for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld. However, you can chill it longer for even better results.

10. Can I use a different vinegar?

Yes, white wine vinegar or lemon juice can be used as a substitute for apple cider vinegar.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Salad with Bacon & Cheddar is a crunchy, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to summer cookouts. With its combination of fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s a satisfying side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, this salad is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection!

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