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Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad

Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad recipe with bacon cheese cranberries and creamy dressing
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This classic salad features crisp-tender broccoli, smoky bacon, and a creamy tangy dressing. It's a perfect make-ahead side dish for potlucks, holidays, or weeknight dinners. The quick blanching technique keeps the broccoli vibrant and crunchy for days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets (about 6-7 cups)
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl of ice water.
  2. Add broccoli florets to boiling water and blanch for 60-90 seconds until bright green. Immediately drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain thoroughly and pat dry.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice until smooth and sugar dissolves. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled broccoli, crumbled bacon, red onion, cheese, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

For a lighter dressing, swap half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt. Ensure broccoli is completely cool and dry before adding dressing to prevent sogginess. Salad can be made 1-2 days ahead; flavors improve with time. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.stacksipsnack.com/easy-broccoli-bacon-salad/