You know those dishes that disappear faster than the main course? That’s this Broccoli Bacon Salad. It’s crunchy, creamy, salty, and a little sweet—all in one bite. I first made it for a picnic, and even the “I don’t like broccoli” folks went back for seconds. The best part? No oven needed except for the bacon, and it comes together in under 30 minutes. With crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, chewy cranberries, and a tangy-sweet dressing, it’s a side dish that feels fresh but hearty enough to stand on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of flavor: This Broccoli Bacon Salad combines smoky bacon, sweet cranberries, and tangy dressing for a crave-worthy bite.
- Easy prep: Simple chopping, quick mixing—done in minutes.
- Versatile: Works for cookouts, holiday spreads, or weekday lunches.
- Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after the flavors mingle.
You’ll love how the creamy dressing clings to every bite while bacon brings that irresistible crunch.
The Story Behind Broccoli Bacon Salad
- Born out of classic potluck culture in the U.S., Broccoli Bacon Salad became popular in the 1980s.
- The combination of raw broccoli and creamy dressing was inspired by coleslaw-style salads.
- Adding dried fruit balanced the veggie’s earthy crunch with sweetness.
- Over time, seeds and nuts joined the mix for extra texture and flavor depth.
Ingredients for Broccoli Bacon Salad
For the Salad
- 10–11 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 heads broccoli (about 1½ pounds, or 5–6 cups florets)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup roasted, salted sunflower seeds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup chopped red onion (or more to taste)
For the Dressing
- 1¼ cups Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
How to Make Broccoli Bacon Salad
- Cook the bacon: Bake 10–11 strips in the oven until crispy (less mess than frying). Cool on paper towels, then chop.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk Miracle Whip or mayo, lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, mustard, and cayenne until smooth.
- Prep broccoli: Chop florets into bite-sized pieces. If you like, peel and dice the stems and add them for no waste.
- Assemble the salad: Add broccoli, cranberries, sunflower seeds, cheddar, red onion, and most of the bacon to the bowl with dressing.
- Mix gently: Stir until everything is coated, keeping some bacon aside for topping.
- Chill or serve: Serve immediately at room temp, or chill. If chilled, let sit out 20 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Finish: Sprinkle reserved bacon (or extra cheese/seeds) on top before serving.
Broccoli Bacon Salad Tips and Twists
Tips
- Bake bacon for less mess and perfect crispness.
- Chop broccoli small so dressing coats evenly.
- Save stems—chopped finely, they add crunch and no one notices.
- Taste dressing before tossing; adjust sweetness or tang to your liking.
- Always reserve a bit of bacon for topping so it stays crispy.
Variations
- Sweet crunch: Swap cranberries for diced apples or halved grapes.
- Nutty twist: Replace sunflower seeds with toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Cheesy kick: Try sharp white cheddar or even pepper jack for spice.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge up to 5 days.
- Reheating: No reheating needed; serve chilled or at room temp. If too thick, stir in a splash of lemon juice.
- Make-Ahead: Mix dressing and prep ingredients 1 day in advance. Toss together 1–2 hours before serving, and sprinkle bacon just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with grilled meats like chicken or ribs for summer cookouts.
- Serve alongside sandwiches for a crisp, refreshing side.
- Add to holiday spreads as a colorful, crunchy option.
- Make it a lunch bowl by adding cooked chicken or chickpeas.
- Garnish with lemon wedges for a bright presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh lemon juice only? Yes, but keep the zest—it adds bright citrus flavor.
Is Miracle Whip better than mayo? Either works. Miracle Whip is tangier and sweeter, mayo is creamier and richer.
Can I use turkey bacon? Yes, but it won’t be as smoky. Crisp well for texture.
Can I make it vegetarian? Skip bacon, add smoked almonds or roasted chickpeas for crunch.
Does it freeze well? No—fresh broccoli and creamy dressing don’t thaw properly.
Enjoy Your Broccoli Bacon Salad
Now you’ve got the real-deal version of Broccoli Bacon Salad—complete with crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, tangy-sweet dressing, and just enough crunch to keep every bite exciting. It’s one of those sides you’ll find yourself making again and again, whether for a weeknight dinner, a holiday table, or the neighborhood cookout. Keep it chilled, topped with fresh bacon, and watch how quickly it disappears.
Explore More Recipes
Balance your plate with a few more crowd-pleasers. Try our Potato Salad for another creamy classic. Add something fresh like Cucumber Tomato Salad—it pairs beautifully with broccoli’s crunch. For the grill, serve with Grilled Vegetables. Want a fruity twist? Watermelon Feta Salad is perfect on hot days. And for picnic spreads, don’t miss Deviled Egg Pasta Salad.
Broccoli Bacon Salad with Creamy Tangy Dressing
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 10 –11 strips bacon cooked and chopped
- 2 heads broccoli about 1½ pounds, 5–6 cups florets
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup roasted salted sunflower seeds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup chopped red onion or more to taste
For the Dressing
- 1¼ cups Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Bake bacon in the oven until crisp. Cool on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk Miracle Whip or mayo, lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, mustard, and cayenne until smooth.
- Chop broccoli florets into small, bite-size pieces. Peel and dice stems if desired, and add them to the mix.
- Add broccoli, cranberries, sunflower seeds, cheddar, onion, and most of the bacon into the bowl with dressing.
- Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle remaining bacon on top for garnish.
- Chill for 20–30 minutes, or serve immediately at room temperature.
Notes
Calories: 320
Protein: 11g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 510mg