Hey y’all! Looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s healthy, flavorful, and downright irresistible? This Loaded Broccoli Salad is bursting with crunchy veggies, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a creamy, tangy dressing—all tossed together for the perfect bite. Whether it’s your next BBQ, picnic, or simple weeknight dinner, this salad shines at any occasion. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Broccoli Salad
- Super flavorful: Every bite is packed with savory, crunchy, and creamy elements.
- Quick prep: Ready in under 25 minutes with just a few simple steps.
- Perfect for meal prep: Holds up well in the fridge, making it ideal for lunches or make-ahead dinners.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable for various dietary preferences or flavor profiles.
- Crowd-pleaser: Always a hit at potlucks, cookouts, and family gatherings!
Ingredients for Loaded Broccoli Salad
- 5 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads, chopped into bite-size pieces)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (shelled, unsalted preferred)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make Loaded Broccoli Salad: Step-By-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli. Cut into small, bite-size florets, discarding the tough stems. For extra tenderness, quickly blanch florets in boiling water for 1 minute, then plunge into ice water and drain well (optional—but keeps the crunch!).
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While broccoli preps, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy (about 7-9 minutes). Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Broccoli Salad Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and a good grind of black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Add broccoli, red onion, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, cranberries, and crumbled bacon to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill and Serve Loaded Broccoli Salad
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours) to allow flavors to meld. Give it a gentle toss before serving, and enjoy!
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips for Loaded Broccoli Salad
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt adds protein and tang.
- Use pre-cut broccoli florets and pre-shredded cheese to save even more prep time! Learn how to break down broccoli efficiently.
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the bacon and adding crunchy roasted chickpeas or more seeds.
Loaded Broccoli Salad Variations
- Vegan: Swap mayonnaise for vegan mayo and omit bacon.
- Keto-Friendly: Leave out dried fruit and substitute with extra seeds or nuts for crunch.
- Southwest: Mix in black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of chili powder for a Tex-Mex twist.
Required Equipment for Loaded Broccoli Salad
- Large mixing bowl
- Small whisk or fork for dressing
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Skillet for bacon
- Colander (if blanching broccoli)
Storage Instructions for Loaded Broccoli Salad
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors improve as it sits, but the salad will lose some crunch after 2-3 days.
Loaded Broccoli Salad Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Pairs perfectly with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or burgers.
- Serve alongside classic picnic sides such as potato salad or corn on the cob.
- Great as a lunch on its own or in a wrap!
Loaded Broccoli Salad Pro Tips
- Let the salad chill before serving—the flavors deepen and develop for a more delicious bite. Try this chilling method.
- Dice the broccoli small for a better mix of textures and easier eating.
- Don’t overdress the salad; add dressing gradually and stir, saving extra to add just before serving if needed.
Loaded Broccoli Salad FAQ
- Can I make Loaded Broccoli Salad ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prep up to a day in advance, keeping the bacon and seeds separate until serving to preserve crunch.
- Is this salad gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as your bacon and condiments are certified gluten-free!
- Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Fresh is best for texture, but thawed and well-drained frozen florets work in a pinch (expect less crunch).
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Place the fresh broccoli florets into a large mixing bowl.
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2Add the cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and sunflower seeds to the bowl with the broccoli.
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3In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
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4Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
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5Season with salt and black pepper to taste. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
320 caloriescal
Protein:
10 gg
Fat:
27 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
10 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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