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–+ servings

Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe

A delightful and crowd-pleasing dish, this Broccoli Bacon Salad combines crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, sharp cheddar cheese, and crunchy sunflower seeds with a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues or holiday gatherings.
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Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 10-11 strips of bacon cooked and chopped
  • 2 heads of broccoli approximately 1½ pounds (5-6 cups)
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • ⅓ cup roasted and 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

  • Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon to your desired crispness using your preferred method, such as baking in the oven to avoid splatter. Once cooked, place on paper towels to drain excess grease and cool. Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
  • Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
  • Assemble the Salad: Trim the broccoli into small florets using a sharp knife. You may also chop the stems and add them if desired. Place the chopped broccoli into the bowl with the dressing. Add the dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and most of the bacon, reserving a portion for garnish.
  • Combine and Serve: Stir the salad thoroughly until the dressing coats all ingredients. Serve immediately at room temperature, or refrigerate the salad and let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Notes

For best results, if you plan to serve the salad later, keep the bacon separate and mix it in just before serving to maintain its crispness.