The beauty of this Creamy Bacon Broccoli Salad lies in its balance of textures and flavors — crisp-tender broccoli, salty bacon, sweet cranberries, crunchy seeds, and a luscious creamy dressing. It’s a no-cook crowd-pleaser that’s as good on a picnic table as it is at a holiday buffet.
Make it ahead, let it chill, and enjoy how the flavors deepen over time. Perfect as a side for grilled meats, sandwiches, or even served as a light main dish, this vibrant and hearty salad fits into any season and suits just about every tastebud. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
6 cups fresh broccoli florets
-
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
-
1/2 cup dried cranberries
-
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
-
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
-
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Dressing:
-
1 cup mayonnaise
-
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
-
2 tablespoons sugar
Directions:
-
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, red onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, bacon, and shredded cheddar.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
-
Pour dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
-
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
-
Toss again before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (with chilling)
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings