Classic Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Make this easy, crunchy broccoli salad with a creamy dressing. It is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a make-ahead side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 min
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, raisins or cranberries, sunflower seeds, and chopped red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth. This is your dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and the broccoli to soften slightly while remaining crunchy.
- Stir well before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the dressing up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- For the best texture, chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces.
- If you prefer a tangier dressing, slightly reduce the amount of sugar used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 25