Broccoli Salad

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.

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.

1. First, cook and crumble your bacon. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Chop the celery into small pieces and dice a red onion.
2. Next, combine the broccoli, cheese, cranberries, crumbled bacon, celery, almonds, and onion in a large bowl. Stir well to mix everything evenly.
3. 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.
4. 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!

This post was originally published June 30, 2016. It has been updated in format and with pictures on June 26th, 2025.