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Delicious Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon and sweet creamy dressing in a bowl

Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon

This easy broccoli salad features crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, and a sweet creamy dressing, making it a perfect side dish for potlucks and summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 5 to 6 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small bite size pieces Fresh broccoli is preferred for crunch.
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled Bake or fry until crispy.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped Soak in cold water if flavor is too strong.
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds Add right before serving for extra crunch.
Sweet Creamy Dressing
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional) Adds creaminess.
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar Taste and adjust sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Provides tanginess.
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the bacon. Bake on a sheet pan at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes until crispy. Let cool, then crumble.
  2. Chop the broccoli into small bite-size pieces for even dressing coverage.
  3. Mix the dressing by stirring together mayo, sour cream (if using), sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust sweetness and tanginess as needed.
  4. In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until everything is coated.
  6. Chill for at least 30 minutes in the fridge, then stir again before serving.

Notes

This salad holds up better than leafy salads. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. For best texture, mix in bacon and seeds right before serving. If the salad looks dry after sitting, add a spoonful of mayo or vinegar.