Go Back
–+ servings
Best Broccoli Salad

Best Broccoli Salad with Crispy Bacon and Sweet Cranberries

This Best Broccoli Salad features crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and crunchy almonds, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 32 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar Adjust to taste or replace with honey
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar White vinegar or lemon juice can be swapped
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper Use freshly ground for best results
For the Salad
  • 4 cups Fresh Broccoli Florets Blanch for tenderness if desired
  • 6 slices Crispy Cooked Bacon Substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter version
  • 1/2 unit Red Onion Use green onions for milder flavor
  • 3/4 cup Sweetened Dried Cranberries Can substitute with raisins or dried cherries
  • 1/2 cup Sliced Almonds Swap with sunflower seeds or walnuts for variety

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula

Method
 

Prepare the Dressing
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, and fresh ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  2. Set it aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the salad ingredients.
Chop Vegetables
  1. Finely chop the broccoli florets and red onion for easy eating and visual appeal.
Cook Bacon
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Bake for 15-17 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden. Let cool and chop into small pieces.
Combine Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, bacon pieces, red onion, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
Dress the Salad
  1. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Chill
  1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 5gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best flavor, adjust sweetness and ensure bacon is crispy. Refrigerate before serving.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!