If you’re on the hunt for a salad that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, you’ve come to the right place. This Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon and Cranberries Recipe is a personal favorite that effortlessly combines the crispness of fresh broccoli, the smoky savoriness of turkey bacon, the sweet chew of dried cranberries, and the crunch of toasted sunflower seeds. The creamy, tangy dressing ties everything together into a symphony of taste that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light lunch, this salad will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon and Cranberries Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a starring role, creating a harmonious blend of colors, textures, and flavors that dance on your palate.
- Turkey bacon (10-11 strips): Provides a smoky, crispy bite without the heaviness of traditional bacon.
- Broccoli (2 heads): Fresh and crunchy, it serves as the hearty, nutrient-packed base of the salad.
- Dried cranberries (1 cup): Adds a burst of natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- Roasted and salted sunflower seeds (1/3 cup): Delivers a satisfying crunch and subtle nuttiness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings creamy richness and depth of flavor.
- Chopped red onion (1/3 cup): Offers a mild, sharp tang that brightens the salad.
- Dressing: Miracle Whip or mayonnaise combined with lemon zest, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper to create a perfectly balanced, tangy-coated finish.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon and Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Turkey Bacon
Start by baking the turkey bacon strips until they’re delightfully crispy. This method keeps the bacon lean but full of smoky flavor. Once cooked, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside so it’s ready to add that irresistible crunch to our salad.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine Miracle Whip or mayonnaise with lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, dry mustard, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This dressing is the soul of the salad, balancing tangy, sweet, and spicy notes perfectly.
Step 3: Prep and Combine the Salad Ingredients
Chop the broccoli into small, manageable florets to ensure every bite has a crisp texture. Add them to the bowl with the dressing. Next, toss in the dried cranberries, roasted sunflower seeds, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped red onion. Don’t forget to save some turkey bacon pieces for garnishing. Gently fold everything so the dressing coats each ingredient evenly without bruising the broccoli.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Marry
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling step allows the dressing to meld with the broccoli and other ingredients, enhancing the overall flavor and making each bite more delightful.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon and Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the reserved turkey bacon pieces over the salad just before serving for an eye-catching and extra crispy touch. You can also add a few extra sunflower seeds or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese on top to make the presentation pop and add even more texture.
Side Dishes
This salad is wonderfully versatile. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a fresh, nutrient-rich complement. It also pairs beautifully with a hearty sandwich or as part of a picnic spread with assorted cheeses and fresh fruit for a light, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon and Cranberries Recipe in halved avocado shells or use it as a vibrant topping for baked potatoes. Individual serving cups or mason jars make it perfect for parties and on-the-go lunches, highlighting the beautiful layers of color and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to three days. To maintain the salad’s crunchy texture, you can store the bacon and sunflower seeds separately and add them just before serving.
Freezing
This salad isn’t ideal for freezing because the broccoli can become mushy and the dressing separates upon thawing. For best results, enjoy the salad fresh or store it only in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Since this salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, reheating is not recommended. If you’re craving warmth, try serving it alongside a hot entree instead to contrast the cool, crisp flavors of the salad.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Regular bacon will add a richer, smokier flavor and a bit more fat, so just keep that in mind if you prefer a lighter salad version.
Is it possible to substitute the dried cranberries?
Yes, you can swap cranberries for raisins, dried cherries, or even pomegranate seeds for a different kind of sweet-tart pop.
What if I’m allergic to sunflower seeds?
Try chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for crunch instead, or omit the seeds altogether if needed.
Can the dressing be made dairy-free?
Yes, opt for a dairy-free mayonnaise or Miracle Whip, and ensure your cheddar cheese is replaced with a non-dairy cheese or simply omit it.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
You can prepare the salad up to one day ahead. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to toss everything together to keep the broccoli extra crisp.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon and Cranberries Recipe will quickly win a spot as a favorite in your home. It’s a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special—full of flavor, texture, and a little touch of magic that turns any meal into a celebration. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to for lunch, potlucks, or a colorful weeknight side!
Print
Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon and Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon is a vibrant, crunchy dish featuring fresh broccoli florets, crispy turkey bacon, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing made with Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, lemon, and spices. Perfect for gatherings or as a refreshing side dish, this salad balances savory, sweet, and zesty flavors with a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Salad
- 10–11 strips cooked turkey bacon
- 2 heads broccoli (about 1 and 1/2 pounds or 5–6 cups), chopped into small florets
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
Dressing
- 1 cup Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Turkey Bacon: Preheat your oven and bake the turkey bacon strips until they are crispy. Once cooked, chop them into bite-sized pieces and set aside some to use as a topping later.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the chopped broccoli florets to the dressing bowl, then toss in dried cranberries, roasted sunflower seeds, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and most of the chopped turkey bacon. Reserve a little bacon for garnish.
- Mix and Chill: Gently stir all ingredients until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing. Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Baking turkey bacon produces a crispier texture and less mess compared to frying.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavors and softens the broccoli slightly without losing crunch.
- Can be prepared a few hours ahead, but add sunflower seeds just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the cheddar cheese or substitute with a non-dairy cheese alternative.
- This salad pairs well with grilled dishes or as a hearty side for picnic meals.
