Description
Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a vibrant and flavorful dish that will elevate any gathering, from summer barbecues to holiday feasts. This delightful salad combines crispy bacon, crunchy sunflower seeds, sweet dried cranberries, and creamy cheddar cheese, all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors that will impress your guests. Serve it as a side or main dish—this versatile salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 10–11 strips cooked bacon
- 2 heads broccoli (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup roasted sunflower seeds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1 and 1/4 cups Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
- Zest and juice from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until crispy; chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper.
- Chop broccoli into small florets and add to the bowl with dressing.
- Mix in cranberries, sunflower seeds, cheddar cheese, red onion, and most of the bacon (save some for topping).
- Stir everything together until well combined. Let sit for about 20 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 30mg