Best Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe

_{This Broccoli Salad is a quick anytime salad full of fresh crisp broccoli, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits. It’s the perfect no-cook recipe for those warm summer potlucks and gatherings.}

Best Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes Additional Time: 1 Hour Total Time: 1 Hour, 10 Minutes Servings: 6 Servings

This recipe recreation all began when my favorite restaurant pulled their Broccoli Salad off the menu. Our whole family was left disappointed. And since then, this restaurant no longer exists. I am certain it wasn’t this salad that made this restaurant go out of business.

But I can’t help but wonder. It was that good. My kids are not the biggest fans of vegetables, but this salad… OH, this salad makes us all happy. My version with broccoli, red onion, mayonnaise (instead of a sweetened version I use white vinegar), bacon, and instead of cranberries I toss in hard-boiled eggs.

Not that cranberries would be a bad idea, it just sweetens it up a tad too much for our taste buds. It’s quick to make, simple, and outrageously delicious!

Ingredients Needed for This Broccoli Salad

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 2 broccoli heads, roughly chopped
• 1 cup chopped red onion
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sunflower kernels
• 5 strips of bacon, cooked and chopped
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Optional Add-Ins

• Cranberries
• Raisins
• Almond Sliced
• Chopped Pecans

Don’t Throw Away Broccoli Stems

Over the years, I used to just toss all my broccoli stems into our compost pile. Now I chop some of them up a little smaller and add them to this salad. Or chop them up into bite-size pieces and roast them in the oven with some olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Depending on how hardy the stem is, it might be a good idea to run a vegetable peeler up and down the stem to remove the outer (sometimes tough) layer. Then, chop it into pieces. I love the idea of being a no-waste family. Sure, if we add it to our compost pile, it is getting recycled, but if I can feed my family, I will take this option instead. And I learned we all love roasted broccoli steams.

How to Make The Best Broccoli Salad

This is probably one of the easiest salads you will throw together, which is why it has become a favorite (plus it tastes great)!

STEP ONE: First, start by preparing the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar until well combined. Then set aside.

STEP TWO: Prep all your veggies, cheese, and hard-boiled eggs.

STEP THREE: Then stir together the broccoli, red onion, cheddar cheese, sunflower kernels, bacon, and eggs in a large bowl. Give it a few good stirs to incorporate.

STEP FOUR: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and stir until all the broccoli is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Quick Note: I will often leave it in the refrigerator just a little bit longer. But remember to give it a few extra stirs before serving.

Salad Making Tips

• Wash your broccoli ahead of time if possible. This will help ensure it drains well. And will keep your salad from becoming watery.
• Bake your bacon. Typically, 15 minutes at 400 degrees on a lined baking sheet.
• Reserve some crisp bacon for garnish if desired and add just before serving.
• Remember to allow time for the recipe to chill in the fridge. This gives the broccoli a chance to soak in some of the dressing, resulting in an even more flavorful salad! The longer it soaks, the better it will taste.

This salad is great to serve alongside any grilled foods from Cheeseburger With Bacon or homemade corn dogs.

Broccoli Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe

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Eating out is easy, and it usually tastes delicious, but it’s expensive. Making this meal at home will save you money. Add this recipe to your weekly meal plan.