Broccoli Salad Recipe With Bacon

5 from 2 votes

This classic broccoli salad with bacon is the perfect 15 minute side dish to make for potlucks, BBQs, holiday parties or dinners at home. It’s filled with raw broccoli, bacon, onions, apples, sunflower seeds, Craisins and tossed in a creamy homemade dressing.

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: people

Calories: 362kcal

Author: The Carefree Kitchen

Ingredients

Dressing for Broccoli Salad

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar

Broccoli Salad

6 cups broccoli chopped into 1/2"-3/4" pieces
1/2 large red onion diced
2 medium Honeycrisp apples diced into 1/2" pieces
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup water cold
1 pound bacon
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup sunflower seeds roasted and salted

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the mayo, lemon juice, and sugar. Whisk to combine, then set aside.
Dice the broccoli and onion as directed then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Wash and dice the apples, then soak in a small bowl with the lemon juice and cold water for a few minutes to keep the apples from browning.
Meanwhile, cut the bacon into 1/2" pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until slightly crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, remove from the skillet using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Add the bacon bits, drained apples, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds to the bowl with the broccoli and onion. Pour about 2/3 of the dressing over the broccoli salad, mixing until evenly coated. If it looks a little dry, add the rest of the dressing and mix again.
Store covered in the refrigerator for a few hours, or serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

Storing instructions: store broccoli salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Make-ahead tips: this can be made ahead and stored in the fridge up to 2 days in advance.

Nutrition