Salads > Vegetable Salads (Non-Leafy) > Broccoli & Cauliflower Salads > Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe

Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar

This classic broccoli salad is a crowd-pleaser, combining the freshness of broccoli with the salty crunch of bacon and the sharpness of cheddar cheese, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. It's perfect as a side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or a simple weeknight meal. The addition of red onion and sunflower seeds adds extra flavor and texture.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings
6
Ingredients
  • 4 cups Broccoli florets
  • 6 strips Cooked bacon
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup Red onion
  • 1/4 cup Sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon Black pepper

Prepare the Broccoli

Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly. You can blanch them for 2-3 minutes in boiling water, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This helps retain their vibrant green color and crispness. Alternatively, you can use the broccoli raw for a crunchier texture.

Cook the Bacon

Cook the bacon until crispy. You can fry it in a pan, bake it in the oven, or microwave it. Once cooked, let it cool slightly and then crumble it into small pieces.

Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your liking.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese cubes, chopped red onion, and sunflower seeds. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is important for the salad to taste its best. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: 250kcal
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 8g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This salad is relatively high in fat due to the mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese and bacon. To reduce the fat content, you can use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Adding more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots can increase the nutritional value and fiber content.

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FAQ

  • Can I make this salad ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare this salad a day ahead of time. However, the bacon might lose some of its crispness. Consider adding the bacon just before serving for the best texture.
  • Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another type of cheese?

    Yes, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even crumbled feta cheese for a different flavor profile.
  • Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

    Absolutely! Bell peppers, carrots, celery, or even raisins can be added for extra texture and flavor.
  • Is there a substitute for the sugar?

    Yes, you can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.