Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
Everyone needs a recipe for the best Broccoli Salad with Bacon! This dish is packed with flavors and textures, making it a standout at any gathering. With crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, creamy cheese, and a zesty dressing, it’s perfect for summer barbecues or holiday feasts. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also simple to prepare, ensuring you’ll impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleaser: This broccoli salad is always a hit at parties and gatherings.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip this up in no time.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of bacon, cheese, and cranberries creates a delightful taste experience.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature; it suits any occasion.
- Nutritious Twist: Packed with broccoli and other wholesome ingredients, this salad is both tasty and healthy.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Broccoli Salad with Bacon, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation smoother and more enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Chef’s knife
- Baking sheet
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife allows for precise chopping of broccoli and other ingredients for even texture.
- Baking sheet: Ideal for cooking bacon evenly in the oven without mess.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending dressing ingredients smoothly together.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need for this delicious Broccoli Salad with Bacon recipe:
For the Salad
- 10-11 strips bacon (cooked)
- 2 heads broccoli (about 1 and 1/2 pounds or 5-6 cups)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds (roasted and salted)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion (or more to taste)
For the Dressing
- 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
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by making the bacon. I highly recommend baking it in the oven. It’s so much easier and avoids splatters.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange 10-11 strips of bacon on a baking sheet.
- Bake until crisp to your liking, about 15 minutes.
- Once cooked, set aside on paper towels to cool. After cooling, chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the bacon cooks, mix together the ingredients for the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, add:
- 1 & 1/4 cups Miracle Whip OR mayonnaise
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 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
- Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
Step 3: Chop the Broccoli
Next, prepare your broccoli.
- Using a chef’s knife, chop two heads of broccoli into small florets.
- Optional: Save the stems by chopping them finely and adding them too.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add all salad ingredients to the dressing bowl.
- Add:
- Chopped broccoli
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup roasted sunflower seeds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- Most of the chopped bacon (reserve some for topping)
Step 5: Mix Well
Stir everything together until well combined.
This salad can be served immediately or chilled. If chilling, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Store Leftovers
Any leftovers should be covered and stored in the fridge. This salad will keep well for about five days. Enjoy your delightful Broccoli Salad with Bacon!
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
Serving your Broccoli Salad with Bacon is simple and fun. This dish is versatile enough to complement many meals, making it a go-to side for any occasion.
At Summer Barbecues
- Brighten Up the Table: This salad adds vibrant color and flavor, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings.
- Pair with Grilled Meats: It goes excellently with grilled chicken, burgers, or ribs, enhancing the meal’s overall taste.
For Family Gatherings
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare this salad a day in advance. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve Buffet Style: Place the salad in a large bowl for guests to help themselves, making it easy and casual.
During Holiday Meals
- Thanksgiving Delight: This broccoli salad provides a fresh contrast to heavier dishes like turkey and stuffing.
- Festive Presentation: Garnish with extra bacon or cranberries on top for an eye-catching finish that impresses guests.
As a Light Lunch
- Quick and Easy Meal: Enjoy this salad on its own or pair it with whole-grain bread for a satisfying lunch.
- Add Protein: Consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
How to Perfect Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
To ensure your Broccoli Salad with Bacon turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Flavor Combination: Use high-quality bacon and fresh ingredients for maximum flavor impact.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge to enhance its flavors before serving.
- Customize Ingredients: Feel free to swap out cheese types or add nuts according to your preference.
- Fresh Lemon Zest: Always add freshly grated lemon zest for a bright, citrusy kick that elevates the dish.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
Finding complementary side dishes enhances your meal experience. Here are some delicious options that pair well with your Broccoli Salad with Bacon.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, grilled corn is a classic summer favorite that pairs nicely.
- Classic Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can balance the richness of the bacon in your salad.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make a hearty addition to any meal.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes on skewers offer a light and refreshing taste.
- Deviled Eggs: Creamy deviled eggs are always a hit at gatherings and complement the salad wonderfully.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad can provide an excellent contrast in texture and flavor profiles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Broccoli Salad with Bacon doesn’t have to be difficult! Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using Overcooked Bacon: Cook your bacon until it’s crispy but not burnt. Overcooked bacon can make the salad taste greasy and dry.
- Skipping the Dressing: Don’t skip the dressing or use store-bought versions. Homemade dressing enhances the flavors and makes your salad special.
- Not Chopping Broccoli Properly: Cut your broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces. Larger pieces can be hard to eat and disrupt the salad’s texture.
- Forgetting About Seasoning: Always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust seasonings as needed for a balanced flavor.
- Adding Ingredients Too Early: Mix in ingredients like bacon and cheese just before serving. This keeps them fresh and crunchy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Broccoli Salad with Bacon in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for about 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
- Freezing is not recommended since it can alter the texture of the veggies.
- If you must freeze, omit ingredients like cheese and bacon before freezing.
Reheating Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently to avoid overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Broccoli Salad with Bacon.
Can I make Broccoli Salad with Bacon ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just add bacon right before serving for freshness.
What can I serve with Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe?
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a buffet spread at gatherings.
How long does Broccoli Salad with Bacon last?
It lasts about 5 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I customize this Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, different cheeses, or other vegetables according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Salad with Bacon recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients. Whether you serve it at barbecues or holiday gatherings, it’s sure to impress everyone. Give it a try!
Broccoli Salad with Bacon
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a delightful combination of crisp, nutritious broccoli, smoky bacon, and sweet cranberries, all brought together by a creamy dressing. This salad is perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, and holiday feasts. With its vibrant colors and flavors, it’s sure to impress your guests without requiring hours in the kitchen. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients that add a nutritious twist to your meal. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this salad makes for an irresistible side that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 10–11 strips cooked 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 oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange bacon on a baking sheet and bake until crispy (about 15 minutes). Cool and chop into pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Miracle Whip, lemon zest, lemon 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 along with cranberries, sunflower seeds, cheddar cheese, red onion, and most of the bacon (reserve some for topping).
- Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Chill before serving if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
