Last year, two recipes that truly stole the show were my Chicken Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing and the incredibly popular Watermelon, Feta and Couscous Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of trying them, I wholeheartedly encourage you to explore those recipes. They’re guaranteed to add a burst of freshness to your summer spread.

But today, we’re shining a spotlight on a truly spectacular dish that’s set to become your go-to side for every summer occasion: the Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon. This isn’t just any broccoli salad; it’s a vibrant symphony of textures and tastes, ingeniously crafted to be entirely mayo-less. This crucial detail makes it an absolute winner for those balmy summer days when you want to avoid heavy dressings that might not hold up well in the heat. Instead, it boasts a light, tangy, and utterly delicious dressing that coats every ingredient to perfection, ensuring a refreshing bite every single time.

Many of us tend to steer clear of mayonnaise-based salads during the hotter months due to concerns about spoilage or simply preferring something lighter. This Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon effortlessly solves that dilemma, making it a stellar addition to any menu. Its ingenious combination of fresh ingredients and a zesty vinaigrette ensures it remains perfectly safe and incredibly palatable, even after an hour or two on the picnic blanket. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly, with guests often asking for the recipe.

The Irresistible Elements of This Broccoli Salad

What exactly makes this salad so compelling? It’s a masterful blend of contrasting elements that come together to create a truly unforgettable flavor profile. Imagine crisp, tender raw broccoli florets, perfectly complemented by crispy, salty bacon bits. Add to that the sweet chewiness of golden raisins, the subtle bite of finely chopped red onion, the earthy crunch of toasted sunflower seeds, and the creamy tang of shredded cheddar cheese, all lovingly coated in a bright, zesty dressing. Each forkful delivers a burst of flavor and a satisfying texture.

You might be surprised to hear that even the pickiest eaters, like my very own “Mr. Picky,” are completely won over by this dish. It took a little gentle persuasion for him to embrace the idea of raw broccoli, but one taste was all it took to convert him. He was genuinely surprised by how much he enjoyed the fresh, crisp texture and the way the dressing brought all the flavors into perfect harmony. This anecdote speaks volumes about the salad’s universal appeal and its ability to turn even vegetable skeptics into fans.

So, get your picnic basket ready for a season filled with fun, sunshine, and truly delicious food. This Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of summer flavors. Enjoy creating and sharing this wonderful recipe!

Expert Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Broccoli Salad

Achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this salad is simpler than you might think. Here are a few invaluable “cook’s notes” to guide you:

• Toasting Sunflower Seeds: While raw sunflower seeds are fine, toasting them truly unlocks their nutty depth and enhances their crunch. It takes just a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Be vigilant, as they can burn quickly! Allow them to cool completely before adding them to the salad to maintain their crispness.
• The Art of Marinating: Don’t skip the marinating step! This is where the magic happens. Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours allows the flavors from the dressing to truly penetrate the broccoli and other ingredients. The raw broccoli will soften ever so slightly, absorbing the tangy-sweet dressing, transforming its texture without losing its characteristic crunch. Remember to give it a good stir every hour or so to ensure even coating and flavor distribution. This crucial step is what makes the broccoli incredibly palatable, even for those who are hesitant about eating it raw.
• Cheese Choices: Shredded cheddar cheese is a fantastic choice, offering a familiar, savory note that pairs wonderfully with the bacon and sweet elements. However, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack provides a milder, creamier texture, while a sharp white cheddar could offer more robust flavor. For a slightly different twist, consider crumbled feta for a salty, briny kick, or even a smoked gouda for an added layer of complexity. Choose whatever cheese you prefer or have on hand!
• Broccoli Preparation: Ensure your broccoli florets are cut into small, bite-sized pieces. This makes them easier to eat and allows them to absorb the dressing more effectively. Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli before chopping to prevent a watery salad.
• Bacon Perfection: Cook your bacon until it’s perfectly crisp. This adds a crucial textural contrast to the salad. After cooking, drain it well on paper towels to remove excess grease, which keeps the salad from being oily.
• Red Onion Finesse: Finely chop your red onion. A fine chop ensures the onion flavor is present but not overpowering. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes, then drain thoroughly, to mellow its intensity.

Variations to Customize Your Broccoli Salad

While the classic version is truly outstanding, this salad is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Add More Crunch: Introduce other nuts like chopped pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds (toasted, of course!). A handful of crispy fried onions can also add a delightful texture.
• Fruit Forward: If you love the sweet element, try adding dried cranberries, chopped apples, or even a few fresh grapes for extra bursts of sweetness and juiciness.
• Veggie Boost: Finely diced bell peppers (red or yellow for color), shredded carrots, or even a handful of fresh corn kernels can add more nutrients and visual appeal.
• Protein Power-Up: For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, turkey, or even hard-boiled eggs. If making it vegetarian, smoked tofu or chickpeas can be excellent replacements for bacon.
• Dressing Alterations: For a slightly different tang, swap out apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar. Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your sweetness preference.

Why This Salad is a Summer Essential

Beyond its incredible taste, this Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon offers numerous advantages that make it an indispensable part of your summer recipe repertoire:

• Travel-Friendly: Without mayonnaise, this salad is far more stable for travel to picnics, potlucks, and beach outings. You won’t have to worry about it spoiling as quickly in the sun.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Its flavors actually improve with time, making it an ideal dish to prepare a day in advance. This frees you up to enjoy your gathering rather than spending time in the kitchen. Just remember to give it that hourly stir during marinating!
• Nutrient-Packed: Raw broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins (especially C and K) and fiber. Combined with healthy fats from olive oil and sunflower seeds, and protein from bacon and cheese, it’s a dish you can feel good about serving.
• Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Despite its sophisticated flavor profile, the ingredients are straightforward and the preparation is simple, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 10 servings

This Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon is perfect for all your summer picnics. It’s mayo-less and a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors!

Prep Time: 20 mins

Marinating Time: 3 hrs

Total Time: 3 hrs 20 mins

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Dressing

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 3 Tbsp. light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• salt and pepper to taste

Broccoli Salad

• 10 strips bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
• 7 cups small broccoli florets
• 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2/3 cup golden raisins
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients until well blended. Set aside.

Broccoli Salad

• In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until just crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside. Clean the skillet and then add the sunflower seeds. Toast the seeds, watching carefully and stirring often, over medium heat until golden, about 4-5 minutes. Let the seeds cool and then place in a large serving bowl.
• Add the bacon, broccoli, red onion, raisins and shredded cheese to the large serving bowl with the toasted sunflower seeds. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Place in the refrigerator, covered, to marinate for at least 3 hours, stirring every hour.

Nutrition

Calories: 313kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 257mg | Potassium: 389mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 518IU | Vitamin C: 58mg | Calcium: 129mg | Iron: 1mg

Keyword: Bacon, Cheese, Salad, Broccoli Salad

Cuisine: American

Course: Salad