This is the best broccoli salad you’ll ever have! It’s creamy, crunchy, and packed full of flavor. A delicious mixture of broccoli, bacon, red onion, mozzarella cheese, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and creamy homemade dressing.
This is one of those classic potluck salads that are always served at summertime family BBQs!
Yes, I know it contains mayonnaise, but if you keep it on ice or in the fridge, you’ll be fine! Just no setting it out in the sun. You know the mayo drill.
My favorite thing about this salad is the crunch. Trust me, if you’re into extra-crunch salads, this is for you! It’s packed with broccoli, bacon, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, red onion, and mozzarella cheese, all tossed in a creamy apple cider vinaigrette.
You can get creative with your mixins, and I will give you a few great tips in the post about substitutions and additions for your broccoli bacon salad spin.
To me, this type of salad screams vintage recipe. It perfectly fits with my collection of old-fashioned summer salads like my Classic Pea Salad, The Best Cucumber Salad, or my Classic Macaroni Salad.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for broccoli salad
- Broccoli florets
- Crumbled bacon
- Dried Cranberries
- Sunflower seeds
- Mozzarella cheese
- Red onion
For the dressing
- Mayonnaise
- Brown sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
How to make broccoli bacon salad
Making this easy summertime party salad could not be any easier! You need to set aside a little time to cut up your broccoli and cook your bacon, but it’s smooth sailing after that!
- Cut your broccoli florets into small bite-size pieces. Add the broccoli to a strainer, wash it, and try to remove as much water as possible. I find a salad spinner works best here. This will help the broccoli “hold” onto the dressing.
- Add broccoli, chopped red onion, mozzarella cheese, dried cranberries, diced bacon, and sunflower seeds to a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli salad mixture and stir to combine. Taste and season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Cover the salad and sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
What to serve with broccoli salad
Need some ideas on what to serve alongside your broccoli salad? I have been known to eat it straight from the mixing bowl, but let’s face it – some of you are more civilized than I am.
This salad pairs lovely with simple grilled dishes like Chimichurri Grilled Shrimp Skewers, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, or Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs.
If you want to keep it really traditional try serving it alongside Air Fryer Hot Dogs, Chicken Souvlaki Burgers, or some Oven Baked Chili Cheese Dogs.
Tips and tricks
I love making this recipe as is, BUT here are a few tips to help make this salad the perfect addition to your menu!
- Buy bagged broccoli florets to reduce the time it will take to cut up large broccoli crowns.
- Make the dressing in advance so it’s ready as soon as needed. It can be made up to 1 day in advance.
- Fry your bacon and crumble it up to 2 days before assembling your salad.
- Use real bacon bits if you don’t feel like frying bacon.
Adaptations and changes
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or use 50% mayo and 50% plain Greek yogurt.
- Don’t like mayonnaise? Try using Miracle Whip.
- Add nuts like toasted sliced almonds, pecans, or pistachios.
- Love dried fruit? Add golden raisins, chopped dried apricots, raisins, or even cherries.
- Craving more crunchy seeds? Add in some pumpkin seeds for added flavor and nutrition!
- Use white sugar in place of brown sugar.
Storage and leftovers
If you have leftovers from this salad, you’re in luck! This baby stays delicious FOR DAYS!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. This broccoli bacon salad will stay crunchy and delicious and goes great with any main course.
More salad recipes
The Best Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 5 cups raw small broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup crumbled crispy bacon about 6-8 strips
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup minced red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add broccoli, bacon, dried cranberries, red onion, mozzarella cheese, and sunflower seeds. Stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Pour dressing over broccoli and stir to combine.
- Let the salad rest for at least 30 minutes before serving. Keep refrigerated until ready to eat.