Bacon and Broccoli Salad

This bacon and broccoli salad is a delightful combination of fresh, crisp broccoli florets, smoky bacon crumbles and nutty toasted pecans, all enhanced by the sweet chewiness of dried blueberries and cherries. Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, sugar, and cider vinegar, this salad recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a versatile dish that can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier the next day.  Ideal for summer barbecues, potlucks or a refreshing side dish, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients for Bacon and Broccoli Salad

• Broccoli: You’ll want to use fresh broccoli for its crunch and vibrant green color. Frozen broccoli has excess moisture that may dilute the salad flavors and compromise its crisp texture.
• Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a savory, umami flavor that perfectly complements the fresh broccoli and sweet dried fruits. 
• Pecans: Toasted pecans add a rich, nutty flavor and a delightful crunch. Use almonds or walnuts instead of pecans for a different flavor and texture.
• Dried fruit: Dried blueberries and dried cherries bring a burst of sweetness and a chewy texture. 
• Red onion: Finely chopped red onion has a mild, tangy bite that works with the other ingredients without overpowering them.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the dressing comes from mayo. For a lighter option, you can substitute with Greek yogurt.
• Sugar: Sugar gives a touch of sweetness to the dressing.
• Cider vinegar: Cider vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet acidity to the dressing. 

Directions

Step 1: Make the salad

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon, pecans, dried blueberries, dried cherries and red onion. For the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar. Pour over broccoli mixture and toss to coat.

Recipe Variations 

• Make it cheesy: Add shredded cheddar or crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
• Add some avocado: Toss in some diced avocado for a creamy texture and additional healthy fats.
• Sprinkle in seeds: Include sunflower or pumpkin seeds in the salad for an extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy twist.

How to Store Bacon and Broccoli Salad

To store bacon and broccoli salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For best results, keep the dressing separate and mix it with the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the ingredients. If the salad has already been dressed, give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and refresh the flavors.

Can you make broccoli salad with bacon ahead of time?

Absolutely! The longer the salad sits the more you can really let flavors develop fully. If you keep it refrigerated in an airtight container this broccoli salad recipe with bacon can be made up to four days in advance.

Bacon and Broccoli Salad Tips    

How should you chop broccoli for broccoli salad?

Ideally, the florets should be roughly the same size so that they cook evenly but also so they’re bite-sized and can stay on your fork. Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly under water. Trim back any leaves and carefully cut off the main stem of your head of broccoli.

Pro tip: Save the broccoli stem! Simply chop it to the size of your florets to add a little bit of sweetness and more nutrients to your salad. Next, take the florets and trim them into desired size pieces, leaving some of the smaller stems of the florets intact.

How do I keep the broccoli from getting soggy? 

Keep the dressing separate until just before serving. If the salad has already been dressed, toss it before serving to redistribute the dressing and refresh the ingredients.

What do you serve with broccoli salad with bacon?

This is the perfect summer side dish for picnics and family get-togethers. For holiday parties, this makes a great Memorial Day side dish. Try it with our tangy pulled-pork sandwiches, and wash it down with some refreshing sweet tea.