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Broccoli Bacon Salad

Broccoli Bacon Salad

This classic broccoli bacon salad is the perfect sweet-savory-crunchy side dish—crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and red onion tossed in a creamy tangy dressing. Great for BBQs, potlucks, and meal prep.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes (+ 30 minutes chill optional)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

6 cups broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads), cut smal

8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/3 cup red onion, finely diced

1/3 cup sunflower seeds (or pepitas)

Creamy Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or use more mayo)

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp honey (or 1-2 tbsp sugar)

1/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste

1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Cook bacon: Cook until crisp, drain, cool, and crumble.

Prep broccoli: Cut florets into small bite-size pieces (smaller = better texture).

Mix dressing: Whisk mayo, Greek yogurt, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Assemble: In a large bowl, combine broccoli, bacon, cheddar, onion, and sunflower seeds.

Toss: Pour dressing over salad and mix well.

Chill (recommended): Refrigerate 30–60 minutes for best flavor. Toss again before serving.

Notes

Cooking Tips

  • Cut broccoli small so it coats evenly and is easier to eat.

  • Chill time matters: 30–60 minutes helps the broccoli soften slightly and flavors meld.

  • Keep it crunchy: Add seeds right before serving if making ahead.

  • Too thick? Loosen dressing with 1–2 tsp water or extra vinegar.


Variations

 

  • Sweet + tangy: Add 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins.

  • Extra crunch: Swap sunflower seeds for sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or walnuts.

  • Lighter: Use all Greek yogurt (or half mayo/half yogurt) and turkey bacon.

  • More bite: Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing.

  • Meal-prep friendly: Add diced cooked chicken for a protein-packed lunch salad.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280
  • Fat: varies by bacon/mayo brand and portion size
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Protein: 9g
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