Creamy Broccoli Salad with Crispy Bacon

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Ready in minutes, this Creamy Broccoli Salad with Crispy Bacon is the perfect side dish for any BBQ, party, or potluck. Made with fresh, crisp broccoli florets, salty and savory bacon, sweet raisins, tart cranberries, nutty sunflower seeds, and a deliciously sweet and savory homemade mayonnaise-based dressing, this salad is a true crowd-pleaser. It's easy to see why this is our favorite broccoli salad recipe.

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Have you ever had a broccoli salad? If not, you're in for a treat! This is my husband's favorite salad—he absolutely loves it. I always make extra so that he has plenty to snack on whenever he wants. I like to serve this colorful salad in place of coleslaw almost every time I get the chance. I prefer broccoli salad over coleslaw because of the greater combination of flavors and colors. It has the same sweet and tangy dressing but is much heartier, and everyone usually raves about how much they like this salad.

Why Broccoli Salad is a Winner

What makes this the best broccoli salad recipe? It's all about the balance of flavors and textures. You get the crunch of fresh broccoli florets and stems, the chewiness of raisins and cranberries, the nuttiness of sunflower seeds, and the crispy, salty perfection of bacon bits. Toss in a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar, and you've got a combination that’s hard to beat.

Broccoli Salad Ingredients

• Broccoli: Use fresh heads of broccoli, chopping the florets into bite-sized pieces. Discard the tough broccoli stems.
• Bacon: Real bacon brings that savory crunch.
• Onion: Raw onion adds a sharp bite that compliments the sweetness of the fruit.
• Raisins and Cranberries: I like to mix raisins with tart cranberries for a perfect sweet-tart balance. You can use regular raisins or golden raisin if you like.
• Salted & Roasted Sunflower Seed Kernels: These add a wonderful nuttiness and crunch.

Homemade Broccoli Salad Dressing

The homemade dressing is a mayonnaise-based dressing that ties all the flavors together. Here’s how you make it:

• Mayonnaise: A cup of mayo is the base of this creamy dressing.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tang and depth.
• Granulated Sugar: For a sweet and tangy dressing.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: ​To add another layer of seasoning.

Making the Salad

1. Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Set aside.
2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the broccoli florets, red onion, raisins, and cranberries.
3. Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
4. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld. (Several hours is even better if you have the time.)
5. Add Final Touches: Just before serving, mix in the crumbled bacon and sunflower seeds and stir well to combine.
6. Serve: Serve the salad immediately and enjoy the rave reviews!

A Perfect Summer Salad

This salad is a great addition to any summer BBQ, providing a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes. It's one of my favorite side dishes, especially during the hot months when you crave something cool and crisp. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes it a standout.

Variations and Tips

• Broccoli Slaw: For a twist, try using broccoli slaw in place of fresh florets. It’s a great way to incorporate more of those crunchy broccoli stalks and stems.
• Macaroni Salad: If you're a fan of traditional recipes like macaroni salad, this broccoli version offers a delightful change of pace.
• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This salad often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Why You’ll Love It

This delicious broccoli salad is not just easy to make but also incredibly versatile. It's the perfect summer salad and a great recipe to bring to your next potluck or family gathering. The blend of textures and flavors ensures it's always a hit, making it one of my favorite salads to prepare and share. So next time you're in need of a quick, flavorful side dish, remember this classic broccoli salad recipe—it never disappoints!

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Serving Suggestions

I love serving this salad in place of coleslaw with these great main dishes:

• Southern Fried Chicken
• Cajun Fried Catfish
• Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters
• Dinner Roll Sandwiches

More Salad Recipes

• Strawberry Watermelon Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette
• Easy Fresh Tomato Salad with Aged Balsamic Dressing
• Catalina Taco Salad