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Extreme macro close-up of Classic Broccoli Salad showing the texture of broccoli buds, glossy dressing, and rendered bacon fat.

Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Creamy Dressing

This Classic Broccoli Salad features vibrant green florets, crispy bacon, and a glossy, creamy dressing. Perfectly balanced with sweet cranberries and crunchy sunflower seeds, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish for any potluck or BBQ.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Recipe
  • 6-8 cups Broccoli florets cut into small bite-sized pieces (approx. 600g)
  • 10 slices Thick-cut bacon cooked until crispy and chopped (approx. 300g)
  • 1/2 cup Red onion thinly sliced into slivers (approx. 50g)
  • 1/2 cup Sunflower seeds roasted and salted (65g)
  • 1/2 cup Dried cranberries or raisins (80g)
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise high-quality (240ml)
  • 3 tbsp Apple cider vinegar 45ml
  • 3 tbsp Granulated sugar 38g
  • 1/4 tsp Sea salt plus more to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl Preferably white ceramic for presentation.
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Skillet For rendering bacon fat.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat. Render the fat until bacon is crispy and glistening with an oily sheen. Drain on paper towels and chop.
  2. Wash broccoli in cold water and pat extremely dry. Cut into very small, bite-sized florets, focusing on the textured buds.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt until smooth and emulsified.
  4. In a large white ceramic bowl, toss broccoli, red onion, cranberries, and sunflower seeds with the dressing until every piece is glossy and coated.
  5. Fold in the crispy bacon bits. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Use a salad spinner to ensure broccoli is 100% dry for the best dressing adhesion.
Add bacon and seeds right before serving for maximum crunch.