Broccoli Bacon Salad (Creamy, Crunchy & Classic Southern Side Dish)
- Sarah Smith
- Nov 6, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 31
This Broccoli Bacon Salad is creamy, crunchy, and packed with bold flavor, combining fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a sweet-tangy dressing. This easy broccoli salad recipe is a classic Southern side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, holidays, or everyday family meals.
If you love fresh, flavorful sides, serve this salad with Southern Fried Chicken, Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, or Chicken Fajitas for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also explore more fresh and easy options in the Salad Recipes collection to build a full lineup of crowd-pleasing dishes.
Why You’ll Love This
Perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors
Easy to make ahead for gatherings and meal prep
Classic crowd-pleasing side dish
Great for potlucks, holidays, and barbecues
Simple ingredients with big flavor
Recipe Card
Servings: 6–8 Prep Time: 15 minutes Chill Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
(Per Serving)
Calories: ~310
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fat: 25 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 8 g
Ingredients
5 cups fresh broccoli florets (300 g)
½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (50 g)
⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
⅓ cup raisins or dried cranberries (50 g)
½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
2 tablespoons sugar
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Combine the Salad:
In a large bowl, mix broccoli, bacon, cheese, onion, and raisins.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Toss:
Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Chill:
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Variations
Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch
Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped apples
Add sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for texture
Use Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing
Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness
Make-Ahead & Storage
Best made ahead and chilled for flavor development
Store in refrigerator up to 2–3 days
Add bacon just before serving for the best texture
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling.
What bacon works best?
Crispy, thick-cut bacon is ideal.
Can I lighten the dressing?
Yes, substitute part or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
What can I use instead of raisins?
Try cranberries, apples, or chopped nuts.
How long does it last?
2–3 days refrigerated.
More Salad Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re building a fresh and flavorful salad rotation, try these next:
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe is a timeless side dish that delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. With its creamy dressing, crisp broccoli, and savory bacon, it’s a reliable favorite for gatherings, holidays, and everyday meals.
