Everyone needs a recipe for the best Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe! This dish is packed with crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, creamy cheese, and crunchy sunflower seeds. Its vibrant flavors make it a delightful side for summer barbecues or holiday gatherings. What sets this salad apart is its tangy homemade dressing that pulls all the ingredients together, making it a crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare – With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Flavorful Combination – The mix of bacon, cranberries, and cheese creates a perfect balance of salty and sweet.
- Versatile Dish – This salad pairs well with various meals, from grilled meats to hearty Thanksgiving dinners.
- Crowd Pleaser – It’s always a hit at parties and potlucks, ensuring everyone goes back for seconds.
- Easy to Customize – Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
To make the perfect Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
- Baking sheet (for bacon)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl – Allows you to combine all ingredients easily without any mess.
- Chef’s knife – Ensures precise chopping of vegetables, making for a better texture in your salad.
- Whisk – Perfect for blending dressing ingredients smoothly for even flavor distribution.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe:
- 10-11 strips bacon (cooked)
- 2 heads broccoli (about 1 and 1/2 pounds or 5-6 cups)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds (roasted and salted)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion (or more to taste)
- 1 & 1/4 cups Miracle Whip OR mayonnaise
- 1 lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 & 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by making the bacon. I highly recommend baking it in the oven. It’s much easier, and there’s no splatter. Cook 10–11 slices of bacon until crisp. Set aside on paper towels to cool. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the bacon cooks, mix together the dressing ingredients. In a large bowl, combine:
* 1 and 1/4 cups Miracle Whip OR mayonnaise
* Zest from 1 lemon
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 and 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
* 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Whisk all these ingredients together until well blended.
Step 3: Chop the Broccoli
Using a chef’s knife, chop your broccoli into small florets. You can also save the stems—chop them up and add them into the salad if you prefer!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add all chopped broccoli to the large bowl with the dressing. Then include:
* 1 cup dried cranberries
* 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
* 1 cup cheddar cheese
* 1/3 cup chopped red onion
Add most of the bacon but reserve some for topping before serving.
Step 5: Mix and Serve
Stir everything together until all components are coated in dressing. This salad can be served at room temperature or chilled. If you chill it first, let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers covered in the fridge! This salad will keep fresh for about five days.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a versatile dish that can complement various occasions. Here are some creative serving ideas to elevate your dining experience.
At a Summer Barbecue
- Chilled Delight: Serve the broccoli salad cold to refresh guests on warm days.
- Bacon Garnish: Top with extra crispy bacon pieces for added crunch and flavor.
For Thanksgiving Dinner
- Colorful Addition: This salad adds vibrant colors to your holiday table, making it visually appealing.
- Balancing Flavors: The sweetness of cranberries balances well with savory turkey dishes.
As a Potluck Contribution
- Easy Transportation: Prepare the salad in advance and transport it in a sealed container.
- Serve in a Large Bowl: Present the salad in a beautiful bowl for an inviting look at potlucks.
As a Light Lunch
- Quick Meal Option: Pair the salad with whole-grain bread for a quick, satisfying lunch.
- Add Protein: Include grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein and heartiness.
How to Perfect Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
Perfecting your Broccoli Salad with Bacon is all about enhancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to make it exceptional.
- Bold Dressing Flavor: Let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes before mixing into the salad; this allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh broccoli and high-quality bacon for the best taste and texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Experiment with sugar levels in the dressing to find your ideal balance between sweet and tangy.
- Crispy Bacon Texture: Bake bacon instead of frying for consistent crispiness without messy splatter.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill enhances flavors and makes it more refreshing when served.
- Customize Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts or different cheeses based on your preferences for additional flavor and crunch.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
Broccoli Salad with Bacon is an ideal side dish that pairs well with many mains. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside it.
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken complements the richness of the salad perfectly.
- Baked Potatoes: A classic side that provides a comforting balance to the crunchy salad.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a bright, seasonal flavor that works great at summer gatherings.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw pairs well, bringing additional crunch and flavor contrasts.
- Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad offers another texture that complements broccoli’s crunchiness nicely.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring warmth and depth, enhancing your meal’s overall flavor profile.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Light yet flavorful, they are perfect for adding protein while keeping things fresh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Broccoli Salad with Bacon, a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Skipping the bacon crispness check: Always ensure your bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispness before adding it to the salad. Undercooked bacon can lead to an unappetizing texture.
- Neglecting to chop broccoli properly: If you don’t chop your broccoli into small, even florets, some bites may contain only large pieces. Aim for uniformity for a better eating experience.
- Forgetting to mix dressing ingredients well: A poorly mixed dressing can result in uneven flavor distribution. Make sure to whisk the dressing thoroughly for balanced flavor throughout the salad.
- Overlooking ingredient freshness: Using stale or old ingredients like cranberries or cheese can negatively impact taste and texture. Always check the freshness of your ingredients before use.
- Not allowing the salad to chill: While this salad can be served at room temperature, chilling it enhances flavors. Allow it to sit for at least 20 minutes before serving if possible.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Broccoli Salad with Bacon in an airtight container.
- It will last about 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
- This salad is not ideal for freezing due to its texture and ingredients that may not thaw well.
- If you must freeze, consider omitting the bacon and cheese before freezing, then add them fresh after thawing.
Reheating Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salad in an oven-safe dish and warm it for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a portion of the salad in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 30-second increments until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the salad, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Broccoli Salad with Bacon ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for Miracle Whip?
You can use mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip if you prefer a richer flavor without the tanginess of Miracle Whip.
How can I customize my Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe?
Feel free to add other ingredients like diced apples, nuts, or different types of cheese based on your taste preferences!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Broccoli Salad with Bacon keeps well and is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes! Fresh broccoli is recommended for this recipe as it provides better texture and flavor than frozen broccoli.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. It’s perfect as a side dish at summer barbecues or even at Thanksgiving gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust flavors according to your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!
Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Discover a delicious and vibrant Broccoli Salad with Bacon that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. This refreshing dish combines crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, creamy cheddar cheese, and crunchy sunflower seeds, all brought together by a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues or holiday feasts, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also easy to customize based on your preferences. With its delightful balance of flavors and textures, it’s no wonder this salad has become a crowd favorite.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 10–11 strips bacon (cooked)
- 2 heads broccoli (about 1 and 1/2 pounds)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds (roasted and salted)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1 and 1/4 cups Miracle Whip OR mayonnaise
- 1 lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 and 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in the oven until crispy. Allow it to cool and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until well blended.
- Chop the broccoli into small florets and add to the bowl with dressing.
- Incorporate cranberries, sunflower seeds, cheddar cheese, red onion, and most of the bacon; reserve some bacon for later.
- Mix well until everything is coated in dressing. Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added flavor, let the dressing sit for 30 minutes before mixing it into the salad. Customize by adding diced apples or nuts for extra crunch.
