Loaded Broccoli Salad

This creamy broccoli salad combines crisp florets, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and sweet-tart cranberries in a tangy mayo-based dressing for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing side dish.

This vibrant broccoli salad is a delicious balance of textures and flavors, featuring crisp broccoli florets, smoky crumbled bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and crunchy sunflower seeds or almonds. Green onions add a fresh bite, while optional dried cranberries or raisins provide a hint of sweetness. Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and a touch of sugar or honey, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. It’s perfect as a side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight meals, and can be made ahead for even better flavor.

Servings

4

Prep Time

20 minutes

Chill Time

40 minutes

Total Time

1 hour

Salad Base
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized pieces)
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional for a sweet contrast)

Creamy Dressing
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangier option)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
1 tbsp sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
Salt & pepper to taste

Preparation

  • Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. For a softer texture, briefly blanch and cool them; otherwise leave raw for crunch.
  • Cook the bacon until crispy, then drain and crumble.
  • Shred the cheddar cheese and thinly slice the green onions.
  • Measure the sunflower seeds or almonds and dried cranberries or raisins if using.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or yogurt, vinegar, sugar or honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Cooking

  • If blanching the broccoli, bring water to a boil, cook the florets briefly, then transfer to ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and dry well.
  • No additional cooking is needed once the bacon is prepared.

Serving

  • In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon, cheddar, green onions, seeds or nuts, and optional dried fruit.
  • Pour the dressing over the top and toss until evenly coated.
  • Refrigerate to chill and allow flavors to meld.
  • Stir again before serving and enjoy cold or slightly chilled.