If you are searching for a vibrant, crunchy, and irresistibly flavorful side dish, this Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries Recipe is sure to become one of your all-time favorites. The delightful combination of fresh broccoli florets, sweet dried cranberries, smoky bacon crumbles, and a creamy dressing creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes in every bite. Whether for a picnic, potluck, or a simple family dinner, this salad brings a fresh burst of color and a mouthwatering twist that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries Recipe relies on simple, straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver both taste and texture. Each component plays a key role—from the crisp broccoli adding freshness, to the bacon lending smoky richness, and the cranberries providing a sweet tart contrast that makes this salad standout.
- Broccoli florets (24 oz.): Use fresh, not frozen, broccoli to keep the salad crisp and vibrant.
- Dried cranberries (½ cup): Add a sweet, chewy burst of flavor that brightens the dish.
- Bacon crumbles (½ cup): Crisp bacon pieces provide a smoky, salty crunch that’s simply addictive.
- Red onion (1, diced): Adds a mild sharpness and vibrant color contrast.
- Toasted sunflower kernels (½ cup): Contribute a nutty crunch, amplifying texture variety.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): The creamy dressing base that brings everything together.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp): Offers a tangy brightness to balance richness.
- Granulated sugar (3 tbsp): Just enough sweetness to enhance the cranberries and dressing.
- Kosher salt (½ tsp): Brings all the flavors into focus without overpowering.
- Ground black pepper (½ tsp): Adds subtle spice for depth.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by placing the fresh broccoli florets, dried cranberries, crispy bacon crumbles, diced red onion, and toasted sunflower kernels into a large mixing bowl. This colorful medley of ingredients promises a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. This dressing is the magical glue that ties the salad together, offering a creamy yet tangy coating that enhances each bite.
Step 3: Toss and Coat Thoroughly
Pour the mayo-based dressing over the bowl of broccoli and mix everything well using a large spoon. Make sure each piece of broccoli is fully coated with the dressing so every forkful is bursting with flavor and creaminess.
Step 4: Chill or Serve
You can serve this Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries Recipe immediately for a fresh crunch, or refrigerate it for an hour or two to let the flavors meld beautifully. The salad holds well in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and texture, sprinkle a few additional sunflower kernels or crispy bacon bits on top just before serving. Freshly cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of extra apple cider vinegar can also brighten up the flavors in the final presentation.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully alongside grilled chicken, roasted pork, or even on a casual sandwich plate. Its fresh and tangy profile complements hearty mains perfectly, adding a refreshing contrast that balances the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your presentation pop by serving this salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors, or arrange it on a wide platter with larger broccoli florets on the edges for a dramatic effect. You can also portion it into individual mason jars for an inviting picnic or potluck setup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The leftover Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind that the broccoli may soften slightly over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two.
Freezing
This salad is not recommended for freezing because the fresh vegetables and the creamy dressing will separate and lose their crisp texture upon thawing. For best results, prepare fresh or refrigerate only.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and give it a gentle stir before serving if it has been sitting in the fridge to redistribute the dressing evenly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh broccoli florets. Frozen broccoli tends to be softer and contains extra moisture that can make the salad soggy.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
You can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter twist, but the texture and flavor will be creamier and tangier than the original version with mayonnaise.
How do I keep the bacon crispy in the salad?
Cook the bacon until it’s extra crisp, drain well on paper towels, and add it to the salad just before serving to maintain its crunch.
Can I add other nuts instead of sunflower kernels?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds work beautifully and provide different flavor notes and textures.
How far in advance can I prepare this broccoli salad?
You can prepare and toss the salad up to a day ahead. Store it refrigerated and stir gently before serving to freshen it up.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries Recipe is like inviting a burst of freshness and flavor to your table that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s easy to make, packed with textures, and boasts a wonderful balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that will have you reaching for seconds. Next time you want to impress with a crowd-pleaser or add a nutritious side to your meal, this salad is your go-to choice!
Print
Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A vibrant and crunchy broccoli salad loaded with savory bacon, sweet dried cranberries, and toasted sunflower kernels, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar. Perfect as a refreshing side dish for any meal or potluck.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 24 oz. broccoli florets (about 5 cups, fresh, do not use frozen)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup bacon crumbles (or 8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled)
- 1 red onion (diced)
- ½ cup toasted sunflower kernels
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Place the broccoli florets, dried cranberries, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and toasted sunflower kernels together in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until smooth and fully combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture. Use a large mixing spoon to toss everything thoroughly until all the broccoli and other ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve or Store: The salad can be served immediately for a fresh crunch or covered and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For best texture, use fresh broccoli florets rather than frozen.
- To make your own bacon crumbles, cook bacon strips until crispy, then crumble once cooled.
- Toast sunflower kernels in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden for added flavor.
- Adjust sugar quantity based on preferred sweetness level in the dressing.
- Salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best when enjoyed fresh.
