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Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe with Bacon and Cranberries in a bowl

Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon

A quick and delicious side dish featuring crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, and a creamy tangy dressing, perfect for potlucks and busy weeks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 cups Fresh broccoli florets Cut into small, bite-sized pieces.
  • 6 slices Bacon Cooked until crispy, then crumbled.
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese Shredded or cut into small cubes.
  • 1/4 cup Red onion Chopped; a little goes a long way.
  • 1/2 cup Sunflower seeds Or chopped nuts if preferred.
  • 1/2 cup Dried cranberries or raisins Optional, but adds a sweet pop.
Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise For creaminess.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar For tang.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Adjust based on taste.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Just a pinch to enhance flavors.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the bacon until crispy, then drain and crumble. Allow to cool before adding to the salad.
  2. Rinse and dry the broccoli well to avoid watering down the dressing. Chop into small pieces.
Mixing
  1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, onion, cheese, sunflower seeds, and dried fruit if using.
  2. Gradually add the dressing, mixing until everything is lightly coated. Adjust dressing to taste.
Serving
  1. Add the crumbled bacon just before serving to maintain its crispiness. If preparing ahead, keep bacon separate until serving.

Notes

Let the salad rest for 20-30 minutes in the fridge before serving to enhance flavor. Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for about 3 days. If it looks dry the next day, stir in a spoonful of mayo or yogurt to refresh.