Name: 2-Step Broccoli Bacon Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 1/3 cups mayonnaise; 2 tbsp white wine vinegar; 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh if you got it); 1/3 cup sugar; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/4 tsp dry mustard; 1/2 large red onion, finely chopped; 1 lb bacon, cooked & crumbled; 3 crowns broccoli florets, cut into small pieces; 2 cups triple cheddar cheese blend, shredded; 1 pkg. dried cranberries, (1 1/2-2 cups); 1/2-3/4 cup chopped walnuts

31, Jul 2024

2-Step Broccoli & Bacon Salad is Easy and Delicious!

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Hey guys! Today I am bringing you on of the absolutely easiest side dishes I have ever made. I call it 2-Step Broccoli & Bacon Salad. Not very inventive I know but that’s because that’s literally all there is to it. Mix the dressing ingredients together and then the rest. Boom done. Takes about 15 minutes to put together unless you have to make the bacon. However, even then, the bacon can be cooked in the oven will you are assembling the rest. It might take an extra 5-10 minutes.

2-Step Broccoli & Bacon Salad is full of crunchy broccoli, savory bacon, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts and a triple cheddar cheese blend in a tangy mayo based dressing. This recipe is so perfect for those families on the go, the ones that don’t like cooking or even just the ones looking for and easy side dish on a weeknight as a way to get more veggies in!

Swaps & Specs:

The salad can be assembled ahead of time just hold of in dressing it until the last minute.

If you need to cook bacon, make it in the oven. Temp at 400*. Place bacon in single layer on sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake on middle rack for 10-12 minutes for regular bacon. 13-15 minutes for thicker cut bacon. Check for doneness, then continue until desired doneness.

Swap the walnuts with sunflower seeds or almonds if you want.

The cheese can be fresh grated or pre shredded. I like a triple cheddar blend.

Chopping the broccoli florets into small pieces means there will be less stems in the salad as a whole. Not only is it more aesthetically pleasing but it tastes better!

Dried cranberries are usually found in the canned fruit aisle or by the salad condiments.

Any recipe I make that calls for mayo, will be seasoned and taste tested ONLY for mayo. I don’t like Miracle Whip, so I absolutely never cook with it. This doesn’t mean it can’t be swapped out, just that I make no guarantees about the taste if you do!

Real lemon juice can be used or from concentrate.

This side dish is so quick to put together that you won’t believe the taste! It’s actually perfect for so many different situations like BBQ’s, potlucks, parties, holiday dinners and even dinner parties. Enjoy! If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to me on any of my social media pages! Thanks!