If you’re looking for a vibrant salad that bursts with flavor, crunch, and just the right hint of sweetness, this Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries Recipe is absolutely a must-try. Trust me, it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining crispy bacon, tangy cranberries, and fresh broccoli in a creamy, zesty dressing that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or just because you deserve something delicious, this salad balances textures and flavors in a way that makes it endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries Recipe is delightfully straightforward because every ingredient plays a starring role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the crunchy broccoli and salty bacon to the sweet cranberries and creamy dressing, each component is essential and easy to find.
- Bacon (10-11 strips): Cooked to crispy perfection, bacon adds irresistible smoky crunch that makes every bite memorable.
- Broccoli (2 heads): Fresh broccoli crowns provide that satisfying crispness and vibrant green color, plus nutritious goodness.
- Dried cranberries (1 cup): These bring a lovely burst of chewy sweetness to contrast the salty and savory elements.
- Sunflower seeds (1/3 cup, roasted and salted): For an extra layer of nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the textures already at play.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Sharp and creamy, cheddar adds richness and depth to the salad’s flavor profile.
- Red onion (1/3 cup, chopped): Provides just the right amount of bite and color to brighten the salad.
- Miracle Whip or mayonnaise (1 1/4 cups): The creamy base that ties all ingredients together with a luscious tang.
- Lemon zest and juice (zest from 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon juice): Adds a fresh citrus lift that keeps the salad bright and lively.
- White wine vinegar (2 tablespoons): Brings a subtle acidity that balances the sweetness and creaminess.
- Sugar (1/4 cup): Just enough sweetness to complement the savory and tart ingredients.
- Kosher salt (1 1/4 teaspoons): Essential for seasoning all the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and depth without overpowering.
- Dry mustard (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle kick of tangy heat that enhances the dressing.
- Cayenne pepper (1/8 teaspoon): A whisper of spice for an intriguing flavor dimension without noticeable heat.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by making that irresistible bacon. For the best results and less mess, bake the bacon strips in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until crisp (about 15 minutes). This method avoids greasy splatters and cooks evenly. Once done, drain the bacon on paper towels to cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces. This crispy bacon will be the star crunch throughout your salad.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
While your bacon cooks, mix up the creamy dressing that will coat your salad beautifully. In a large mixing bowl, combine Miracle Whip or mayonnaise with fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. The cayenne adds flavor complexity without spicy heat, so don’t shy away from it! Whisk everything together until smooth and perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Prep the Broccoli
Next, chop your broccoli into small, bite-sized florets for an easy-to-eat salad texture. Don’t toss the stems — finely chopped broccoli stems bring extra crunch and freshness. The smaller the florets and stem pieces, the better, since it ensures every forkful has a bit of everything.
Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients
To the bowl with your dressing, add the chopped broccoli, dried cranberries, roasted sunflower seeds, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and most of your crispy bacon (hold a few pieces back for garnish). Combining everything now allows the flavors to meld and ensures each bite has an even distribution of texture and taste.
Step 5: Mix and Chill or Serve
Give your salad a good stir so every ingredient gets coated with that delicious dressing. You can serve the salad right away at room temperature, perfect for a casual gathering. Or chill it in the fridge for a couple of hours to let the flavors marry even more deeply — just remember to let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best taste.
Step 6: Store Any Leftovers
Keep leftover broccoli salad covered in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for about five days. The flavors actually improve after resting, making it a fantastic make-ahead dish for busy weekdays or parties.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, sprinkle a few reserved bacon pieces on top right before serving to add a fresh, crispy contrast to the creamy salad. You can also scatter some extra sunflower seeds or a few cranberries on top for color and an inviting presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries Recipe pairs beautifully with anything from grilled chicken or steak to BBQ ribs. It’s a wonderful side that adds brightness and crunch alongside heavier mains, making it perfect for summer cookouts or cozy dinners alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in small mason jars or individual serving cups for potlucks or picnic-style meals. You can also layer the ingredients in a clear glass bowl for a stunning visual effect that lets the vibrant colors shine through, sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to five days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the fresh and delicious flavors without the salad becoming soggy or losing its charm.
Freezing
This salad isn’t a good candidate for freezing due to its fresh broccoli, crunchy seeds, and creamy dressing. Freezing would negatively affect the texture and consistency, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated only.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary or recommended. If you prefer a slightly softer texture after chilling, letting it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving works wonders to bring out the flavors.
FAQs
Can I substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon can be a leaner alternative and still adds a smoky crunch, though slightly less fatty. For a vegetarian twist, consider crispy tempeh bacon or smoked almonds to keep that essential crunch and depth.
Is it better to make the salad ahead of time or serve immediately?
Both ways work well! Making it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the textures to soften just enough. If serving immediately, the salad will be extra fresh and crunchy, which is wonderful too.
Can I use mayo instead of Miracle Whip?
Yes, mayonnaise is a perfect substitute if you prefer a less sweet and more traditional creamy dressing. Miracle Whip adds a tangy sweetness, but mayo keeps the flavor classic and rich.
How can I make the salad less sweet?
Simply reduce the sugar in the dressing or opt for fewer dried cranberries. You can balance sweetness with a touch more vinegar or lemon juice if you like a tangier profile.
What can I add to make this salad even more nutritious?
Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds can amp up nutrition and texture. You could also toss in some shredded carrots or finely diced bell peppers for extra color, vitamins, and crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries Recipe is truly a joy to make and eat. It’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that bring comfort and brightness to your plate. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, bringing it to a potluck, or just treating yourself, this salad will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes. Give it a try and savor every crunchy, creamy, tangy bite—you won’t regret it!
Print
Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A crisp and flavorful Broccoli Salad with Bacon, combining fresh broccoli florets, crunchy bacon, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, cheddar cheese, and a tangy homemade dressing made with mayonnaise, lemon, and a hint of cayenne. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, this salad can be served chilled or at room temperature and keeps well for several days.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 10–11 strips bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 2 heads broccoli (about 1 1/2 pounds or 5–6 cups chopped florets and stems)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds (roasted and salted)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion (or more to taste)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups Miracle Whip OR mayonnaise
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Bake 10-11 strips of bacon in the oven until crispy to avoid splatter and for easier cleanup. Once done, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain and cool. When cool, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups Miracle Whip or mayonnaise with the lemon zest, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Chop Broccoli: Using a chef’s knife, chop the broccoli into small florets, including the stems if you like. Small pieces ensure no large broccoli bites in the salad, creating a balanced texture.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the chopped broccoli to the bowl with the dressing. Then add the dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and most of the chopped bacon (reserve some bacon for garnish during serving).
- Mix and Serve: Stir all ingredients together until well coated with the dressing. The salad can be served immediately at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator. If chilling, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep well for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Baking bacon is recommended to reduce splatter and simplify cleanup, but frying is also an option if preferred.
- Cayenne pepper adds flavor without significant heat; adjust quantity if you are sensitive to spice.
- For best texture, chop broccoli florets and stems finely.
- You can serve the salad chilled or at room temperature; chilling enhances flavor melding.
- Reserved bacon pieces work well as a garnish on top right before serving.
- This salad is great for make-ahead meals and picnic options.
