Name: Broccoli Bacon Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled); 1 large head of broccoli (cut into bite sized pieces); 1/2 cup red onion (diced); 1/2 cup raisins; 8 oz sharp cheddar (diced into small chunks); 3/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 tbsp vinegar

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This easy classic broccoli bacon salad includes red onion, cheddar cheese, and raisins, then tossed in a creamy sweet dressing.

It is a perfect crowd pleaser for potlucks and backyard barbecues.

broccoli bacon salad in a red bowl on white linen with wooden spoon next to it

Broccoli salad was a popular side dish to many church potlucks and backyard barbecues that I grew up attending.

While I hated eating cooked broccoli as a child (thank goodness I out grew this), I loved this salad!

The combination of sweet and salty has always been pleasing for my palate.

This salad continues to be a favorite of mine still today.

Watch this video to make broccoli salad

How to make broccoli bacon salad

Follow these easy steps to make a delicious broccoli bacon salad.

In a large bowl, mix bite sized broccoli, crumbled bacon, red onion, cheddar cheese, and raisins. (photo 1)
In a seperate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar. (photo2)
Pour dressing mixture over broccoli salad. Mix well. (photo 2)

Cheese shape

Tip: Dice cheddar cheese into small chunks or cubes as seen in image above. Shredded cheese will get mushy in the dressing. Diced cheese will hold it's shape and flavor.

How long does it last in the refrigerator?

This broccoli salad is good for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

broccoli salad in red bowl with wooden spoon

Variations

There are several variations to this classic broccoli bacon salad! Follow this recipe exactly for a classic version or make it your own with one of these options:

Omit cheddar cheese
Omit cheddar cheese and add mandarin oranges
Add sunflower seeds, roasted pecans, or cashews
Substitute dried cranberries, dried cherries, dried blueberries, or dried pineapples in place of raisins
Substitute apple cider vinegar or tarragon vinegar in place of white vinegar
Add cherry tomatoes
Use half broccoli and half cauliflower
For a Keto version, omit the raisins, and substitute sugar with a low carb sweetener

Looking for more classic side dishes for potlucks or barbecues? Try:

Please leave me a comment below if you make this broccoli bacon salad and tell me what you thought about it. I would love to hear back, and so would my readers.

Also post your picture of your broccoli salad on Instagram or Facebook, and tag @aforkstale with #aforkstale hashtags! I will share with my followers! xoxo!

Broccoli Bacon Salad

This easy classic broccoli bacon salad includes red onion, cheddar cheese, and raisins, then tossed in a creamy sweet dressing. It is a perfect crowd pleaser for potlucks and backyard barbecues.

5 from 5 votes

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Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings:

Calories: 344kcal

Author: Katie Crenshaw

Ingredients

▢ 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
▢ 1 large head of broccoli cut into bite sized pieces
▢ ½ cup red onion diced
▢ ½ cup raisins
▢ 8 oz sharp cheddar diced into small chunks
▢ ¾ cup mayonnaise
▢ ¼ cup sugar
▢ 2 tablespoon vinegar

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, mix 8 slices of crumbled bacon, 1 head of chopped broccoli, ½ cup diced red onion, ½ cup diced sharp cheddar.
In a small mixing bowl, mix ¾ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sugar, and 2 tablespoon vinegar.
Mix dressing with broccoli salad and serve.

Video

Notes

Note: Dice cheddar cheese into small chunks as seen in image above. Shredded cheese will get mushy in the dressing. Diced cheese will hold it's shape and flavor.

Note: For a low carb version, omit the raisins, and substitute sugar with a low carb sweetener.