Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon

This Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon is loaded with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a rich homemade dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, holidays, or an easy family dinner.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

Salad

• 6 cups fresh broccoli florets, bite-sized
• 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ⅔ cup dried cranberries (Craisins)
• ⅔ cup red onion, finely diced
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• ½ cup roasted sunflower seeds

Creamy Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. Cook the bacon until crispy in a skillet or oven.
2. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli.
2. Cut into small, bite-sized florets for the best texture.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
   • Mayonnaise
   • Sour cream
   • Apple cider vinegar
   • Honey
   • Dijon mustard
   • Garlic powder
   • Salt
   • Black pepper
2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
   • Broccoli florets
   • Shredded cheddar cheese
   • Dried cranberries
   • Red onion
   • Crumbled bacon
   • Sunflower seeds
2. Pour the dressing over the salad.
3. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill

1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
2. Stir again just before serving for the best flavor.

Tips

• Blanch the broccoli for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water if you prefer a slightly softer texture.
• Add chopped pecans or sliced almonds for extra crunch.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise to lighten the dressing.
• Make it a complete meal by adding diced grilled chicken.

Storage

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle slightly.

This creamy broccoli salad is a perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that everyone will ask you to make again!