If you’re looking for a fresh, crunchy, and utterly delicious salad that combines garden-fresh broccoli with crispy bacon and a tangy, creamy dressing, this Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe is going to be your new favorite. It beautifully balances the savory richness of bacon with the tartness of cranberries and the nutty crunch of toasted walnuts, making it more than just a side dish — it’s a flavor-packed experience you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together effortlessly to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in this Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe. Each component plays a distinct role — from the bright green broccoli and crispy bacon to the creamy dressing and crunchy walnuts.
- 2 large heads broccoli (cut into florets): Fresh broccoli offers a satisfying crunch and vibrant color that makes the salad pop.
- 6 oz. bacon (cut into bite-sized pieces): Crispy bacon adds irresistible smokiness and salty notes to every bite.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Provides a creamy, luscious base for the dressing without overpowering other flavors.
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and lightness, balancing the richness of mayonnaise perfectly.
- 1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar: Brings acidity that brightens the entire salad.
- 2 Tbsp. sugar: A touch of sweetness to round out the savory and tangy elements.
- ½ tsp. salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- ⅓ cup red onion (finely sliced): Offers a sharp bite and subtle color contrast.
- ⅔ cup cranberries: Tart and chewy, cranberries add bursts of fruity flavor and festive color.
- 1 cup walnuts (toasted): Adds earthy crunch that complements the tender broccoli and bacon.
How to Make Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by steaming your broccoli florets for about 4 to 5 minutes until they turn a vibrant bright green. This slight cooking softens the broccoli just enough to bring out its natural sweetness while retaining that satisfying crunch. After steaming, transfer the broccoli to a large bowl and gently dab it with a paper towel until completely dry — removing excess moisture helps the dressing cling perfectly later.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Next, crisp up that bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cooking it for 5 to 7 minutes should do the trick, letting it reach that perfect golden-brown crispiness. Once cooked, drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up the excess fat. The smoky, crunchy bacon pieces are a key feature that bring so much character to the salad.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, white wine vinegar, sugar, and salt until smooth and creamy. This delightful dressing is what ties all the ingredients together, balancing richness with tang and just a touch of sweetness.
Step 4: Combine Broccoli and Dressing
Once your broccoli has cooled to room temperature, toss it in the bowl with your freshly made dressing. Make sure each tender floret is well coated so every bite benefits from that delicious creamy tang.
Step 5: Add Mix-ins
Now for the fun part: fold in the finely sliced red onions, tart cranberries, toasted walnuts, and that crispy bacon. These ingredients elevate the salad with bursts of texture and flavor, creating a perfectly balanced medley that keeps your taste buds entertained.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Cover your broccoli bacon salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 to 2 hours, or even better, overnight. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, making the salad even more irresistible when it’s time to serve.
How to Serve Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top can bring a fresh, vibrant note to the final presentation. A sprinkle of extra toasted walnuts or an additional handful of cranberries on the salad itself can also add visual appeal and texture.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, making it an excellent addition to summer barbecues or casual family dinners. It’s also fantastic alongside sandwiches or on its own as a hearty lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in a large wooden bowl for a rustic vibe, or in small individual glass jars for a charming picnic or potluck presentation. You can even layer it with some shredded cheese and a sprinkle of extra bacon on top if you’re feeling indulgent!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover broccoli bacon salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy as a quick snack or side throughout the week.
Freezing
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, freezing is not recommended due to the creamy dressing and crisp ingredients, which can become mushy after thawing.
Reheating
This salad is served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing evenly.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked bacon can save time — just make sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it when assembling the salad.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
If you prefer, you can substitute mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative to keep the salad creamy yet lighter.
How do I keep the broccoli crisp?
Steaming the broccoli for just a few minutes and drying it thoroughly helps retain its crunch. Avoid overcooking, as that can make it too soft.
Can I add other nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes, pecans or almonds would work beautifully and add their own unique crunch and flavor to the salad.
Can this salad be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, use plant-based mayonnaise, omit bacon or swap it for a smoky vegan bacon alternative, and ensure any yogurt used is dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser, bursting with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures that make every bite exciting. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, serving it alongside your favorite main dish, or enjoying it on its own, it’s a simple yet sensational recipe worth making—and making often.
Print
Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A delicious and crunchy Broccoli Bacon Salad combining steamed broccoli, crispy bacon, creamy dressing, and a mix of sweet and tangy ingredients. Perfect as a refreshing side dish for any meal or picnic.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large heads broccoli (cut into florets)
- ⅓ cup red onion (finely sliced)
Protein
- 6 oz. bacon (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- ½ tsp. salt
Add-ins
- ⅔ cup cranberries
- 1 cup walnuts (toasted)
Instructions
- Steam Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets in a steamer basket for 4-5 minutes until they turn bright green. Transfer to a large bowl to cool, then dab with a paper towel to remove excess moisture until completely dry.
- Cook Bacon: In a medium skillet, cook the bite-sized bacon pieces over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and crispy. Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, white wine vinegar, sugar, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Toss Broccoli in Dressing: Once the broccoli is cooled to room temperature, add it to the dressing and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.
- Add Mix-ins: Stir in the finely sliced red onion, cranberries, toasted walnuts, and cooked bacon pieces, folding gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Chill Salad: Cover the broccoli salad and chill it in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or up to overnight to allow flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure broccoli is cooled and patted dry after steaming to avoid a watery salad.
- Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to enhance their flavor.
- Bacon can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to use.
- This salad tastes even better after resting overnight, allowing flavors to meld.
- For a healthier twist, use reduced-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
