Classic Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar
Broccoli Salad
A crowd-pleasing crunchy salad with savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy-sweet dressing.
Nutrition (per serving)
This classic broccoli salad is the ultimate side dish for any gathering, from summer barbecues to holiday potlucks. It perfectly balances the crunch of fresh broccoli with savory bacon bits, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of sweetness from dried cranberries. It's the kind of dish that makes everyone ask for the recipe before the meal is even over, and it's always the first bowl to be scraped clean at a party.
The secret to a truly great broccoli salad lies in the dressing—a simple blend of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar that softens the raw florets just enough while keeping them crisp. I love how the flavors meld together after an hour in the fridge, making it an ideal make-ahead option for busy hosts. It's refreshing, hearty, and brings a wonderful pop of color to any plate.
Ingredients
- Fresh broccoli florets:1 lb
- Red onion, finely diced:½ cup
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded:½ cup
- Cooked bacon, crumbled:½ cup
- Dried cranberries:⅓ cup
- Roasted sunflower seeds:¼ cup
- Mayonnaise:1 cup
- Sugar:3 tbsp
- Apple cider vinegar:2 tbsp
- Salt:½ tsp
- Black pepper:¼ tsp
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh broccoli florets, diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon crumbles, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
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Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss thoroughly until every piece of broccoli is well coated.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the dressing to soften the broccoli and the flavors to fully develop.
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Give the salad one final toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Tips & Notes
- Make sure the broccoli is completely dry after washing to prevent the dressing from becoming watery.
- Cut the broccoli into very small, bite-sized florets so they are easier to eat and soak up more flavor.
- For the best texture, wait to add the sunflower seeds until just before serving if you want them to stay extra crunchy.
