Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipe (Simple & Yummy)
Need the a great potluck salad?
Today, I’m sharing a super simple and delicious side dish perfect for any gathering, holiday event, or even the regular weeknight dinner! This bacon broccoli salad is a family favorite recipe from my mother in law and it is always the first side dish to disappear at any family BBQ.
It’s full of bright flavors and textures I know your family will love too!
What an EASY salad to make!
Since you only need six pieces of bacon I quickly make crispy bacon using the air fryer! Then just make a simple sweetened mayo dressing and toss all ingredients together. We like using raisins, but if they don’t sound appealing you can use grapes or omit. The sunflower seeds add some nice texture too.
Bacon Broccoli Salad
yield: 6 SERVINGS
prep time: 10 MINUTES
cook time: 20 MINUTES
total time: 30 MINUTES
Make this delicious Bacon Broccoli Salad for your side dish or next event!
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup real mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Directions
1
Cook your bacon and chop it up.
2
Also chop the broccoli.
3
For the dressing, dissolve sugar and vinegar, then stir in mayonnaise.
4
In a large bowl mix broccoli, bacon, sunflower seeds, raisins, cheddar cheese, and onions.
5
Pour dressing over salad and mix well. Let chill an hour before serving, and enjoy!
This salad is always a hit!
I love broccoli salad because it’s simple to make, has a great flavor, and always comes out delicious. The crunch of the broccoli with this dressing and bacon is so YUM!
And, it’s a perfect way to use the big 3 lb. bag of fresh broccoli found at Costco and typically priced around $5. You can even make this salad a day ahead as it keeps well – just consider keeping the dressing separate and putting it on about an hour before serving.
I’ve made this with broccoli slaw. Super easy!
I’m think’in this is Trim Healthy mama without raisans, and stevia in place of sugar 🙂
Lisa- yes!!! I was thinking of how to THM it too. Ha
That’s what I was thinking as I read it!!
We make this recipe a lot but substitute the bacon for turkey. It’s great!
I love this recipe! Except with super sharp cheddar and red onions. Funny how we all have our own twists.
I can’t wait to try this recipe… It sounds exactly like a side dish I used to get at an Amish market when I traveled for work. I was just thinking of all of their yummy food the other day. Thanks for sharing!
Yeah I make this once in a while but with a few different ingredients: cranberries instead of raisins and red onion instead of green. This sald is very delicious but very addictive too! Love it! Yum!
What can you use instead of mayonnaise?
Make an avocado dressing by blending together one avocado, juice of one lemon, 1 tbs of olive oil, and water to adjust texture to your preference.
I’ll have to try your avocado dressing. I love to experiment.
Greek yogurt with a little lemon juice. Not exactly the same but still really good.
I’ve been making this for years and everyone always loves it. I buy the pre-cooked bacon which makes it even easier.
I could just use greek yogurt instead of mayo right?
Yes you can. Taste in small sample before pouring over salad to see if it is good.
I disagree about holding off on the dressing…I think it tastes even better the longer it is allowed to “marry.” IMO.
I loved this. Got it from my neighbor’s mom. Made it for almost every potluck or birthday party. Perfect for summer days. I modified such as use red wine instead of vinegar. Dried cranberries instead of raisins. I am sure everyone modified to their own tasting.
My mom’s potluck staple. Use red grapes (cut in half) instead of raisins. Yum!
This is really good with fresh pineapple in it too!! Thanks for sharing
Make this all the time, but i substitute shredded carrots for the cheese, adds more veggies & color 🙂