Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe

Description

Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful salad made with chopped broccoli, crispy bacon, red onion, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, and a sweet-tangy creamy dressing. It is perfect for BBQ dinners, family meals, lunch bowls, potlucks, and quick side dishes. The broccoli gives freshness and crunch, the bacon adds smoky flavor, and the dressing brings everything together with a creamy, slightly sweet taste.

Servings

Serves: 4–6 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
½ cup red onion, finely diced
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
⅓ cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

First, wash the broccoli well and dry it completely. Chop the broccoli into small bite-sized florets so the dressing coats every piece nicely. Cook the bacon until crispy, then let it cool and crumble it into small pieces.

In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by mixing mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

In a large mixing bowl, add chopped broccoli, crispy bacon, red onion, cheddar cheese, and sunflower seeds. Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and toss everything gently until well coated.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend and makes the salad taste even better. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Notes

Use fresh broccoli for the best crunch. Frozen broccoli is not recommended because it can become soft and watery. You can reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet dressing. For a lighter version, replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Tips

Dry the broccoli properly before mixing so the dressing does not become watery. Chop the broccoli small for better texture and flavor. Add bacon just before serving if you want it extra crispy. For extra crunch, use roasted sunflower seeds, almonds, or walnuts.

Nutritional Info

Approximate per serving:
Calories: 280–350
Protein: 8–12g
Carbohydrates: 10–15g
Fat: 22–28g
Fiber: 3–5g
Sugar: 5–8g

Benefits

This salad contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals from broccoli. Broccoli is also filling and adds freshness to the meal. Sunflower seeds provide healthy fats and crunch, while cheese and bacon add protein and rich flavor. It is a great make-ahead side dish for busy days.

Q/A

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it 4–6 hours ahead and keep it in the fridge.

Q: Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon works well as a lighter option.

Q: How long does it last?
It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Q: Can I skip sugar?
Yes, you can reduce or skip sugar, but the dressing will taste more tangy.