Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Best Broccoli Bacon Salad (Quick, Crunchy & So Delicious!)

Sarah Smith
Nov 6, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Broccoli Bacon Salad — fresh, crunchy, and creamy! Classic Southern side dish with bacon, cheddar, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for holidays or picnics.

Crunchy, creamy, and full of flavor, this Broccoli Bacon Salad is a true Southern classic. Fresh broccoli florets are tossed with crisp bacon, sweet raisins, and a tangy dressing that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. It pairs perfectly with comforting favorites like Smothered Pork Chops, Lazy French Onion Soup, or crispy Southern-fried chicken, making it an easy go-to for family meals and gatherings. Whether you’re serving it at barbecues, holidays, or relaxed Sunday suppers, this timeless side dish never goes out of style.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Chill Time: 1 hour Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

5 cups fresh broccoli florets
½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
⅓ cup raisins or dried cranberries
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp sugar
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine broccoli, bacon, cheese, onion, and raisins.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs perfectly with Brown Sugar Glazed Ham or Southern Fried Chicken.
Add to your Holiday Dinner Menu for a pop of freshness.

FAQ

Can I make broccoli bacon salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad actually gets better as it chills. You can prep it 6–24 hours in advance. Just wait to toss in the bacon until right before serving so it stays crispy.

What kind of bacon works best?

Thick-cut bacon gives you the most crunch and flavor, but any bacon works. Make sure it’s cooked crisp, not chewy.

Can I lighten up the dressing?

Absolutely. You can use Greek yogurt in place of some (or all) of the mayonnaise. A splash of lemon juice also brightens it up nicely.

What can I substitute for sunflower seeds?

You can replace them with chopped almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or even crispy walnuts. Anything crunchy will work.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

Broccoli bacon salad keeps 2–3 days refrigerated. Add fresh bacon just before serving to keep the texture perfect.

Final Thoughts

Best Broccoli Bacon Salad is a classic side dish that delivers the perfect mix of crunchy, creamy, and savory in every bite. Crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, and a lightly sweet, tangy dressing come together for a salad that’s both refreshing and comforting. It’s easy to make ahead, great for potlucks and gatherings, and pairs beautifully with grilled meats or casual family dinners. If you’re looking for a dependable crowd-pleaser that always disappears fast, this broccoli bacon salad truly lives up to its name.