Description
This Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a delightful combination of crunchy bacon, sweet cranberries, creamy cheddar cheese, and nutty sunflower seeds, all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish at summer barbecues and holiday gatherings, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also sure to impress your guests. Whether enjoyed fresh or chilled, every bite bursts with flavor and texture. With its vibrant colors and satisfying ingredients, this recipe is a must-try for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 10–11 strips bacon (cooked)
- 2 heads broccoli (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup roasted sunflower seeds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1 and 1/4 cups Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
- Lemon zest and juice
- White wine vinegar
- Sugar
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in the oven until crispy. Cool and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
- Chop the broccoli into small florets and add to the bowl with the dressing.
- Stir in the cranberries, sunflower seeds, cheddar cheese, and most of the bacon (reserve some for garnish).
- Mix gently until well combined. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 525mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg