Description
Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and creamy cheddar cheese, all enveloped in a tangy homemade dressing. This delightful salad is perfect for summer barbecues or holiday gatherings, offering a unique blend of textures and tastes that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Easy to prepare and make-ahead friendly, this recipe is not just a side dish but a crowd-pleaser that complements any meal. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this Broccoli Salad with Bacon stands out as a delicious addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 10–11 strips bacon
- 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 & 1/4 cups Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
- 1 lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 & 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook the bacon on a baking sheet until crispy (about 20 minutes). Set aside to cool and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, lemon zest and juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
- Chop broccoli into small florets and add to the bowl with the dressing.
- Stir in cranberries, sunflower seeds, cheddar cheese, red onion, and most of the chopped bacon (reserve some for garnish).
- Combine well until everything is coated in the dressing. Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg