Crunchy, savory, and just the right amount of sweet, this Broccoli and Bacon Salad is a crowd-pleasing side dish thatβs perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or weeknight dinners! Featuring crisp-tender broccoli florets, smoky crumbled bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and the delightful texture of sunflower seeds and plump raisins, every bite is bursting with flavor and contrast. Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of sugar, this salad strikes the perfect balance of richness and zest. With a quick prep time of just 20 minutes (plus some chill time to let the flavors meld), this vibrant, make-ahead dish is as convenient as it is delicious. Serve it chilled for a refreshing twist to your meal lineup!
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the skillet, drain on paper towels, and crumble into small pieces.
While the bacon is cooking, prepare the broccoli by cutting it into bite-sized florets and rinsing well under cold water. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Finely chop the red onion and shred the cheddar cheese, if not pre-shredded.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, and raisins.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Calories |
3876 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 294.6 g | 378% | |
| Saturated Fat | 48.0 g | 240% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 50.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 377 mg | 126% | |
| Sodium | 2455 mg | 107% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 251.3 g | 91% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.8 g | 121% | |
| Total Sugars | 117.3 g | ||
| Protein | 87.0 g | 174% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 876 mg | 67% | |
| Iron | 12.1 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 3166 mg | 67% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.