This Bacon and Broccoli Salad Recipe features crisp and crunchy broccoli florets, sweet dried cranberries, savory bacon, and nutty sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy and tangy dressing. With a balanced blend of flavors and textures, this salad is sure to become a new favorite.

Reasons To Add This Recipe

• Delicious. This salad is packed with a variety of flavors and textures that come together to create a delicious and satisfying dish. The crisp and crunchy broccoli florets are balanced by the sweetness of the dried cranberries, while the savory bacon and nutty sunflower seeds add richness and depth to the dish.
• Healthy. Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining good health. Dried cranberries provide antioxidants, while sunflower seeds are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
• Easy To Make. This salad is quick and easy to make, with only a few simple steps involved. The ingredients are easy to find and can be prepped in advance, making this a great dish to bring to a potluck or serve at a party.

Ingredients For Bacon and Broccoli Salad

• Broccoli Florets. The main ingredient in this recipe, broccoli florets, add a healthy and hearty crunch to the salad. They are also packed with vitamins and minerals, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.
• Dried Cranberries. These sweet and tart-dried berries provide a burst of flavor and texture to the salad. They are a great source of antioxidants and are often used in salads for their taste and nutritional value.
• Bacon. The smoky and savory flavor of bacon adds richness and depth to the dish. It also provides a crunchy texture that complements the broccoli and cranberries.
• Sunflower Seeds. These crunchy seeds add a nutty flavor and texture to the salad. They are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
• Red Onion. The sharp and pungent flavor of red onion provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cranberries and the richness of the bacon. It also adds a pop of color to the dish.
• Apple Cider Vinegar. This tangy vinegar provides a bright and acidic flavor to the dressing. It also helps to balance the sweetness of the sugar and the creaminess of the mayonnaise.
• Sugar. This sweetener is added to balance the acidity of the vinegar and add a touch of sweetness to the dressing.
• Mayonnaise. The creamy and tangy flavor of mayonnaise serves as the base for the dressing. It also helps to bind the ingredients together and create a smooth and cohesive texture.

Is This Broccoli Salad Recipe Gluten-free?

Yes, the broccoli salad recipe is gluten-free. All of the ingredients in the recipe, including broccoli, bacon, cheese, and dressing, are naturally gluten-free. However, if you are particularly sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, it’s essential to check that the other ingredients you are using, such as the nuts or cranberries, are also gluten-free.

Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead Of Dried Cranberries?

Yes, you can use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries in the broccoli salad recipe. However, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe, as fresh cranberries tend to be tarter than dried cranberries. You could also consider adding other fruits, like sliced apples or pears, to balance out the flavors.

Is It Possible To Add Other Fruits Or Nuts To This Broccoli Salad Recipe?

You can add other fruits or nuts to the broccoli salad recipe to customize it to your taste preferences. Some good options include sliced apples, pears, or grapes, as well as chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans. Just be sure to adjust the other ingredients in the recipe, like the dressing or sugar, to balance out the additional flavors.

Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt For The Mayonnaise In The Dressing?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise in the dressing to make it healthier and lower in calories. Greek yogurt has a similar texture and tangy flavor to mayonnaise but is lower in fat and calories. You may want to adjust the other ingredients in the dressing, like vinegar or sugar, to balance out the flavor.

Cooking Instructions For Bacon and Broccoli Salad

• Begin by washing and drying the broccoli florets. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
• Add the dried cranberries, cooked and crumbled bacon, sunflower seeds, and diced red onion to the bowl.
• Whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar in a separate bowl to create the dressing.
• Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Serve chilled and enjoy!

What To Serve With Broccoli Salad?

• Grilled Chicken. The broccoli salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, as it adds protein and complements the flavors in the salad. Marinate the chicken in your favorite seasoning and grill until fully cooked.
• Sandwiches. The broccoli salad is a great side dish for sandwiches, whether it’s a classic turkey and cheese or a veggie-packed hummus sandwich. The salad adds a fresh and crunchy element to the sandwich.
• Baked Potatoes. The broccoli salad makes a great topping for baked potatoes, adding a fresh and colorful touch to this classic comfort food. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
• Grilled Vegetables. Grilled vegetables, like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, pair well with the broccoli salad. The charred and smoky flavors of the vegetables add depth to the dish.
• Bbq Ribs. The sweet and savory flavors of BBQ ribs pair well with the fresh and crunchy broccoli salad. The salad helps to cut through the richness of the ribs and balances out the meal.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian. To make a vegetarian version of the broccoli salad, simply omit the bacon and use a vegetarian-friendly alternative, like vegetarian bacon bits or tempeh bacon.
• Vegan. To make a vegan version of the broccoli salad, replace the mayonnaise in the dressing with vegan mayonnaise or a mixture of tahini and lemon juice. You can also use a vegan-friendly cheese or omit it altogether.
• Low-Carb. To make a low-carb version of the broccoli salad, omit the sugar from the dressing and use a sugar substitute, like stevia or erythritol. You can also use a low-carb cheese or omit it altogether.
• Paleo. To make a paleo version of the broccoli salad, use a paleo-friendly mayonnaise or make your own using olive oil and egg yolks. You can also use a paleo-friendly cheese or omit it altogether.
• Asian-Inspired. To give the broccoli salad an Asian-inspired twist, add some sesame oil and soy sauce to the dressing and replace the cranberries with sliced mandarin oranges. You can also add some chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.

How To Store Broccoli Salad?

• In The Fridge. The broccoli salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. It can last for up to 3-5 days in the fridge if stored properly. Make sure to stir the salad well before serving to distribute the dressing evenly.
• In The Freezer. While it is possible to freeze the bacon and broccoli salad, it is not recommended as the texture of the broccoli may become mushy once thawed. If you must freeze it, store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, leaving some room for expansion.

Bacon and Broccoli Salad Recipe Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Calories 170
• Total Fat 13g
• Saturated Fat 3.5g
• Trans Fat 0g
• Cholesterol 20mg
• Sodium 160mg
• Total Carbohydrate 10g
• Dietary Fiber 2g
• Sugars 7g
• Protein 6g
• Vitamin A 0%
• Vitamin C 0%
• Calcium 0%
• Iron 0%

Nutrition Facts Source: Source