Crispy Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds
This crispy bacon broccoli salad is the perfect side dish for any holiday or cookout. With its crispy bacon, fresh broccoli, sweet cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and always a hit. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Strawberry Basil Chicken and Easy No Bake Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Dip.
Why This Crispy Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy bacon adds a savory crunch
- Fresh broccoli keeps it light and healthy
- Sweet and tangy dressing complements the flavors
- Easy to make and perfect for meal prepping
What You'll Need for Crispy Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 6 cups broccoli florets
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: Chopped green onions
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Broccoli: Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture.
- Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy for the best results.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Chops broccoli quickly and evenly. → See on Amazon
- Baking sheet — Cooks bacon evenly and prevents mess. → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds
- Cook bacon: Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels.
- Chop broccoli: Chop broccoli into small florets. You should have about 6 cups.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cooked bacon, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Pour dressing over top and toss to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds
- Pro tip: For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the bacon. It can become tough and chewy.
- Pro tip: Add shredded carrots or red onion for extra color and crunch.
- Pro tip: Make ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Can be made up to 2 hours ahead of time.
Freezing Crispy Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not necessary. Microwave: Not necessary.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use a mandoline slicer to quickly and evenly slice the broccoli.
- Best substitution: Substitute cauliflower for broccoli for a lower-carb version.
- Make-ahead: Make ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad becomes soggy, drain excess liquid and add more crunchy toppings.
Want to level up this recipe?
Salad spinner — Dries broccoli quickly and evenly for better texture. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups broccoli florets
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
Seasonings
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook bacon: Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels.
- Chop broccoli: Chop broccoli into small florets. You should have about 6 cups.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cooked bacon, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Pour dressing over top and toss to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a mandoline slicer to quickly and evenly slice the broccoli.
- Best substitution: Substitute cauliflower for broccoli for a lower-carb version.
- Make-ahead: Make ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad becomes soggy, drain excess liquid and add more crunchy toppings.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not necessary.
- Microwave reheat: Not necessary.
- Make ahead: Can be made up to 2 hours ahead of time.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sat. Fat: 4g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds FAQs
Yes, you can make this salad up to 2 hours ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
If the salad becomes soggy, drain excess liquid and add more crunchy toppings like sunflower seeds or chopped nuts.
No, this salad does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise-based dressing.
Cook bacon in the air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until crispy. Proceed with the recipe as written.
Substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
