Broccoli Salad is the perfect side dish for picnics, backyard barbecues, and other get-togethers you have coming up this season. Crisp broccoli florets are mixed with smoky bacon, crunchy nuts, fruits, and veggies, all topped with a tangy dressing. This salad is sure to become a family favorite!

Broccoli salad used to be lumped in with things like potato salad and pasta salad for me, as in I don’t think I care for things like this that I believe should be warm. I like warm baked potatoes, piping hot pasta, and hot roasted broccoli, so every time I saw broccoli salad at the grocery store, I kind of cringed. I just wasn’t a fan of raw broccoli!
Well, I finally jumped on the bandwagon with potato salads, and now this recipe for broccoli salad has me singing a different tune.
SAVE THIS EASY BROCCOLI SALAD RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!

What’s not to love? Bacon, cheese, nuts, and fruit/veggies coated in a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing – I mean it’s win-win, right? It’s the perfect summer side to bring to your next shindig! If you don’t believe me, just ask my family; they’ve all had it and know it will be at our next barbecue!

Ingredients for Broccoli Salad with Bacon
You’ll need the following fresh ingredients to make this delicious salad:
- Fresh chopped broccoli
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Dried cranberries
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
- Chopped celery
- Sliced almonds
- Diced red onion
Broccoli Salad Dressing Ingredients
- Granulated white sugar
- Mayonnaise
- Red Wine Vinegar
Make sure to check out the easy recipe card at the bottom of the post for a detailed list of ingredients!

How to make this Recipe for Broccoli Salad
This salad is super easy to throw together, with just a few simple steps. You can even chop the ingredients ahead of time if you know you’ll be short on time.
- First, cook and crumble your bacon. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Chop the celery into small pieces and dice a red onion.
- Next, combine the broccoli, cheese, cranberries, crumbled bacon, celery, almonds, and onion in a large bowl. Stir well to mix everything evenly.
- Now, make the dressing. In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, stir together the mayonnaise, sugar, and red wine vinegar until well combined. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat well.
- I recommend refrigerating this salad for one hour so the flavors can really deepen. Then toss it once again before serving, and enjoy!

FAQS
Can I make Broccoli Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can chill the salad and the dressing separately up to a week, but I wouldn’t add the dressing until just before serving.
Can I use a different kind of vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar will also work well for this dressing.

Can I add or omit any of the ingredients?
Yes, feel free to customize your salad. Try it with pecans instead of almonds, or add in your favorite chopped veggies like bell peppers, carrots, green onions, etc. Sunflower kernels or sesame seeds are a great addition, too!
How do I store leftover Broccoli Salad?
Store leftovers covered or in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two, but it’s best the same day!

What can I serve with fresh Broccoli Salad?
Serve it with other summer BBQ or potluck foods like my Caprese Burgers, Sloppy Joes, or Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches. Burgers and hot dogs work well too!
Broccoli Salad also goes really well with your Easter favorites, like Glazed Ham and Cheesy Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes.
I think this salad also makes a nice light lunch along with a sliced baguette or cup of soup.

More Broccoli Recipes
- Broccoli Gratin is a delicious side dish featuring roasted broccoli in a creamy cheese sauce topped with crispy chopped bacon. It’s a great-tasting way to ensure you’re getting your veggies in!
- Broccoli Cheese Soup is perfect for a fall day. This is one of my comfort food soups!
Looking for More Salad Recipes?
I’ve got all sorts of delicious, crunchy salads to please your palate. You can find all my salad recipes here, but I’d start with this fabulous Apple Chicken Salad next time!


Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh chopped broccoli
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/3 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
Dressing
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cheese, cranberries, bacon, celery, almonds and onion. Mix to combine.
Dressing
- Mix together the sugar, mayonnaise, and red wine vinegar in a liquid measuring cup. Pour over the salad ingredients and toss to coat well.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour. Toss again before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
did you make this recipe?
Make sure to follow on Pinterest @easyrecipesfromhome for more easy recipes!
This post was originally published June 30, 2016. It has been updated in format and with pictures on June 26th, 2025.


Comments & Reviews
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
Holy moly this is perfect timing as I just bought some broccoli crowns! I would take this over any other salad this weekend!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
Fresh broccoli and broccoli salad are some of my favorite things. I love the addition of the almonds and cranberries here. Great flavor and textures!
Sandi (@fearless_dining) says
Broccoli salad with crumbly bacon? Yes please 🙂
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
Female power drug cartel? Haha. I have to check that out. 😀 And this is such a great dish to bring to a picnic!
Cookin Canuck says
Fourth of July is always such a fun holiday. Since we just moved to a new state, we are looking forward to creating new traditions here. Love the look of this broccoli salad for potlucks.
Ashlyn @ Belle of the Kitchen says
Broccoli salad is one of my favorite side dishes! This one looks amazing!
Cheryl Callahan says
Good looking salad want more recipes like this
Wonlee Yates says
Like your setup and I would like to thank you w