Broccoli bacon salad - Who knew such a simple salad could deliver such a flavor punch?
Broccoli with smoky, meaty bacon along with the crunch of almonds and the light sweetness of bell peppers paired with homemade ranch dressing ... equals the perfect broccoli bacon salad!
This is a great way to get kids to eat broccoli. My boys love this salad. The bacon and almonds and homemade ranch dressing make it taste like you're eating unhealthy foods. But ... you're not!
Great served with everyday meals (and leftovers are great for lunch the next day). Also great for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
Perfect for potlucks or covered dish gatherings.
What You'll Need
For the Salad:
4 cups broccoli, chopped
5 slices cooked bacon (about ½ cup), crumbled
½ cup almond slivers
¼ cup red bell pepper (about 1 mini pepper), chopped
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Dressing:
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
¼ cup milk or buttermilk
⅛ teaspoon each salt and ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon dry parsley
¼ teaspoon dry chives
½ teaspoon dry dill weed
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (from half a lemon)
How to Make
Mix all dressing ingredients in a small bowl with a whisk until smooth.
Add all salad ingredients in a medium-to-large bowl and toss.
Pour dressing over salad ingredients and mix until dressing coats all salad ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
It is recommended to refrigerate the dressing and/or salad mixture for at least 2 hours before serving in order for the flavors to "meld" - making for a more delicious salad. You can also make and refrigerate the night before serving.
Tips
I recommend you make this ahead of time so the flavors can meld together and provide the best flavor possible.
The broccoli will absorb some of the dressing, softening it a bit, and you will be rewarded with a salad you will be proud to serve at your next get-together or potluck event.
Serve With
Perfect paired with grilled burgers, salmon patties, meatloaf - just about anything you can think of.
I served the broccoli salad with my yummy Salmon Patties, and the flavors were perfect together.
Try this salad with my Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf or my Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
Other Salads to Love
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad with Lemon Dressing
Shaved Brussel Sprouts Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Simple Potato Salad with Bacon
Carrot Raisin Salad (quick & delicious)
📋 Recipe
Broccoli Bacon Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped
- 5 slices cooked bacon (about ½ cup), crumbled
- ½ cup almond slivers
- ¼ cup red bell pepper (about 1 mini pepper), chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- ¼ cup milk or buttermilk
- ⅛ teaspoon each salt and ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dry parsley
- ¼ teaspoon dry chives
- ½ teaspoon dry dill weed
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (from half a lemon)
Instructions
- Mix all dressing ingredients in a small bowl with a whisk until smooth.
- Add all salad ingredients in a medium-to-large bowl and toss.
- Pour dressing over salad ingredients and mix until dressing coats all salad ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- It is recommended to refrigerate the dressing and/or salad mixture for at least 2 hours before serving in order for the flavors to "meld" - making for a more delicious salad. You can also make and refrigerate the night before serving.
Nutrition
Don't Forget to Pin for Later!
SeekingSerenity andharmony says
This looks so good!!
Dawn @ The Kitchen and a Latte says
This is a different way to make broccoli salad then I usually make. Change is good tho 🙂 I usually make a sweet one that has quite a bit of sugar in it. Tasty but sometimes a bit too sweet. This one is much healthier then the one I always made and delicious!
Sarah Penrod says
I just saw this on Pinterest and thought it was the classic sweet broccoli salad. I realized while making it that it doesn't include sugar and guess what? Its fab! also keto!
Great work - Sarah
Sally says
Sarah - Glad you like it! I'm not much for the traditional adding of sugar to Southern dishes, yet I'm Southern through and through! Thanks for stopping by and letting me know how much you like this salad!
Beth says
This salad has the makings of being a huge hit at all BBQ parties! Delish!!!
Veena Azmanov says
Such a delicious and creamy salad with all the amazing combinations to it. Best salad platter for a party.
Anita @ Daily Cooking Quest says
The broccoli salad looks very delicious, and I'm sure the bacon makes this even more so. 🙂
Caitlyn Erhardt says
Love this recipe as a side for BBQs with the fam!
Sara Welch says
What a perfectly creamy salad! The balance of broccoli with bacon was perfect! I will be having this for lunch again tomorrow!