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Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar

If you’re looking for a side dish that is crunchy, creamy, savory, and just a little sweet, this Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar is a perfect choice. It combines crisp fresh broccoli with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing that brings everything together.

Unlike a traditional lettuce-based salad, broccoli salad holds up especially well after it has been dressed. In fact, giving it a little time to rest in the refrigerator allows the flavors to blend and makes the salad even more delicious. It’s an easy addition to summer cookouts, family dinners, potlucks, picnics, and holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Salad

There are several reasons this simple salad has become a favorite at gatherings. The broccoli provides plenty of crunch, while crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor. Cubes or shreds of cheddar bring a rich, cheesy bite, and the creamy dressing adds just enough sweetness and tanginess to balance everything.

The best part is that the salad requires very little cooking. Once the bacon is prepared, most of the recipe simply involves chopping, mixing, and tossing.

Ingredients

For the Salad

5 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into small bite-sized pieces
6 slices bacon
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes or shredded
1/3 cup finely diced red onion
1/3 cup sunflower seeds or roasted sunflower kernels
1/4 cup dried cranberries, optional

For the Creamy Dressing

3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly under cool running water. Pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Try to keep the pieces relatively similar in size so that every forkful has a good balance of ingredients.

For a little extra texture, you can also finely chop some of the tender broccoli stems instead of throwing them away. Peel away any tough outer portion first, then dice the tender center.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Place the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until it becomes golden brown and crisp, turning as needed.

Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease. Allow it to cool completely before chopping it into small pieces.

For the best texture, make sure the bacon is genuinely crisp. Soft or undercooked bacon can become chewy once mixed into the creamy dressing.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheddar

Cut the cheddar cheese into small cubes, or shred it if you prefer a more evenly distributed cheese flavor.

Sharp cheddar works particularly well because its stronger flavor stands out against the broccoli and creamy dressing. Mild cheddar can also be used if you prefer a gentler flavor.