Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe from The Food Charlatan

Introduction

This Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe delivers a burst of flavor and vibrant color to your table. Crunchy broccoli, savory bacon, tangy dressing, and a medley of sweet and nutty add-ins make this salad an unbeatable side for anything from weeknight dinners to backyard BBQs. It’s the kind of dish that’s always the first to disappear—satisfying, fresh, and effortlessly delicious.

Deliciously Unique Broccoli Bacon Salad

What sets this salad apart is its balance of flavors and textures. Crispy bacon perfectly complements raw, chopped broccoli, while dried cranberries or raisins add pops of sweetness. Toasted seeds and a creamy, slightly tangy dressing tie everything together. It’s a crowd pleaser that feels both classic and special, making ordinary meals extraordinary.

Perfecting the Creamy Dressing

The magic in this salad comes from the dressing—a blend of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar. Whisk these together until smooth and creamy. For a lighter twist, substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt. Let the dressing chill while you prep the veggies, allowing the flavors to meld.

Building Your Broccoli Bacon Salad

Start by chopping fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. Cook and crumble your bacon until crispy. Toss the broccoli, bacon, thinly sliced red onion, raisins or cranberries, and sunflower seeds in a large bowl. Add the creamy dressing and mix well. For the best flavor, let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Broccoli Bacon Salad

Broccoli Bacon Salad shines as a side for grilled meats, sandwiches, or holiday spreads. Top individual servings with extra bacon or crunchy seeds for flair, or stir in shredded cheddar for added richness. Serve chilled for a refreshing contrast to warm entrees.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 8 side servings. Each serving contains approximately 220 calories, primarily from nutrient-rich broccoli, crispy bacon, and the creamy dressing. It’s a satisfying option that adds color and crunch to your plate.

Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad (Recap)

Combining crunch, creaminess, and an irresistible smoky-sweet-salty mix, this salad is effortless to make, easy to scale up for gatherings, and guaranteed to win over crowds of all ages.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—the easiest way to streamline your meal planning and grocery trips.

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill the dressing.
2. Chop broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Place into a large mixing bowl.
3. Add cooked, crumbled bacon, thinly sliced red onion, cranberries/raisins, and sunflower seeds (plus cheddar cheese if using) to the bowl.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors develop.
6. Toss again before serving. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Weekly Meal Planning

This Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad is a perfect make-ahead option for weekly meal prep and planning. Save and schedule this recipe to integrate seamlessly with your meal lineup—and automatically generate shopping lists that combine ingredient needs across all your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Calculates total ingredient amounts needed for the week—even across multiple recipes.
• Organizes shopping lists by store section for efficient shopping.
• Reduces redundant purchases and missed ingredients.
• Simplifies bulk prepping and busy weeknights.

Pro tip: When planning your weekly menu, schedule this salad on grilling days and see how main and side ingredients overlap for ultimate shopping and prepping efficiency.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (bacon)
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)