Broccoli and Cheese Salad with Bacon

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Broccoli and Cheese Salad with Bacon is one of those popular salads that always get devoured and the potlucks or family picnics. It has a satisfying crunch that is so amazing with cheese and bacon, it is always a hit.

broccoli bacon salad in a white bowl.

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This Broccoli and Cheese Salad with Bacon makes a get together. A cookout isn’t a cookout without a great selection of summer side salads.  After all, you need to have something to go along with the burgers and other grilled goodies.

Check here for even more tempting salads.


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Grilled Panzanella Salad | Loaded Baked Potato Salad | Greek Peasant Salad

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What We Love About This Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe

This is a great make ahead salad because the longer it sits the more flavor is imparted into the broccoli.

  • 15 Minute Salad: It doesn’t take long to make this wonderful salad.
  • Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry or fridge.
  • Family Friendly: The cheese and bacon make it a winner for everyone.
  • Adaptable: Can make it low-carb, meat free, dairy free, etc…
Broccoli bacon and cheese salad

Ingredient Notes for the Broccoli Salad Recipe

  • Broccoli Florets: Six cups of broccoli cut into bite size pieces.
  • Bacon: Cooked and crumbled.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • House Seasoning Blend

Equipment Needed for Classic Broccoli Salad

How to Make Broccoli Salad Bacon Recipe

These are the basic steps for making broccoli salad with cheese and bacon. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions and nutrition information.

STEP 1: Dressing

First, in a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, pepper and House Seasoning blend.

STEP 2: Mix

Then in a large bowl, combine broccoli, bacon, cheese and onion. Next, pour dressing over broccoli mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.

STEP 3: Store

Finally, refrigerate until ready to serve.

Prep and Storage Tips for the Broccoli and Bacon Salad

HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME

Prepare your broccoli ahead of time and also make your dressing and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to combine.

HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE

Really easy, store in a airtight container any leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

Frequently Asked Questions about this Broccoli and Bacon Salad

HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE HEALTHIER?

A low fat or fat free mayo can be used for this recipe or try an avocado mayo. Try a turkey bacon or a faux bacon alternative.

CAN I SUBSTITUTE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR IN THE SALAD DRESSING?

Of course, apple cider vinegar is a great swap out for this recipe.White vinegar will work too but I would add some sugar to taste.

CAN THIS RECIPE BE DOUBLED OR HALVED?

Indeed, simply increase or decrease the recipe as you need to for the amount of people that you are feeding.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF BROCCOLI IS BAD?

First, broccoli should be a bright, uniform green. If they have any yellow or brown spots, that’s a sign your broccoli is starting to spoil.

Broccoli bacon and cheese salad

Expert Tips for Making This Side Dish Recipe

  • Add Crunch: Sunflower seeds or crushed walnuts add a nice crunch to the veggies.
  • Short cut tip: Precut bagged broccoli can be used to save time.
  • Variations: Raisins or dried cranberries or even grapes can be used to add a sweet taste.
  • Alternate ingredient: Cauliflower can be added to the salad for color and flavor.
  • Alternate cooking method tip: Par boil the broccoli in a pot with a little salt and then blanch for a softer broccoli for the salad.
  • Dietary consideration tip: Plain greek yogurt can replace the mayo.

What to Serve with Broccoli and Cheese Salad with Bacon

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Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese - this is one of the best easy salad recipes
5 from 6 votes

Broccoli Bacon Salad

Yield: 6 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
This Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese is one of the best easy salad recipes.  It’s perfect for summer parties.
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⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!

Ingredients

  • 6 cups broccoli, cut into florets
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and diced
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ red onion, diced
  • cups mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon House Seasoning Blend

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, pepper and House Seasoning blend.
  • In a large bowl, combine bacon, broccoli cheese and onion.
  • Pour dressing over broccoli mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Expert Tips

 
  • Add Crunch: Sunflower seeds or crushed walnuts add a nice crunch to the veggies.
  • Short cut tip: Precut bagged broccoli can be used to save time.
  • Variations: Raisins or dried cranberries or even grapes can be used to add a sweet taste.
  • Alternate ingredient: Cauliflower can be added to the salad for color and flavor.
  • Alternate cooking method tip: Par boil the broccoli in a pot with a little salt and then blanch for a softer broccoli for the salad.
  • Dietary consideration tip: Plain greek yogurt can replace the mayo.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Calories: 459kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 946mg | Potassium: 386mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 875IU | Vitamin C: 82.2mg | Calcium: 251mg | Iron: 1.1mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

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