Broccoli Salad with Bacon

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This Broccoli Salad with Bacon and sunflower seeds is everything you want in a make-ahead side. It’s based on my mom’s classic recipe and hits that perfect balance of flavor and texture every time. Even with a homemade dressing, it’s still very simple to make, easy to prep ahead, and always a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Salad Recipe

• Easy to make ahead
• Perfect balance of crunchy + creamy
• Classic family recipe
• Crowd favorite for gatherings

Ingredient Notes

• Broccoli – Fresh only. Chop it small so no one’s stuck with giant trees on their plate.
• Red onion – Diced fine so it doesn’t overpower, but you still get that bite.
• Sunflower seeds – Roasted and salted work best here. They give the salad some texture and a nutty flavor without being too much.
• Bacon – Cook it crisp and crumble it yourself. Or go lazy with store-bought bacon bits if you must. No judgment. I like to bake my bacon in the oven at 425° F. For the best taste in your broccoli salad, crispy bacon is key.
• Raisins or Craisins – Totally optional, but they add a chewy sweetness that balances everything out.
• Mayonnaise – Use full-fat for best flavor and texture.
• Sugar – It sweetens the dressing but doesn’t make it syrupy. You need it, trust me.

While a classic broccoli salad can include various types of cheese (goat cheese, feta cheese or extra sharp cheddar cheese), my mom’s recipe does not. It still delivers plenty of flavor thanks to the combination of crispy bacon, fresh broccoli, and that creamy, slightly sweet dressing.

How to Make This Broccoli Salad with Bacon

It’s definitely one of the better fail-proof recipes I have in my custody that I am in LOVE with. It’s easy, has a good crunch factor, has the right broccoli to bacon ratio plus that sweet dressing turns otherwise unassuming broccoli into magic. For full recipe details, including ingredients needed and measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. This classic side dish truly shines with the flavor-packed duo of bacon and broccoli in every bite.

Step 1: Cook Bacon + Prep Veggies

chop all veggies making sure broccoli is cut into bite size pieces. For added flavor, make sure to use both bacon and fresh broccoli.

cook bacon + chop into small pieces

Step 2: Mix the Salad

toss chopped veggies into a large bowl + add sunflower seeds and craisins Next, add both broccoli and bacon to the mix for that classic salad combination.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix the dressing ingredients together to combine. Pour over broccoli mixture and toss to coat. Serve or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Don’t forget, this dressing is especially perfect paired with this salad.

Step 4: Toss + Chill

pour dressing over the salad + toss well to coat and chill. When chilling, the flavors meld for a satisfying salad.

Tips for Success

• Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. The flavor gets better. For even tastier results, include plenty of bacon with your broccoli salad.
• Cut everything small, especially the broccoli. You don’t want giant chunks.
• Make the dressing in advance so the sugar fully dissolves.
• If using bacon bits, use a generous amount. Pre-cooked versions tend to be skimpy on flavor.
• Making a day ahead is actually recommended to give the dressing time to marinate everything.

What to Serve with Broccoli Salad

• Crispy Chicken Wrap – crunchy, handheld, and perfect next to a chilled broccoli salad with bacon.
• Air Fryer Chicken Skewers – quick and full of flavor with minimal cleanup
• Turkey Burger – so juicy with a secret ingredient!
• Chicken Wings on Pellet Grill – smoked tender wings with crispy skin pair great with something cool and creamy
• Easy Oven Baked Ribs – fall-off-the-bone tender and a great contrast to the crunch of broccoli and bacon salad.

FAQ

Can you make broccoli salad ahead of time?
Yes! This broccoli salad actually tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes, and even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

How long does broccoli salad last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, broccoli salad will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days.

Do you cook broccoli for broccoli salad?
No, this recipe uses fresh, raw broccoli for the best crunch and texture.

What goes in classic broccoli salad?
Classic broccoli salad typically includes fresh broccoli, bacon, sunflower seeds, red onion, and a creamy, slightly sweet dressing.

You don’t need to overthink this one. Just make it, serve it, and watch it disappear. 🙂 The printable recipe is below. Enjoy, friends! This broccoli salad with bacon will quickly become a staple at your gatherings.

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Katie Cooksey

This is the best Broccoli Salad recipe that will be devoured at your next barbecue! It's sweet, creamy and crunchy with fresh broccoli, homemade dressing and lots of bacon!

4 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 512 kcal

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 8 cups fresh broccoli florets chopped, bite size
• 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 cup crumbled bacon
• 1/2 cup raisins or Craisins optional

For the dressing:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Chop all the vegetables making sure to cut the broccoli into bite-size pieces. Cook bacon according to your liking and cut up into small pieces, or you could buy bacon bits.
• Place all salad ingredients into a large bowl and set aside.
• In a smaller bowl, mix dressing ingredients together to combine. Pour over salad and toss. Serve or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Video

Notes

Storing + Make Ahead Instructions

Broccoli salad is one of those salads that honestly tastes better the second day! By then the dressing has had time to marinate and soak into everything. Yum!

Store any leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container, in the fridge for up to 5 days. Beyond this time, the broccoli will start to wilt.

Make Ahead: The best part about this salad is you can chop all the veggies, store it in your refrigerator and add the dressing right before serving. It’s a definite crowd pleaser and is fabulous for holidays and potlucks.

Nutrition

Calories: 512kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 9gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 548mgPotassium: 526mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 625IUVitamin C: 82.7mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 1.6mg

Keyword broccoli salad, broccoli salad recipe, broccoli salad with bacon, summer salad

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• Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe – Shredded chicken, crunchy noodles, and a sesame dressing that’s better than takeout.
• Beet & Arugula Salad – Earthy, peppery and crisp.
• Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad – a twist on Caesar with shaved Brussels sprouts, bold and oh so good.

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.