Introduction
Crunchy broccoli salad with crispy bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing is a classic crowd-pleasing dish that perfectly balances freshness with indulgence. Crisp raw broccoli provides a refreshing bite, while smoky bacon and sharp cheese add richness and depth. I started making this salad when I needed a dependable side dish that could hold up well at gatherings without wilting, and it quickly became one of my most requested recipes. What makes this salad especially appealing is its texture. Every forkful delivers crunch, creaminess, and savory flavor all at once. The creamy dressing ties everything together without overpowering the vegetables, making it satisfying but not heavy. This salad is ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or as a make-ahead side for busy weeknights, and it tastes even better after chilling.
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Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Crispy Bacon, Cheese, and Creamy Dressing
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A crunchy broccoli salad loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheese, and a creamy, slightly sweet dressing—perfect as a side dish for potlucks or barbecues.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar or honey
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add chopped broccoli, bacon, cheddar cheese, and red onion to a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over broccoli mixture.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Stir again just before serving.
Notes
- Chopping broccoli finely makes it easier to eat.
- Can be made a few hours ahead for better flavor.
- Add sunflower seeds or almonds for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is crisp, flavorful, and easy to prepare. It holds its texture well, making it perfect for make-ahead meals. The combination of bacon, cheese, and creamy dressing is familiar and comforting, while the broccoli keeps it fresh and balanced. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats and hearty mains.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Fresh broccoli florets
Fresh broccoli florets provide the crunchy base of the salad and stay crisp even after being dressed.
Bacon
Bacon adds smoky flavor and a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the fresh broccoli.
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese brings sharp, savory richness and complements the bacon perfectly.
Red onion
Red onion adds a mild bite and subtle sweetness that balances the creamy dressing.
Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds add extra crunch and a light nutty flavor.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the dressing and coats the salad evenly.
Sour cream
Sour cream lightens the dressing and adds gentle tang.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar adds acidity, balancing the richness of the dressing.
Granulated sugar
Sugar adds a touch of sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
Salt
Salt enhances the flavors of all ingredients.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds subtle warmth and balance.
Directions
Begin by cutting the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets and placing them in a large mixing bowl. Cook the bacon until crispy, then drain and crumble once cooled.
Add the bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and sunflower seeds to the bowl with the broccoli. Toss gently to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Stir once more just before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 6 to 8 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and chilling time is at least 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is served cold and does not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
You can substitute Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise for a lighter dressing. Adding dried cranberries introduces a sweet contrast that pairs well with the bacon and cheese. I have also added chopped almonds instead of sunflower seeds, which added extra crunch and worked very well. For a sharper flavor, extra vinegar or a small amount of Dijon mustard can be added to the dressing.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Crunchy broccoli salad provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals from fresh broccoli, along with protein and fat from bacon and cheese. While the dressing is creamy, moderate portions make it a balanced and satisfying side dish.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Cut Broccoli Small
Smaller florets make the salad easier to eat and evenly coated.
Chill Before Serving
Chilling improves flavor and texture.
Add Bacon Last for Extra Crunch
Stir in bacon just before serving if you prefer maximum crispness.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling.
Will the broccoli soften?
It stays crisp even after being dressed.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is strongly recommended.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar works best, but blends are fine.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit the bacon and add nuts or seeds.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes, with reduced sugar in the dressing.
Can I add fruit?
Yes, dried cranberries or raisins work well.
How long does it last?
Up to 3 days refrigerated.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes, reduce or omit the sugar.
What dishes pair well with this salad?
Grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers pair beautifully.
Conclusion
Crunchy broccoli salad with crispy bacon, cheese, and creamy dressing is a dependable, flavorful side dish that delivers texture and comfort in every bite. Easy to prepare and perfect for make-ahead meals, it is a versatile recipe that belongs at potlucks, family dinners, and casual gatherings alike.
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