Creamy Broccoli Bacon & Cheddar Salad

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A classic-style broccoli salad matching the photo: fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, and a creamy sweet-tangy dressing. Similar traditional recipes use mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, broccoli, cheddar, and bacon. (

Ingredients

For the salad

  • 2 large heads fresh broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup sunflower seeds, optional

For the creamy dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the broccoli: Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into small, bite-sized florets. Pat dry well so the dressing doesn’t become watery.
  2. Cook the bacon: Fry the bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, allow it to cool, then crumble into small pieces.
  3. Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine the salad: Place broccoli, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and sunflower seeds in a large serving bowl.
  5. Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to blend; making it several hours ahead is common for this type of salad. (Just A Pinch Recipes)
  7. Serve: Give the salad another gentle toss just before serving. Add a little extra shredded cheddar and crispy bacon on top for presentation.

Yield

About 8–10 servings

Preparation Time

20 minutes + chilling time

Storage

Keep covered in the refrigerator and use within 3–4 days for best quality. Keep the salad refrigerated rather than leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.

Optional Additions

For a version closer to the variety often seen in broccoli salads, you can add raisins or dried cranberries, chopped sunflower seeds, or additional red onion.

Serving suggestion: Serve chilled as a side dish for grilled chicken, barbecue, sandwiches, or a holiday dinner.

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