Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad with crispy bacon, fresh broccoli and savory dressing

Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipe

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Why Make This Recipe

Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. This salad is easy to prepare and full of goodness, making it a great dish for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings. The combination of fresh broccoli, crunchy bacon, and sweet raisins creates a delicious contrast that everyone will enjoy. It’s a simple dish that can quickly become a favorite.

How to Make Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad

Ingredients

  • 8 cups broccoli florets, chopped very small
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/3 cup salted sunflower seeds, hulled
  • 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and then crumbled into small pieces
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4-1/3 cup white sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons white vinegar

Directions

  1. Place all of the salad ingredients into a medium-sized bowl.
  2. Prepare the dressing by mixing the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar together until smooth. Stir it into the salad ingredients.
  3. Cover the bowl and let the salad chill. It’s best if you let it chill overnight, just like Mary used to do, to let all the flavors meld beautifully.
  4. Serve cold.

How to Serve Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad

Serve this salad cold, straight from the fridge. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch. You can also present it in a large bowl for gatherings, allowing everyone to serve themselves.

How to Store Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to eat the salad within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness. If the salad begins to lose its crunch, you may want to add a few more sunflower seeds just before serving.

Tips to Make Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad

  • To add extra crunch, consider including some chopped almonds or walnuts.
  • If you prefer a tangy flavor, experiment with more vinegar in the dressing.
  • For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

Variation

You can customize this salad by adding different ingredients such as shredded carrots, chopped apples, or cheese. This way, you can make it your own and cater to different tastes.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
  2. Yes, but fresh broccoli gives the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
  3. Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
  4. Yes! You can use vegan mayonnaise and skip the bacon or substitute it with a plant-based bacon alternative.
  5. How long should I let the salad chill?
  6. Chilling for at least 2 hours is ideal, but letting it sit overnight will enhance the flavors even more.

Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad

A delightful mix of flavors and textures, this Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad combines fresh broccoli, crunchy bacon, and sweet raisins, making it a perfect dish for potlucks and family gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 8 cups broccoli florets, chopped very small
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/3 cup salted sunflower seeds, hulled
  • 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and then crumbled into small pieces
Dressing Ingredients
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4-1/3 cup white sugar Adjust to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons white vinegar Adjust for tanginess

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place all of the salad ingredients into a medium-sized bowl.
  2. Prepare the dressing by mixing the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar together until smooth.
  3. Stir the dressing into the salad ingredients.
  4. Cover the bowl and let the salad chill. For best results, chill overnight.
Serving
  1. Serve the salad cold, straight from the fridge.
  2. Pair with grilled meats or enjoy on its own as a light lunch.

Notes

For extra crunch, consider adding chopped almonds or walnuts. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Customize the salad by adding shredded carrots, chopped apples, or cheese.