Broccoli Raisin Bacon Salad
Let’s talk about a salad that everyone loves. I mean, what’s not to love? It has crunchy bits, sweet bits, and salty bits all in one bowl.
This broccoli raisin bacon salad is my go-to for just about everything. It is simple to make. It is full of color and taste. I bring it to parties, and it is always the first dish to disappear. It is a real winner!
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Salad?
This salad is the whole package! You get the fresh crunch from the broccoli. You get salty goodness from the crispy bacon. Then, sweet raisins and red onion add a little zing. It is all mixed in a creamy, dreamy dressing that ties everything together. It’s a party in your mouth!
If you love a good broccoli dish, my Broccoli Salad with Greek Yogurt is another must-try. And for a different kind of sweet and savory side, you will adore my easy Crunchy Raisin Coleslaw. This salad is just so easy and always a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Broccoli Florets: You want fresh, green tops cut into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Bacon: Use your favorite kind for that perfect salty, smoky crunch.
- Red Onion: This adds a little bit of sharp flavor and nice color.
- Raisins: These give a lovely, chewy sweetness to balance the salt.
- Sunflower Seeds: I use roasted and salted seeds for an extra nutty crunch.
- Mayonnaise: This makes the dressing super rich, creamy, and wonderful.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds a little tang to cut through the creamy mayo.
- Sugar: Just a little bit of sugar makes the dressing pop.
- Salt and Pepper: You need these to bring out all the other great flavors.
How to Make Broccoli Raisin Bacon Salad
Making this salad is as easy as one, two, three! Here is how you can do it at home.
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
First, put 8 slices of bacon in a skillet. Cook them over medium heat until they are nice and crisp. Then, move the bacon to a paper towel to drain. Once it cools, crumble it into small, yummy pieces.
Step 2: Mix the Salad Base
Next, grab your large bowl. Add 5 cups broccoli florets, the crumbled bacon, and 1/2 cup diced red onion. Then, toss in 1/2 cup raisins and 1/4 cup sunflower seeds. Mix it all up!
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
Now, get a smaller bowl for the dressing. Put in 1 cup mayo, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Whisk it all together until it is smooth. Add a little salt and pepper, too.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Pour your creamy dressing over the broccoli mix in the big bowl. Toss everything gently until it is all coated. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mix. ENJOY!
Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad
Want to make your salad extra special? Here are a few of my favorite tips for you.
- Cut Broccoli Small: Make sure your florets are bite-sized. This makes the salad much easier to eat.
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh, crisp broccoli makes a HUGE difference. It gives the best texture and taste.
- Crispy Bacon is Key: You want your bacon nice and crispy. It adds the best salty crunch.
- Let It Chill: Do not skip the chilling step! It lets all the wonderful flavors meld together perfectly.
- Toast Your Seeds: Toasting the sunflower seeds for a few minutes brings out their yummy, nutty flavor.
- Taste the Dressing: Always give your dressing a little taste before you pour it over the salad.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to play around with this recipe! Here are some fun ideas to make it your own.
- Try Different Nuts: You can use toasted pecans or sliced almonds instead of the sunflower seeds. They add a great crunch.
- Add Some Cheese: Toss in about a cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. It adds a delicious savory kick.
- Swap the Fruit: Not a fan of raisins? Use dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different kind of sweet chew.
- Lighten the Dressing: For a tangier dressing, you can swap half of the mayo for plain Greek yogurt.
- Make It Spicy: Want a little heat? Add a very small pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This salad is great to make ahead of time! In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to sit for a few hours.
You can make it the morning of a party or even the night before. Just keep it covered in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and tasty for about 2 to 3 days.
The broccoli will get a little softer over time, but it will still be so good. I do not recommend freezing this salad, as the dressing will not hold up well.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
I really suggest using fresh broccoli for this salad. Frozen broccoli gets soft and watery when it thaws, so you will miss out on that great crunch.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
You can store this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The broccoli might soften a bit, but it will still taste great.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Just make sure you use your favorite dairy-free mayonnaise. All the other ingredients are naturally free of dairy.
Is this broccoli salad gluten-free?
It sure is! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check the labels on your bacon and mayonnaise.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Of course! Turkey bacon works well. Just cook it until it is very crisp so you still get that nice crunch in every bite.
What to serve with broccoli raisin bacon salad?
This salad is a perfect side dish! It goes great with grilled chicken, juicy burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, or a simple baked potato.
Why did my salad get watery?
Broccoli can sometimes release a little water. To help prevent this, make sure your broccoli is completely dry before you mix it with the dressing.
Can I make this without sugar?
You can leave out the sugar if you want. The dressing will be tangier, but it will still be good. The sugar helps balance the vinegar.
Broccoli Raisin Bacon Salad
Ingredients
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup red onion (diced)
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 8 slices of bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool, then crumble.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the broccoli florets, the crumbled bacon, diced red onion, raisins, and sunflower seeds.
- Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss and chill: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the broccoli florets are cut into small, bite-sized pieces.
- For the best flavor, allow the salad to chill for an hour.
- You can use dried cranberries instead of raisins if you prefer.
- Toasting the sunflower seeds adds an extra layer of nutty flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
