🥦 Broccoli Salad with Bacon & Cranberries 🥓 | Fresh, Crunchy & Deliciously Creamy!
Hey there, foodie friend! Chef Alex here, back in the kitchen to share another crowd-pleaser from my personal recipe box. Today, I’m all about that fresh, delicious, and oh-so-crunchy broccoli salad with bacon and cranberries—a potluck favorite that’s been a superstar at every barbecue, picnic, or family gathering I’ve brought it to.
Imagine vibrant broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, salty sunflower seeds, and smoky, crispy bacon, all tossed in a perfectly creamy, tangy dressing. Sounds incredible, right?! Trust me—this salad disappears faster than I can slice another baguette. It’s a guaranteed hit every single time!
Broccoli Salad with Bacon & Cranberries
🌟 A Salad That’s Part of My Family Traditions 🌟
I still remember vividly the first time I made this broccoli salad for our big yearly family cookout. Picture this: beautiful blue skies, laughter around the grill, kids chasing each other around the backyard, the savory aroma of burgers sizzling away… everyone eagerly waiting for lunch.
And guess what disappeared first from the buffet table? Yep—this humble bowl of broccoli salad. Even Uncle Frank, who swore he “wouldn’t touch broccoli with a ten-foot pole,” came back not once, but twice for seconds. That’s the magic of this broccoli salad; it transforms even the staunchest broccoli skeptics into big fans.
Now it’s become a family tradition. There’s hardly a gathering when someone doesn’t request, “Hey Alex, you’re bringing that broccoli deliciousness, right?” It warms my heart every time!
Ready to make your own bowl of broccoli salad magic? Let’s dive in!
🍽️ Ingredients | Gather This Deliciousness
Broccoli Salad Base:
– 5–6 cups broccoli florets (about 1 lb or 2½ heads), cut bite-sized
– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, thick shredded (trust me, sharp cheddar makes all the difference!)
– ⅔ cup dried cranberries (add sweetness and chewiness)
– ½ cup real bacon, crumbled into crispy perfection (about 8 slices)
– ½ cup salted sunflower seeds (adds that delightful crunch factor)
– ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced (just enough bite)
Creamy Salad Dressing Goodness:
– ¾ cup mayonnaise (olive oil mayo is great!)
– ¼ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt to lighten things up)
– 1½ tbsp white wine vinegar (apple cider vinegar also works great)
– 3 tbsp sugar (just enough sweetness)
– ¼ tsp salt
– ¼ tsp pepper
🥣 Let’s Make the Magic Happen! | Step-by-Step Directions
One of the things I absolutely love about this broccoli salad is that it takes just ten active-minutes, then you pop it in the fridge and you’re golden.
1. Prep Your Salad Base
In a large bowl, add broccoli florets, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and finely diced onion. Give it a quick stir to combine.
2. Whisk Up That Tangy Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the dressing is perfectly smooth and creamy.
3. Dressing Meet Salad!
Pour that creamy deliciousness right over your broccoli salad mixture and toss gently until everything’s evenly coated. Make sure every tasty morsel gets drenched in dressing—yum!
4. Chill Out, Salad Time!
Cover your bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. Trust me on this: giving this salad a chill enhances flavors tremendously.
5. Serve to Cheers & Smiles
Before serving, give your salad one final toss. Sprinkle more sunflower seeds or feta cheese if you’re feeling extra fancy! Serve chilled and enjoy all the happy smiles around the table.
✨ Serving Suggestions | Make it a Meal or Side ✨
This broccoli salad shines bright at barbecues, cookouts, Thanksgiving dinners, and holiday gatherings—it’s fantastic any season! It’s also perfect paired alongside juicy grilled burgers, BBQ chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or even your favorite grilled salmon.
Hosting a laid-back lunch? Why not serve it atop a freshly baked croissant for the ultimate elevated chicken salad sandwich. Total yum!
💡 Chef Alex’s Pro Tips | Secrets for Ultimate Salad Success 💡
1. Crispy Bacon shortcut:
Running short on time? Pick up real bacon crumbles or pre-cooked crispy bacon at your grocery store. Nobody has to know, promise!
2. You’re the Boss of Texture:
Love crispier broccoli? Add dressing right before serving. Want softer florets? Dress and chill overnight—it tastes even better the next day!
3. Health It Up:
Sub Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayo to up the protein and make it a bit lighter.
4. Nutty & Crunchy:
If you can’t find sunflower seeds, toasted slivered almonds, chopped walnuts, or pecans are equally awesome!
📋 Nutrition Facts (Per 1 Cup Serving):
– Calories: 291
– Carbs: 17g
– Protein: 8g
– Fat: 19g
🕒 Prep Ahead | Perfect for Entertaining Without the Stress!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Chill Time: 1 hour minimum
Total Time: 10 mins active
Yield: Approximately 8 cups
👨🍳 Final Thoughts & Salad Love 👩🍳
There you have it—my prized Broccoli Salad with Bacon & Cranberries recipe. Fresh, crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory; this salad hits all the flavor notes perfectly. It’s easy, tasty, and always vanishes fast from the buffet table, so you might even want to double the recipe! I promise you’ll get compliments (and no leftovers).
Now it’s your turn! Whip up this salad, and be sure to snap a pic and share your creations—I’d truly love to see your kitchen adventures!
Until next time, friends: keep cooking, sharing, and smiling—you rock!
– Chef Alex 👋💚🥓🥦
