Crisp, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Craisins is a crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for any occasion. Fresh broccoli florets are paired with smoky, crumbled bacon, sweet and tangy craisins, crunchy sunflower seeds, and finely diced red onion for a delightful mix of textures and tastes. The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar, ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish. Ready in just 15 minutes of prep time and chilled to perfection, this salad is an easy make-ahead dish that gets better as it sits. Whether you're planning a potluck, holiday gathering, or weeknight dinner, this easy broccoli salad is guaranteed to steal the spotlight!
Prepare the broccoli by washing it thoroughly, cutting it into small bite-sized florets, and patting dry. Place the florets in a large mixing bowl.
Cook the bacon strips in a frying pan over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove from the pan and drain on a paper towel. When cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Add the craisins, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and sunflower seeds to the bowl with the broccoli.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This is your dressing.
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss everything together until the salad is well-coated with the dressing.
For best results, cover the bowl and place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a final stir and adjust seasoning (salt and pepper) if needed. Serve chilled.
Calories |
2951 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 205.0 g | 263% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.8 g | 139% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 23.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 276 mg | 92% | |
| Sodium | 3270 mg | 142% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 238.0 g | 87% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.6 g | 95% | |
| Total Sugars | 151.6 g | ||
| Protein | 61.2 g | 122% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 279 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 7.8 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 1336 mg | 28% | |
*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.