If you are searching for a fresh, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing side dish, this Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Cheddar, and Red Onion Recipe is going to become your new go-to favorite. Bursting with vibrant colors and a pleasing medley of textures, this salad combines crisp broccoli florets, sharp cheddar, savory bacon, and zesty red onion all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing that elevates every bite. It’s simple to make yet packed with so much personality that it effortlessly steals the show at any gathering or casual meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this broccoli salad comes down to a handful of essential ingredients, each contributing its own unique flavor, texture, or color. From the crunchy freshness of broccoli to the smoky crispness of bacon, these elements work together like a well-choreographed dance, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and visually appealing.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds a bright tang that balances the creaminess of the dressing perfectly.
- Sugar: Just a touch to round out the vinegar’s acidity and provide a hint of sweetness.
- Ground pepper: Brings a subtle spice that livens up every bite.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors so nothing falls flat.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds the salad ingredients with indulgent richness.
- Lemon juice: A fresh, zesty twist that adds brightness to the dressing.
- Broccoli heads: Crisp and fresh, these form the hearty backbone of the salad.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, providing creamy bursts of flavor.
- Bacon slices: Crispy, smoky bites that give the salad a satisfying crunch.
- Chopped red onion: Adds a pungent bite and vibrant color contrast.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Cheddar, and Red Onion Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl—this salad needs room to mingle. Combine the red wine vinegar, sugar, ground pepper, salt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Whisk everything together vigorously for about a minute until your dressing is silky smooth and all the ingredients are perfectly blended. This dressing is the glue that holds all the fresh ingredients together, so taking a moment here really pays off.
Step 2: Toss the Salad
Into your dressing bowl, add the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped red onion. With a large spoon or spatula, fold everything gently but thoroughly. Make sure each bite of broccoli is generously coated with that luscious dressing, and that the bacon and cheddar bits are evenly dispersed throughout. This step is where all those textures and flavors start to harmonize beautifully.
Step 3: Chill or Serve Immediately
Once mixed, you can transfer the salad to a serving bowl and dig in immediately to enjoy the crisp freshness. However, letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes elevates the flavors as they meld together and gives the broccoli a slight tenderizing effect. Either way, it’s ready to delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Cheddar, and Red Onion Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra visual and flavor pop, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving. A few extra crumbles of crispy bacon or shredded cheddar right before plating not only add texture but make the salad look irresistibly inviting.
Side Dishes
This broccoli salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, barbecued ribs, or even fish for a light yet hearty meal. Its brightness and creaminess balance out smoky or savory mains, making it a perfect partner at any cookout or family dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress, consider serving this salad in individual mason jars layered with the dressing at the bottom and all mix-ins on top, so guests can shake it up fresh themselves. Alternatively, pile it onto crispy toasted baguette slices for an unexpected and delicious salad bruschetta.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep it chilled as the freshness of the broccoli and the crispness of the bacon really shine when served cold.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well since the mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh broccoli can separate or lose texture. For optimal taste and quality, skip freezing.
Reheating
Because this is a cold salad, reheating is not typically recommended. If you prefer a warmer dish, enjoy the salad as it is and pair it with a hot entrée instead.
FAQs
Can I substitute the mayonnaise for a healthier option?
Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt or a light mayo alternative for a tangier and lighter dressing, which still pairs nicely with the bacon and cheddar flavors.
Is it okay to blanch the broccoli first?
You can blanch the broccoli quickly if you prefer it slightly tender, but it’s delicious raw, keeping that vibrant crunch and nutrients intact.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, substitute bacon with crispy smoked tempeh or vegan bacon bits, and use vegan cheese and mayo substitutes to suit your dietary needs.
How long can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Make the salad a few hours ahead or even the night before for best flavor integration, but try not to make it more than a day in advance to keep the ingredients fresh and crunchy.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or dried cranberries add wonderful texture and sweet or nutty notes that complement the salad’s flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Cheddar, and Red Onion Recipe is a true winner that brings that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, crunchy, and savory to your table. Whether it’s for a picnic, potluck, or family dinner, it’s refreshingly easy to make and invariably loved by everyone who tastes it. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed broccoli salad any other way!
Print
Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Cheddar, and Red Onion Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for cooking bacon and prep)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This fresh and flavorful broccoli salad combines crisp broccoli florets with sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy red onion, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made from red wine vinegar, mayonnaise, and a touch of sugar. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, it can be served immediately or chilled for deeper flavor.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) red wine vinegar
- 1/8 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup (149 g) mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salad
- 2 heads chopped broccoli
- 1 1/2 cup (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup (80 g) chopped red onion
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large oversized mixing bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, sugar, ground pepper, salt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Whip together for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Mix the salad ingredients: To the same bowl, add the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped red onion. Stir everything together thoroughly until all the salad ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve or chill: Using a spatula, transfer the salad into a serving bowl. It can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving.
- Bacon can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Feel free to add sunflower seeds or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Use fresh, firm broccoli heads for the best crunch and taste.
