Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad

Name: Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10-11 strips bacon, cooked; 2 heads broccoli (about 1.5 pounds or 5-6 cups); 1 cup dried cranberries; 1/3 cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/3 cup chopped red onion (or more to taste); 1 and 1/4 cups Miracle Whip or mayonnaise; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 and 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

By:

Alejandro

Published:

February 14, 2026

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When it comes to easy and delicious salads, the Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe stands out as a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect mix of flavors and textures, bringing together crispy bacon, vibrant broccoli, and sweet cranberries. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Imagine sitting with friends, sharing stories and laughter, as this colorful salad brightens the table. Each bite is a wonderful surprise, combining savory, sweet, and tangy notes that keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re preparing a meal for the family or hosting a picnic, this salad will impress. Let’s jump into why this recipe works and why you’ll love it!

Why This Recipe Works

One of the best things about this Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe is the wonderful contrast of flavors. The sweet cranberries beautifully balance the savory bacon and tangy dressing, creating a delightful harmony that tantalizes your taste buds. Additionally, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, even for those who may not consider themselves kitchen wizards. You don’t need to spend hours cooking or dirtying every pot in your kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile. Whether you’re off to a picnic, backyard barbecue, or family gathering, this salad appeals to a variety of palates.

You can even tweak the ingredients based on what you have handy. This flexibility means it can fit into any occasion, making it a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe

Simply put, this salad is packed with texture and flavor. With each bite, you experience a delightful crunch from the broccoli and sunflower seeds, perfectly complemented by the rich and savory personality of the bacon. It’s a fun way to make sure you’re getting your veggies in; the bright green broccoli stands out and makes it a visually appealing dish.

Also, it serves well as a meal prep item. You can easily throw it together for quick lunches or as a side for dinner, enhancing any meal with minimal fuss. Plus, it’s a delightful option for people of all ages, so whether you have kids or are cooking for adults, it’s sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

10-11 strips bacon, cooked
2 heads broccoli (about 1.5 pounds or 5-6 cups)
1 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup chopped red onion (or more to taste)
1 and 1/4 cups Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1 and 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Making the Dressing

Whisk Together Dressing Ingredients

To kick things off, grab a large bowl. In it, combine 1 and 1/4 cups Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, the lemon zest, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Use your whisk to blend everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This creamy dressing is what brings all the ingredients together in the salad, so make sure it’s nicely mixed!

Preparing the Salad

Cook the Bacon

Cooking the bacon is an essential step. You’ll want it crispy for the perfect texture. A helpful tip is to bake 10-11 strips of bacon on a sheet pan in the oven. This way, you avoid all that greasy splatter that can make cooking a hassle. Once it’s nice and crispy, let it cool on paper towels. After that, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Chop the Broccoli

Now it’s time to work with the broccoli. Start by rinsing 2 heads under cool water to clean them. Then, chop the broccoli into small florets, including those tender parts of the stems if you want to enhance the texture and taste. The goal is to have bite-sized pieces that blend easily with the other ingredients.

Combine Salad Ingredients

With the dressing ready and the broccoli chopped, it’s time to combine everything. In your dressing bowl, add in the chopped broccoli, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped red onion. Don’t forget to add most of the bacon, but save a bit for topping later. This final mix will create that delightful fusion of flavors and textures.

Mix and Serve

Give everything a good stir to coat all the ingredients with the dressing. At this point, you have a couple of options. You can serve it immediately or let it chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, garnish with the reserved bacon bits for that extra crunch on top.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe shines as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks. Pair it with grilled meats for a balanced meal that everyone will enjoy. Alternatively, you can also serve it for lunch as a stand-alone dish, or alongside your favorite sandwiches. No matter how you enjoy it, this salad will add a joyful touch to your meal.

Tips for Success

To ensure your salad is at its best, consider letting it sit for a few minutes before serving. This waiting period lets the flavors meld, enhancing the overall taste. If you want an added crunch, think about lightly toasting the sunflower seeds before mixing them in. Adjust the quantities of ingredients based on your taste; that’s the beauty of cooking!

Variations

Feel free to experiment! You might add diced apples or pears for a fruity twist, or swap in different types of cheese, like feta or goat cheese, for an exciting flavor change. You can even change the sunflower seeds for nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to introduce a nuttier taste.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for up to 5 days. If you’re serving the salad later, consider adding the reserved bacon just before serving to keep it crispy and delicious.

Pairing Ideas

This salad complements grilled chicken or steak wonderfully. It’s also ideal when served alongside a fresh, crisp green salad, creating a vibrant meal. To quench your thirst, pair it with a light white wine or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just remember to leave off the reserved bacon until you’re ready to serve to maintain its crispness.

2. What can I substitute for Miracle Whip?
Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt work well as alternatives.

3. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are gluten-free, but always check labels for any additional ingredients.

4. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
While dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness, you can opt for fresh ones if you prefer a tart flavor. Just be sure to adjust sweetness to taste.

5. How can I make this salad vegan?
You can substitute bacon with tempeh or coconut bacon, use vegan mayo, and leave out the cheese for a delicious plant-based dish.

This Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe makes both a tasty side and a delightful centerpiece for any gathering. With its colorful blend of ingredients and flavors, it’s sure to brighten your meal. So, gather your friends and family around the table and enjoy this satisfying creation together. Happy cooking!