Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad Recipe – A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

There’s something special about discovering a new dish that instantly wins you over. That’s exactly what happened to me with this broccoli salad. It was a perfect summer day, and I was at a friend’s cookout. Among all the dishes on the table, this broccoli salad with bacon, cranberries, and a tangy-sweet dressing stood out. Each bite was a delightful balance of fresh, crunchy, and savory flavors, with a hint of sweetness from dried cranberries. I couldn’t stop going back for more! By the end of the party, I was hooked but had one regret: I hadn’t grabbed the recipe. I knew I had to recreate this delicious broccoli salad in my own kitchen, so I went to work, experimenting until I found the perfect balance of flavors. After a few tries, I had a winner, and when I took it to another party, the rave reviews poured in. Now, I’m excited to share this broccoli salad recipe with you—it’s become a go-to favorite in my kitchen, and I know you’ll love it, too!

Why This Broccoli Salad Recipe is a Standout

If you’re searching for an easy broccoli salad recipe with bacon, cranberries, and a simple, creamy dressing, look no further. This recipe is ideal for all occasions, from family dinners to big gatherings. It’s simple to throw together, has a satisfying crunch from sunflower seeds and fresh broccoli, and delivers a little tang and sweetness in every bite. Perfect for any time of year, it’s especially a hit as a summer side dish for cookouts, a holiday favorite for Thanksgiving and Christmas, or a fresh, make-ahead option for game day spreads.

Key Ingredients in This Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Every ingredient in this broccoli bacon cranberry salad adds a unique flavor and texture, making it an irresistible addition to your meal. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

• Broccoli: This is the base of the salad. You’ll need about 4-5 cups of bite-sized broccoli florets, which is typically around three crowns. Fresh broccoli adds that signature crunch, and it pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Dried Cranberries: These add just the right amount of sweetness and chewiness, balancing out the savory and creamy elements in the dish.
• Bacon: Six strips of crispy, crumbled bacon add a delicious smoky, salty flavor. It’s a classic pairing with broccoli and works wonderfully with the cranberries and dressing.
• Sunflower Seeds: The sunflower seeds add a satisfying crunch and a slightly nutty taste, making this broccoli salad recipe with bacon and cranberries even more interesting.
• Red Onion: Just a quarter cup of diced red onion adds a sharp, zesty note, rounding out the flavors.

The Creamy Dressing – Simple and Delicious

This easy broccoli salad dressing is the perfect blend of tangy, creamy, and sweet, bringing all the ingredients together.  Having a large measuring cup with a pourable spout is a game-changer when mixing dressings.  I highly recommend this set of glass measuring cups from Pyrex.

• Mayonnaise: This is the base of the dressing, giving it a creamy texture. You’ll use about ¼ cup.
• Sour Cream: Adding sour cream keeps the dressing light and adds a hint of tang, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise.
• White Wine Vinegar: Just a tablespoon of white wine vinegar provides acidity, cutting through the creaminess and brightening up the salad.
• Sugar: Two tablespoons of sugar add sweetness to offset the tanginess from the vinegar and sour cream, creating a well-rounded flavor.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder enhance the dressing’s flavor and complement the fresh, savory ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Steamed Broccoli

*printable recipe card is available at the bottom of this page

This salad comes together in just a few easy steps, making it a quick addition to any meal:

Step One: Combine Salad Ingredients

Start by placing the broccoli florets, dried cranberries, crumbled bacon, sunflower seeds, and diced red onion in a large mixing bowl.

Step Two: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.

Step Three: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture, then toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

Step Four: Chill and Serve

Store the salad in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. It’s best enjoyed cold, making it the perfect refreshing and easy side for dinner, potlucks, and parties!

Tips for the Perfect Broccoli Salad

To make this old-fashioned broccoli salad recipe even better, here are a few helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best texture and flavor. Avoid frozen broccoli, as it can become mushy.
• Adjust the Sweetness: You can adjust the sugar in the dressing if you prefer a less sweet version. Feel free to experiment based on your taste.
• Add the Dressing Just Before Serving: For maximum crunch, wait to add the dressing until shortly before serving, especially if you’re making this ahead of time for a party or gathering.

Make-Ahead Broccoli Salad

One of the best things about this easy broccoli salad recipe is that it’s perfect for make-ahead prep. You can assemble the salad ingredients, prepare the dressing separately, and combine them just before serving. This broccoli side dish holds up well in the fridge, so you can prepare it a few hours in advance or even the night before. This make-ahead broccoli salad is ideal for those busy holiday gatherings or meal prepping for the week.

Variations and Additions to Try

One of the joys of simple broccoli recipes like this one is how customizable they are. Here are a few ideas to make this broccoli bacon cranberry salad your own:

• Cheese: Adding shredded cheddar or crumbled feta cheese can give an extra layer of flavor.
• Nuts: Swap sunflower seeds for chopped almonds or pecans for a slightly different texture and taste.
• Fruit: Add chopped apples or grapes for additional sweetness and color. They’re a wonderful complement to the savory bacon and creamy dressing.

Why This Broccoli Salad is a Fan Favorite

Not only is this cold broccoli salad easy to make, but it also brings an irresistible mix of flavors and textures that appeals to everyone. With its mix of fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and a touch of sweetness, it’s a fantastic side dish for cookouts, potlucks, and even family dinners. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find, making this one of the best broccoli side dishes for any occasion.