A potluck classic done right.
Summertime is FULL of outdoor activities that call for a quick, healthy dish.
From backyard BBQs to Labor Day or July 4th picnics, it seems as if I am always scrambling to find an easy side to bring along.
It wasn’t until recently, when at a food blogging conference in Salt Lake City, that I realized how absolutely DELICIOUS, easy, and even healthy, a cold broccoli salad could be.
And then you add in perfectly cooked bacon and bites of sweet cranberries and you take your Summer side dish game up another notch!
Plus, who wants to be slaving away in the kitchen on a hot summer day before going out to enjoy their holiday?
I know I don’t, and that’s why this recipe is SO amazing – you can easily prep it ahead of time the night before and have it ready to go when you are!
Cool and delicious – perfect for any hot summer day.
– Rebecca
Ingredients and Substitutions
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
- Sugar. Good old-fashioned white sugar gives this salad a subtle sweetness. You can substitute honey or leave it out to fit your dietary needs.
- Broccoli. You need two large heads to get the correct number of florets.
- Bacon. Opt for a brand that is uncured, nitrate-free, and with no added hormones, sugar, or antibiotics.
- Red Onion. A sweet or yellow onion may be substituted.
- Dried Cranberries. These add a beautiful red color, but raisins can also be used for a slightly different taste. Or, leave them out for a low-carb or keto dish.
- Walnuts. Roasting walnuts is key; it really brings out the nutty flavor. Roasted Pecans or roasted almonds would also taste great in this recipe.
- Mayonnaise. You can also use an egg-free mayonnaise if you are allergic to eggs. Miracle Whip will drastically change the taste, however.
- Greek yogurt. If you are dairy-free, opt for a vegan yogurt alternative.
- White wine vinegar. Do not use distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar! It will not taste the same.
Step-by-step Instructions
Please see the recipe card below for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.
Cook the broccoli.
To steam: Place broccoli crowns and stalks in a steamer basket and steam for 4-5 minutes, or until they turn a bright green. Immediately place broccoli in a bowl at room temperature and let cool. Dab with a paper towel until it is thoroughly dried.
However, if you do not have a steamer basket or a rice cooker with one, you can always blanch the broccoli.
To blanch: Place broccoli florets in a pot of boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Immediately immerse in an ice water bath so it stops the cooking process, and the broccoli turns bright green. Dry thoroughly before proceeding.
Cook the bacon.
You can make Air Fryer Bacon (the best option for crispy bacon and no mess!), or Cook Bacon in the Oven. You can also easily cook it in a skillet.
To cook the bacon on the stove, finely chop the meat into bite-sized pieces. Add bits to a medium-sized skillet.
Heat bacon over medium heat for 7 to 8 minutes, or until cooked through.
Drain pieces on a paper-towel-lined plate to let them cool before adding to the bacon broccoli salad.
Make the dressing.
In a large bowl, mix together the mayo, plain Greek yogurt, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Whisk everything until smooth.
Mix it all together.
Make sure the broccoli has cooled. Then, pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix until well coated.
Stir in chopped onion, cranberries, walnuts, and cooked bacon pieces to the broccoli mixture.
Keep the broccoli salad in the refrigerator for at least one to two hours before serving.
FAQs
It is not necessary to cook the broccoli, but it is recommended. Steaming is the best option for this recipe, as the vegetable stays tender without soaking up too much water.
The texture is best when served within 24 hours. After that, the broccoli and bacon will lose their crispness.
This dish will keep for up to 3 days when stored in the refrigerator between servings. However, after 24 hours, the broccoli will begin to lose its crispness.
Since this broccoli salad contains both mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, it is VERY temperature sensitive. Do not let it sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature or more than 1 hour when the temperature is above 80 degrees.
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Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 large heads broccoli cut into florets
- 6 ounces bacon cut into bite-sized pieces*
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup red onion finely sliced
- ⅔ cup cranberries
- 1 cup walnuts toasted
Instructions
- Steam broccoli for 4-5 minutes in a steamer basket, or until it turns bright green. Place in a large bowl to cool and dab with a paper towel until completely dry.2 large heads broccoli
- Cook bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through. Drain bacon on a paper towel-lined plate.6 ounces bacon
- In a large bowl whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar, sugar, and salt.½ cup mayonnaise, ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, ½ teaspoon salt
- Add cooked broccoli that has cooled to room temperature and toss until well coated.
- Stir in chopped onion, cranberries, walnuts, and cooked bacon pieces.⅓ cup red onion, ⅔ cup cranberries, 1 cup walnuts
- Cover and chill broccoli salad in refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or up to overnight, before serving. Enjoy!
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Video
Notes
- Cutting: Chop ingredients into small pieces so you get a little something in every bite.
- Dry broccoli: If any liquid is left after blanching or steaming you’ll end up with a watery mess in your salad.
- Chilling: Allow the flavors to meld together for at least 2-3 hours.
- Serving: Since this broccoli salad contains both mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, it is VERY temperature sensitive. Do not let it sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature or more than 1 hour when the temperature is above 80 degrees.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Other Easy Make-Ahead Salad Ideas
Try any of these simple and convenient salad recipes:
Cool and delicious – perfect for any hot summer day.
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Rebecca! It’s one of my favorite summer salads. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!