Broccoli Salad with Bacon & Cheddar Recipe Perfect Blend

Crisp summer days call for a mouthwatering broccoli salad that combines smoky bacon and sharp cheddar into an irresistible dish.

Fresh garden ingredients blend perfectly with creamy dressing for maximum flavor.

Crunchy florets provide satisfying texture against salty bacon bits.

Unexpected combinations make this recipe shine with minimal effort.

Cool and tangy, the salad delivers a punch of nutrition without compromising taste.

Smart home cooks understand how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.

We promise you’ll want seconds of this delightful summer classic.

Tips for Crisp Veggies and Creamy Dressing

• Maximize Flavor Absorption: Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to fully penetrate the ingredients and blend the flavors beautifully.
• Customize Your Crunch: Swap sunflower seeds with sliced almonds or toasted pecans for a different nutty texture and added depth of flavor.
• Make It Vegetarian-Friendly: Replace bacon with crispy roasted chickpeas or tempeh bacon to create a protein-packed vegetarian version of the salad.
• Prep Ahead with Ease: Chop broccoli and prepare dressing a day in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to save time when assembling the salad.
• Control Moisture Level: Pat broccoli dry after washing to prevent the salad from becoming watery and ensure the dressing clings perfectly to the ingredients.

Best Way to Store This Salad Without Wilting

• Store leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Moisture from dressing might make vegetables slightly softer.
• Before serving refrigerated salad, gently drain any accumulated liquid and stir to redistribute ingredients and dressing.
• Store bacon and sunflower seeds separately from salad to maintain their crisp texture. Add them back just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• Do not freeze this salad, as mayonnaise-based dressings and fresh vegetables will separate and lose their original texture and quality.

What Pairs Well with This Cool, Crunchy Side

• Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to cut through the richness of bacon and cheese, creating a refreshing balance.
• Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or roasted pork tenderloin to complement the salad's smoky bacon and tangy dressing flavors.
• Add crusty sourdough or whole grain bread to provide a crunchy texture contrast and soak up the delicious creamy dressing.
• Choose a wheat beer or pilsner that offers a clean, crisp finish to enhance the salad's diverse flavor profile without overwhelming its delicate ingredients.

New Takes on the Broccoli Salad

• Vegan Veggie Crunch: Replace bacon with tempeh bacon or coconut bacon bits, swap cheddar for nutritional yeast, use vegan mayonnaise and skip dairy sour cream. Add extra seeds or nuts for protein and crunch.
• Low-Carb Green Power: Eliminate cranberries, double sunflower seeds, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for protein boost. Replace honey with sugar-free sweetener to reduce carbohydrates.
• Mediterranean Style: Substitute sunflower seeds with pine nuts, swap cheddar for crumbled feta cheese, add chopped kalamata olives. Use olive oil and lemon juice in dressing for Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Remix: Add fresh chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or chives to dressing. Include roasted almonds instead of sunflower seeds, use goat cheese instead of cheddar for tangy undertone.

Questions Answered About This Salad

• Can I make this broccoli salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. Just keep the dressing and salad separate until right before serving to prevent the ingredients from getting soggy.

• Is there a way to make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits, roasted nuts, or crispy chickpeas to maintain a similar crunchy texture.

• How can I make the salad healthier?

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the dressing, reduce the amount of cheese, and add more seeds or nuts for extra protein and nutrients. You can also use a lighter mayonnaise or a homemade yogurt-based dressing.

• What if I don't like raw red onion?

You can lightly pickle the red onion in vinegar for a milder flavor, or replace it with green onions or chives for a more subtle onion taste.

Why Broccoli Salad with Bacon Is Always a Hit

• This broccoli salad delivers big flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum taste without complicated steps.
• Ready in just 15 minutes, this no-cook recipe allows you to quickly assemble a delicious side dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
• Ideal for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues, this salad travels well and stays fresh, making it a go-to option for outdoor gatherings and summer events.
• Packed with crisp broccoli, crunchy sunflower seeds, sweet cranberries, and savory bacon, this salad offers a balanced mix of textures and nutrients that will satisfy every palate.

Ingredients That Make This Crunchy Salad Shine

Main Ingredients:

• Broccoli: Fresh, crisp vegetable with a mild, slightly bitter taste that provides crunch and nutrition.
• Red Onion: Sharp, colorful ingredient that adds a zesty bite and visual appeal to the salad.

• Bacon: Crispy, salty meat that brings rich flavor and texture to the salad.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, tangy cheese that provides creamy richness and depth of flavor.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps bind the dressing and create a smooth texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tang and richness to the dressing, balancing other flavors.

• Sunflower Seeds: Crunchy, nutty seeds that provide additional texture and subtle flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet and tart ingredient that adds a burst of color and fruity taste.

• Vinegar: Adds acidity and helps balance the rich ingredients.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that rounds out the dressing's flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the other ingredients.

How to Toss a Fresh Broccoli Salad with Bold Flavor

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• White wine vinegar
• Honey
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until smooth and fully combined, creating a tangy base for the salad.

Step 2: Chop And Prep Ingredients

• Slice fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets
• Crisp and crumble bacon into small pieces
• Shred sharp cheddar cheese
• Dice red onion into fine pieces
• Measure out sunflower seeds
• Select dried cranberries (optional)

Step 3: Combine Salad Elements

Toss all prepared ingredients together in a large mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and textures.

Step 4: Dress And Marinate

Pour prepared dressing over the salad mixture, gently folding to coat every ingredient thoroughly. Allow salad to rest for 15 minutes, letting flavors meld and develop.

Step 5: Serve And Savor

Transfer to serving dish. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature as a vibrant side dish that packs a punch of flavor and crunch.

Broccoli Salad With Bacon & Cheddar Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Summer picnics sparkle with this broccoli salad featuring crisp florets, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar. Cool creamy dressing blends perfectly with crunchy ingredients, making each bite a delightful summer sensation you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) fresh broccoli florets
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sunflower seeds
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) dried cranberries

Nuts and Seeds:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) chopped almonds (alternative to sunflower seeds)

Dressing Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a zesty dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a compact mixing vessel until smooth and well-integrated.
2. Chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for consistent texture and even dressing absorption.
3. Crisp and crumble bacon into delicate fragments, creating a savory crunch throughout the salad.
4. Dice red onion into fine, translucent slivers to distribute a subtle sharp flavor without overpowering other ingredients.
5. Shred cheddar cheese into small, scattered pieces that will meld seamlessly with the other components.
6. Sprinkle sunflower seeds and dried cranberries across the vegetable mixture, adding layers of nutty and sweet undertones.
7. Gently drizzle prepared dressing over the salad, using a folding motion to ensure every ingredient receives an even coating.
8. Allow the salad to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling flavors to mingle and intensify, creating a harmonious blend of taste and texture.
9. Serve the salad chilled or at ambient temperature as a vibrant and satisfying accompaniment to main courses.

Notes

• Chop broccoli into small, bite-sized florets to ensure even coating with dressing and easier eating.
• Crisp bacon beforehand to add a satisfying crunch and prevent sogginess in the salad.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Consider toasting sunflower seeds to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 20mg