I don’t know about you, but whenever I got to a potluck, I always load up on the side salads. They are my favorite part! Some of our other popular potluck salads are Frog Eye Salad, Classic Macaroni Salad, and Greek Pasta Salad. I think I have seen this classic broccoli salad at almost every 4th of July or Labor Day potluck or summer gathering I have ever been to. It’s that good and that popular that even though I don’t love raw broccoli any other time (even when dipped in copious amounts of ranch), I ALWAYS load up on this salad with its tangy, slightly sweet dressing, and fabulous crunchy/crispy/chewy action that is a texture-lover’s dream come true.
What is Cold Broccoli Salad?
Classic broccoli salad is that quintessential item to bring to potlucks or serve at any summer gathering. It’s a combination of broccoli, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds, and onion all mixed together tossed with the most delicious dressing made of mayo, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar. It’s so good! Seriously, if you have children who won’t eat their green vegetables, try serving them this crunchy raw salad. I’m not claiming this is healthy eating or anything once you add mayo and bacon and cheese, but whatever it takes to get kids to try something new and green and fresh, right? It’s this play of sweet from the cranberries, salty from the bacon and sunflower seeds, and savory from the cheese in this broccoli salad recipe that never fails to satisfy. Oh, and don’t forget that tangy dressing made with a little vinegar, mayo, sour cream, and sugar to sweeten it up just enough. People are always asking for the recipe, and I don’t blame them. This easy broccoli salad is what I want with my burgers and grilled chicken, thank you very much. We love this salad and think it is the best broccoli salad we’ve ever had, but would love to hear what you think in the comments below!
Broccoli Bacon Salad ingredients
Cooked bacon – chop it small into bite size pieces. You will want the bacon to be cooked until crispy. Raw broccoli – chopped into small bite size pieces Sharp cheddar cheese Dried cranberries Salted sunflower seeds Red onion Mayo – We recommend using real mayonnaise, not Miracle Whip for this broccoli salad recipe. Sour cream – For a slightly healthier approach, you can use greek yogurt as a healthy substitute in place of the sour cream. Apple cider vinegar – White wine vinegar or red wine vinegar will work just as well if that’s what you have on hand. Granulated sugar Salt and pepper
How to make Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Tips & Storage for Classic Broccoli Salad
Bacon Broccoli Salad: Steamed or Blanched Broccoli?
I’ve heard that some people like to parcook their broccoli slightly before making broccoli salad, but I think definitely prefer it with crunchy, raw fresh broccoli instead. You can actually make the dressing and salad 2-3 days in advance, so it’s a great choice if you are prepping for a party or you are making it to take with you somewhere, although I think it’s best when the dressing is added the same day the salad is going to be served rather than dressing and tossing everything together that far in advance. Remember to keep the broccoli salad cold until it is time to serve since it has a mayo-based dressing. It should not sit out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
Can this Broccoli Salad Recipe with Bacon be made ahead?
Yes! You can make it 2-3 days in advance. My tip though would be to make the dressing and broccoli mix ahead but don’t mix it together until the day of. Toss it all together a couple of hours before your event.
How to store Classic Broccoli Salad
Because of the mayo and sour cream in the dressing it is best to keep this salad refrigerated in an airtight container. Do not let it sit out for more than 2 hours. Keep it chilled if transporting to a potluck or picnic.
How long can Broccoli Salad be stored?
Some say that broccoli salad can be stored for up to 5 days but for best flavor and texture, I would consume it within 3-4 days. The cheese can start to get too soft and everything starts to become a soggy mess.
Bacon Broccoli Salad Substitutions and Variations
Raisins instead of dried cranberries are a common and popular substitution. I like the extra tartness of the cranberries best, but both are good to add a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness. You could even use fresh grapes that have been sliced in half in place of the cranberries or raisins. For a slightly healthier approach, you can use greek yogurt as a healthy substitute in place of the sour cream. Mozzarella or monterey jack can be substituted for the sharp or medium cheddar, although they will change the flavor of the salad a bit. We always grate it fresh ourselves, but if you are buying pre-shredded cheese, I recommend looking for the thicker cut variety. You can also cube the cheese instead, although I personally prefer the texture of the shreds best in broccoli salad. Want even more crunch? Try adding slivered ½ cup of shaved or slivered almonds to your broccoli salad! I use apple cider vinegar in the dressing, but white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar will work just as well if that’s what you have on hand. You could use honey instead of sugar in the dressing. But I wouldn’t omit a sweetener because classic broccoli salad really does have a bit of a sweet flavor and it’s just not the same without it.
Love broccoli? Me too!
Roasted Broccoli Better-Than-Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup Cheesy Chicken Broccoli & Rice Casserole (my childhood favorite!)
More potluck sides everybody loves
The BEST Baked Beans Boiled Corn on the Cob Watermelon Basil Feta Salad Deviled Egg Potato Salad Creamy Grape Salad Bacon Green Onion Deviled Eggs
BLT Pasta Salad
The Best Macaroni Salad
Cottage Cheese Salad
Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.
