Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad (Perfect Side Dish Recipe!)

This easy Broccoli Bacon Salad is a refreshing twist on traditional salads, combining fresh broccoli florets, crisp bacon, and a variety of vegetables for a burst of flavor in every bite. What makes it even more special is the unique combination of ranch and mayonnaise in the dressing, adding a creamy, tangy kick that beautifully complements the rest of the ingredients. Perfect for potlucks or as a side dish, this easy broccoli salad is definitely worth trying.

The Broccoli Bacon Salad is a vibrant mix of broccoli, cauliflower, English cucumber, organic radish, and lemon, with the delicious crunch of fried bacon adding to its appeal. This salad is not just a low-carb, nutritious dish but also a quick and easy recipe to make at home.

What sets my Broccoli Bacon Salad recipe apart is the dressing. A creamy blend of ranch and mayonnaise gives this salad its unique taste. Peppered with the right amount of salt and pepper, this salad offers a balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more. So why wait? Whip up this refreshing salad at home and enjoy a hearty meal.

Want to learn how to make this broccoli bacon salad recipe? Then keep on reading.

Table of Contents

• What is Broccoli Bacon Salad?
• Why Makes This Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe Special?
• What You Need to Make Broccoli Bacon Salad at Home
• How to Make Broccoli Bacon Salad (Step-by-Step)
• Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Bacon Salad Ever
• Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Bacon Salad
• Recipe Variation Ideas for Broccoli Bacon Salad 
• Frequently Asked Questions for Broccoli Bacon Salad
• How to Store Leftover Broccoli Bacon Salad
• Similar Salad Recipes You'll Love
• Recipe Card
• Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad (Perfect Side Dish Recipe!)
• Comments

What is Broccoli Bacon Salad?

Broccoli Bacon Salad is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that combines fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, and a variety of other delightful ingredients. This salad recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.

The broccoli is the star of this dish, with its bright green color and crunchy texture. Cutting the broccoli florets into bite-size pieces and squeezing lemon juice over them enhances their natural flavors and makes them more palatable.

The fried bacon adds a smoky and crispy element to the salad that contrasts beautifully with the fresh vegetables. Once the bacon has cooled, it’s cut into small pieces and tossed with the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl.

The dressing for this salad is a simple yet flavorful combination of ranch, mayonnaise, and salt and pepper to taste. After the salad has chilled in the fridge, the dressing is stirred in well, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Everyone will enjoy cooking and eating this dish because it’s not only delicious but also low-carb, making it a perfect side dish for potlucks or family dinners. The various textures and flavors, from the crunchy broccoli and radishes to the creamy dressing and crispy bacon, make this an easy broccoli salad recipe that will keep you coming back for more.

Why Makes This Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe Special?

Easy to make: This broccoli bacon salad recipe is straightforward and requires only a few steps. From frying bacon, cutting fresh broccoli florets into bite-size pieces, to mixing all ingredients in a large bowl, it’s an easy broccoli salad recipe anyone can master.

Versatile: This salad recipe is highly adaptable. You can add additional ingredients like sunflower seeds, cranberries, or raisins to tailor to your taste preferences. You can also switch up the dressing, perhaps using a blend of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard or plain Greek yogurt and sour cream.

Delicious: The combination of crisp broccoli, savory bacon, and creamy mayonnaise creates a balance of flavors that is sure to please your palate. The addition of lemon juice adds a touch of freshness that elevates the taste even further.

Crowd pleaser: Whether as a side dish for family dinners or as a potluck contribution, this broccoli bacon salad is a guaranteed hit. The refreshing taste and satisfying crunch make it a perfect side dish that complements a variety of main courses.

Low carb: With fresh broccoli florets and bacon as the main ingredients, this salad is a great low-carb option. You can enjoy a generous serving without worrying about your carb intake, making it a great choice for those following a low-carb diet.

Nutritious: In terms of nutrition, this recipe is packed with vitamin C, fiber, and protein, while being low in sodium and calories. 

What You Need to Make Broccoli Bacon Salad at Home

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this broccoli bacon recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

For the Salad:

• Cauliflower: You’ll need some cauliflower for this salad recipe. The cauliflower will add a nice crunch and subtly sweet flavor to the salad, balancing out the savory bacon and tangy dressing.
• English cucumber: We’ll also need a small English cucumber. The cucumber will provide a refreshing crunch and will absorb the flavors of the dressing, adding a cool crispness to each bite.
• Radish: You’ll need a bunch of radishes. The radishes will add a peppery bite to the salad, complementing the other ingredients and adding a vibrant color.
• Broccoli: We’ll be needing several bunches of broccoli. The fresh broccoli florets will form the base of our salad, providing a hearty crunch and a wealth of nutrients.
• Lemon: You’ll need half of a large lemon. The lemon will add a zesty freshness to the salad, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Bacon: We’ll also need some bacon. The bacon will add a savory, smoky flavor to the salad, providing a delicious contrast to the fresh vegetables.

For the Dressing and Seasoning:

• Ranch: You’ll need some ranch for this salad recipe (you can use store-bought ranch or use my homemade ranch recipe, which is my preference). The ranch will serve as the base for our dressing, adding a creamy, tangy flavor that will coat the broccoli florets and other ingredients.
• Mayonnaise: We’ll also be needing some mayonnaise (you can use store-bought ranch or my homemade mayonnaise recipe, which is my preference). The mayo will add richness and creaminess to the dressing, complementing the tangy ranch and enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.
• Salt and pepper: You’ll need some salt and pepper. These seasonings will enhance the flavors of the ingredients, allowing each ingredient to shine without overpowering the others.

How to Make Broccoli Bacon Salad (Step-by-Step)

Making this incredible broccoli bacon salad is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

How to Prep Broccoli

To begin your easy broccoli salad, start by preparing your fresh broccoli florets. Rinse the broccoli under cool running water to ensure any dirt or debris is thoroughly washed away. 

Once rinsed, slice the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces that are easy to eat. We want every bite of this salad to be packed with flavors, so the size of your broccoli pieces matters.

After you’ve cut the broccoli, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over it. This adds a touch of citrusy freshness to the salad and helps to keep the broccoli vibrant. Mix the broccoli well for about 30 seconds, ensuring that all the pieces are coated with the lemon juice. 

There should be very little juice left at the bottom of the plate. Allow the broccoli to sit on your countertop for about an hour and a half. This step will help the broccoli to absorb the lemon juice and enhance its flavor.

How to Cook Bacon

While the broccoli is marinating, it’s time to cook your bacon. Fry the bacon in a pan or broil bacon in the oven until it’s crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel. The paper towel will absorb any excess oil, leaving you with perfectly crispy pieces of bacon. 

Once the bacon has cooled down, cut it into small pieces. These small pieces will not only add a savory crunch to your salad but also infuse each bite with a smoky bacon flavor.

How to Prep Veggies

Next, it’s time to prep the rest of your vegetables. Rinse and dice the red onion, ensuring the pieces are small enough to blend well with the other ingredients. If you’re adding any other vegetables, make sure they’re also cut into bite-sized pieces.

Place all your prepared vegetables and bacon into a large bowl. This will be your main salad bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic food wrap and pop it in the fridge. Keeping the salad in the fridge will allow the ingredients to chill and the flavors to meld together.

How to Assemble Broccoli Bacon Salad

Just before you’re ready to serve the salad, prepare your broccoli salad dressing. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, and ranch.

Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to ensure every piece is coated. 

At this point, add salt and pepper to taste. Giving it a final stir will ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

Your broccoli bacon salad is now ready to serve!

Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Bacon Salad Ever

Preparing the Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are key in this broccoli salad recipe. Rinse and cut them into bite-size pieces for the perfect taste and texture. Squeezing lemon juice over the broccoli not only adds flavor, but also helps it absorb the other salad ingredients.

Cooking the Bacon: For the best possible flavors, fry your bacon until it’s crispy. Place it on a paper towel after cooking to absorb excess oil. Once it cools, cut it into small pieces to evenly distribute its taste throughout the salad.

Chilling the Salad: After combining the broccoli florets, bacon, and other vegetables in a large bowl, cover it and let it sit in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.

Mixing the Dressing: The combination of ranch and mayonnaise in the salad dressing adds a creamy and tangy balance to the salad. Stir it well before adding it to the salad to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.

Seasoning the Salad: Don’t underestimate the power of simple seasonings like salt and pepper. Add these to taste just before serving the salad. It’s the final touch that brings out all the flavors of the ingredients.

Serving the Salad: This easy broccoli salad is best served immediately after adding the dressing and seasonings. This ensures that the salad retains its crispness and the ingredients don’t become soggy.

Making it a Side Dish: This broccoli bacon salad is not only a low-carb meal option, but also a perfect side dish for potlucks or family dinners. Its unique mix of ingredients and flavors is sure to impress your guests.

Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Bacon Salad

• This easy broccoli salad pairs perfectly with Lion Chops Steaks. The rich, meaty flavors of the chops are beautifully offset by the crisp broccoli florets and salty bacon bits, making for a balanced and satisfying meal.
• My Broccoli Bacon Salad is also a wonderful accompaniment to BBQ Chicken Kabobs. The smoky, charred taste of the kabobs is complemented by the bright, fresh flavors in the salad. The crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch alongside the juicy chicken.
• For a lighter meal, why not serve this broccoli salad recipe alongside some Chicken Skewers? The tender, succulent chicken is a great contrast to the hearty salad. Plus, the zingy salad dressing adds an extra layer of flavor to the chicken.
• This salad is also a great side dish for potlucks. Its bold flavors and crunch from the fresh broccoli florets and bacon make it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to whip up a large bowl to share.
• If you’re on a low-carb diet, this broccoli bacon salad is a perfect side dish. It’s packed with nutrients from the broccoli and has a satisfying crunch from the bacon. Plus, the creamy mayonnaise dressing adds a touch of indulgence without adding carbs.
• This salad is a tasty accompaniment to a simple grilled fish dish. The freshness of the salad and the tangy mayonnaise dressing cut through the richness of the fish, leaving your palate refreshed with every bite.
• Lastly, for a picnic or outdoor lunch, try pairing this salad with some cold, sliced roast beef. The robust flavors of the beef pair perfectly with the vibrant flavors of the salad, and it’s easy to pack and take with you. 

Recipe Variation Ideas for Broccoli Bacon Salad 

This delicious broccoli bacon salad recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

Low carb: If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, this variation is perfect. Replace the English cucumber with additional fresh broccoli florets for a low-carb switch. The crunchy broccoli pairs well with the bacon and adds a nice texture to the salad.

Sunflower seed crunch: For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, add a handful of sunflower seeds to the salad. Simply stir them in with the other ingredients before serving. This variation gives the salad an interesting texture and adds a new flavor dimension to the dish.

Sweet and tart: For a sweet and tart twist, toss in a handful of dried cranberries and raisins. The sweetness of the raisins and tart taste of the cranberries bring a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the bacon and broccoli salad.

Creamy Greek: If you’re a fan of creamier salads, substitute the mayonnaise with equal parts plain Greek yogurt and sour cream.

Cheese lovers: For those who can’t get enough cheese, try adding a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to your salad.

Spicy kick: If you like your salads with a bit of a kick, add finely chopped red onion and a dash of pepper. The zesty bite of the red onion and the heat from the pepper give the broccoli bacon salad a spicy twist.

Dijon twist: For a unique flavor twist, whisk in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the broccoli salad dressing. This gives the salad a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with the bacon and fresh broccoli florets.

Frequently Asked Questions for Broccoli Bacon Salad

What is the main ingredient of this salad recipe?

The main ingredient of this easy broccoli salad is fresh broccoli florets. Other key ingredients include bacon, radish, cauliflower, and cucumber, all mixed in a delicious dressing.

How should the broccoli be prepared for this salad?

The broccoli florets should be rinsed and cut into bite-size pieces. Squeeze lemon juice over the broccoli and stir until it absorbs all the juice. Leave the broccoli to stand for an hour and a half to marinate.

What type of bacon is best for this salad recipe?

You can use any type of bacon you prefer. However, ensure it is fried to a crisp, drained of excess oil, and cut into small pieces before mixing into the salad.

What is included in the dressing for this broccoli bacon salad?

The dressing for this salad consists of ranch, mayonnaise, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Stir the dressing well before adding it to the salad.

Should the salad be served immediately?

Yes, to get the best flavors, serve the salad immediately after tossing in the dressing. However, if you need to prepare it in advance, keep the salad and dressing separate in the fridge and combine just before serving.

Can this broccoli bacon salad be a perfect side dish?

Absolutely! This salad is a perfect side dish for various meals. It can also be a hit at potlucks due to its rich flavors and pleasing taste.

How is the salad stored if there are leftovers?

Store any leftover salad in a sealed container in the fridge. It’s best to consume within a day or two for the freshest taste.

Is this salad low-carb?

Yes, this broccoli bacon salad is low-carb, making it a great choice for those following a low-carb diet.

Is this keto broccoli salad gluten-free? 

Yes, it is, but you have to make sure you’re using gluten-free mayonnaise and ranch seasoning.

Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes, adding cheese such as sharp cheddar can enhance the taste of this salad. It will add a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the dressing?

Yes, if you prefer, you can substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a healthier alternative in the broccoli salad dressing.

How to Store Leftover Broccoli Bacon Salad

After enjoying the robust flavors of your broccoli bacon salad, you might find yourself with some leftovers. Thankfully, this salad recipe is as forgiving in storage as it is delightful in taste.

To store the leftover salad, transfer it into an airtight container and place it in the fridge. The freshness of the ingredients, particularly the crispy broccoli florets and chewy cranberries, can be maintained for up to 3-4 days. However, the bacon might lose some of its crunch over time.

For reheating, it’s best to enjoy this salad cold straight from the fridge. The harmonious blend of sharp cheddar cheese, crunchy sunflower seeds, and tangy red onion, tossed in a creamy mayo-based dressing, provides a refreshing bite that’s perfect as a side dish for any meal.

As for freezing, it’s generally not recommended for this broccoli bacon salad. The main reason is the dressing, which includes ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt. These ingredients don’t freeze well and can separate or become grainy once thawed. In addition, the fresh broccoli florets may lose their desirable crunch when defrosted.

If you still want to make this salad ahead, you can separately store the prepped ingredients in the fridge and toss them together when you’re ready to serve. This way, you can enjoy an easy broccoli salad that’s always fresh and full of taste.

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This recipe was originally posted on March 4, 2016 (original picture below), and updated for a better user experience. The post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.