Easy Bacon Cheddar Broccoli Salad Recipe: Your Ultimate Potluck & BBQ Side!

This incredibly easy Bacon Cheddar Broccoli Salad recipe comes together in minutes, making it the perfect effortless side dish for any gathering. Whether you’re heading to a potluck, planning a summer picnic, or firing up the BBQ, this classic salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Brimming with crisp, fresh broccoli florets, generous shreds of sharp cheddar cheese, and irresistible bits of smoky, crispy bacon, it’s no wonder this vibrant salad quickly becomes a family favorite!

Broccoli salad with bacon and cheddar cheese in orange and green serving bowl.

Beyond its simple preparation and delightful taste, this delicious broccoli salad holds a special, affectionate name in certain parts of the Midwest: “Piggly Wiggly Salad!” This charming nickname highlights its widespread popularity and the comforting, homemade feel it brings to any table. It’s a testament to how beloved this combination of fresh vegetables, savory bacon, and creamy dressing truly is.

For those who love exploring different broccoli salad variations, don’t miss my Broccoli Crunch Salad. It offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, incorporating crunchy bacon, sweet carrots, tangy dried cranberries, and nutty sunflower seeds for an equally satisfying dish.

Top-down photo of broccoli salad with crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.

If you’re constantly on the lookout for more stress-free potluck dishes that are both easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful, you’re in the right place! Be sure to try my tri color pasta salad, a vibrant and satisfying option, alongside the classic comfort of old-fashioned potato salad. And for a burst of fresh summer goodness, our heirloom tomato salad is simply unbeatable. Each of these recipes offers a unique, flavor-packed experience, making them fantastic choices, especially during the warmer months.

Why This Bacon Cheddar Broccoli Salad is a Must-Try!

This bacon cheddar broccoli salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a culinary staple that earns its place at every gathering. Its undeniable appeal comes from several key factors:

Effortless Preparation: With minimal chopping and mixing, you can whip up this salad in about 10 minutes. It’s perfect for busy schedules when you need a delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: The irresistible combination of crunchy broccoli, savory bacon, and creamy cheddar cheese appeals to almost everyone, making it a guaranteed hit at any party, picnic, or family dinner.
Perfect Make-Ahead Option: This salad actually tastes better after chilling, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Prepare it an hour or even a day in advance, freeing up your time on the day of your event.
Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This salad offers a delicious way to incorporate more wholesome vegetables into your diet.
Incredibly Versatile: While it shines on its own, this salad is also highly customizable. Easily add extra vegetables, nuts, or dried fruits to tailor it to your preferences and dietary needs.
Refreshing & Satisfying: Served cold, it’s wonderfully refreshing on a hot day, yet hearty enough to be truly satisfying alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch.

Ingredients for the Perfect Broccoli Salad

This section provides detailed ingredient notes and helpful substitution options to ensure your salad turns out perfectly every time. You can find all precise measurements, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post.

Ingredients for broccoli salad: head of fresh broccoli, vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, shredded cheese, and bacon.

Broccoli— For the best results, use fresh broccoli. Remember to thoroughly wash, drain, and dry your broccoli before carefully cutting it into small, bite-sized florets. Uniform florets ensure even coating and a pleasant eating experience. As a convenient shortcut, you can certainly use pre-cut broccoli florets available in most grocery stores, just make sure they are fresh and firm.
Cooked Bacon— The star of the show! Choose your favorite brand of bacon, but we highly recommend using thick-cut bacon for heartier crumbles that won’t get lost in the salad. Cook it until it’s perfectly crispy, then drain excess fat and chop it into small, delightful pieces before adding to the salad.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese— Sharp or medium cheddar works wonderfully here, adding that signature creamy, tangy cheesy goodness. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, shredding your own from a block often melts better and has a superior flavor and texture.
Mayonnaise— This forms the rich and creamy base of our delectable broccoli salad dressing. Full-fat mayonnaise offers the best flavor and texture, but you can opt for light mayonnaise if preferred. For an extra tang or a lighter option, some people enjoy substituting a portion of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
Vinegar— A crucial component! A touch of white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruitier note) provides a bright acidity that perfectly balances the richness of the mayonnaise and cheese. It adds a zesty kick that elevates the entire dressing.
Granulated Sugar— Just the right amount of sweetness is added by granulated sugar. It expertly counteracts the “bite” of the vinegar, creating a perfectly balanced and palatable dressing that isn’t too tart or too sweet. Adjust to your personal preference.
Salt and Black Pepper— These are your essential seasonings. Add them to taste, making sure to season generously to enhance all the other flavors in the salad. Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended for the best aroma and taste.

How to Make Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese: Step-by-Step

This section walks you through the straightforward process of making this delicious salad with easy-to-follow step-by-step photos and clear instructions. For the complete printable recipe, including exact measurements and nutritional information, please refer to the dedicated recipe card found below.

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk all these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and smooth. The dressing should be creamy and uniform.

Creamy dressing in large glass bowl with a rubber spatula.

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients. Once your dressing is ready, add the prepared broccoli florets, crispy crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese to the same large bowl. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss all the ingredients, ensuring that every piece of broccoli, bacon, and cheese is thoroughly coated in the creamy dressing. This step is crucial for distributing flavor evenly.

In process photos of broccoli salad being made, before and after mixing ingredients into the homemade dressing.

Step 3: Chill to Perfection. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate the broccoli salad for at least one hour before serving. This chilling time is vital as it allows the flavors to fully meld together and the broccoli to slightly soften while still retaining its delightful crunch. For optimal flavor, letting it chill for a few hours is even better!

This easy broccoli side dish is incredibly versatile and makes a perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of main courses. It’s fantastic served alongside smoky BBQ brisket, comforting chili dogs, or juicy hamburgers fresh off the grill. Its refreshing crunch and creamy texture also pair wonderfully with fried chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or even as a light lunch on its own.

Storage Tips for Lasting Freshness

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious bacon cheddar broccoli salad for as long as possible. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Beyond this timeframe, the salad tends to get too soggy as the broccoli continues to soften and the dressing can thin out. Before serving any leftovers, always give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing and ensure every bite is flavorful.

I do not recommend trying to freeze leftover broccoli salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing will likely separate upon thawing, and the broccoli will lose its crisp texture, becoming mushy and disappointing. For recipes containing mayonnaise, freezing is generally not advised.

Close up side view of broccoli bacon cheddar salad in serving bowl.

Expert Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad

Don’t forget to chill. This bacon cheese broccoli salad absolutely thrives with proper chilling time. It needs to rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving, allowing the broccoli to soak up that creamy mayo dressing and for all the flavors to meld beautifully. Optimally, aiming for a few hours will yield the best, most cohesive taste experience.
Stir before serving. After this bacon cheese broccoli salad has had a chance to chill and sit, it’s essential to give it a good stir. This ensures that the dressing is evenly distributed, and each scoop you serve contains a delightful mix of all the ingredients – from the crisp broccoli to the savory bacon and cheesy goodness.
Customize as necessary. This recipe provides a fantastic, robust base, but it’s incredibly flexible! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different add-ins to change things up and perfectly suit your unique taste buds and any dietary needs. See our “Additions and Variations” section for inspiring ideas.
Go for thick-cut bacon. While any bacon will work, using thick bacon slices is a game-changer. It helps ensure you get substantial bacon crumbles or pieces that stand up nicely to the creamy mayo dressing. These thicker pieces won’t get lost among the other ingredients, providing a satisfying texture and burst of flavor in every bite.
Don’t overcook your broccoli. Unlike cooked broccoli, this salad relies on fresh, crisp florets. Avoid blanching or steaming the broccoli unless you prefer a slightly softer texture. The raw crunch is part of its charm!
Adjust sweetness and tang. The beauty of a homemade dressing is control. Taste your dressing before adding the broccoli. If you prefer it sweeter, add a pinch more sugar. If you like it tangier, a little extra vinegar will do the trick.

Exciting Additions and Variations to Try

While delicious on its own, this Bacon Cheddar Broccoli Salad is a fantastic canvas for creativity. Feel free to mix and match these additions to make it your own!

Boost with Extra Veggies: Enhance the freshness and nutrient profile by incorporating other complementary vegetables. Consider adding finely diced red onions for a sharp bite, tender cauliflower florets, halved cherry tomatoes for a juicy burst, or colorful bell peppers for sweetness and crunch. These additions blend seamlessly with the existing flavors and add visual appeal.
Add Crunchy & Sweet Mix-ins: Introduce layers of texture and subtle sweetness with various mix-ins. Raisins or dried cranberries bring a delightful chewiness and fruity flavor that beautifully contrasts the savory elements. For nutty crunch, try sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or protein-rich sunflower seeds.
Explore Different Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, don’t limit yourself! Crumbled feta cheese can add a briny, salty kick, while a sharp provolone or a Monterey Jack could offer a different creamy texture.
Dressings with a Twist: For a slight variation on the dressing, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for extra depth, or a drizzle of honey for more natural sweetness. You could also swap out some of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.
Herbs for Freshness: Fresh chopped parsley or dill can brighten the flavor profile considerably, adding an aromatic touch.
Note: When you decide to add extra ingredients, especially in larger quantities, it’s a good idea to slightly increase the amount of dressing you make. This ensures that all the new components are efficiently coated and well-covered, maintaining the perfect balance of flavors and textures throughout the salad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad? While fresh broccoli is highly recommended for its crisp texture, you can use frozen broccoli in a pinch. However, you’ll need to thaw it completely and pat it very dry to remove excess moisture, which can make the salad watery. The texture will be softer than with fresh broccoli.
How far in advance can I make this salad? This salad is excellent for making ahead! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, the flavors often meld and deepen beautifully after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving.
Is this broccoli salad healthy? Broccoli is a superfood packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. While the dressing contains mayonnaise and sugar, you can lighten it by using light mayonnaise or by reducing the sugar slightly. Adding more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots can further boost its nutritional value.
Can I make this salad vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon. The salad will still be incredibly flavorful with the cheddar and creamy dressing. You can add roasted chickpeas or toasted nuts for extra protein and crunch.

More Summer Sides and Salads You’ll Love

Pesto Pasta Salad
Boston Baked Beans
Red Skinned Potato Salad
Creamed Corn
Greek Pasta Salad
Ham and Pea Salad
Kale Blueberry Salad with Avocado and Chilis
Caprese Pasta Salad

Recipe

Recipe

4.80 from 5 votes

Bacon Cheddar Broccoli Salad

Author: Jaclyn

Prep:
10 minutes

Total:
10 minutes

This cold broccoli salad loaded with bacon and cheddar cheese makes the perfect summer side dish or potluck recipe. Plus, it is super simple to make with just a few minutes of prep and great for making ahead.

Servings:
4 servings

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Ingredients

▢ ½ cup mayonnaise
▢ 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
▢ 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar optional
▢ salt and pepper to taste
▢ 1 head broccoli cut into florets (approximately 2-3 cups)
▢ 3 strips cooked bacon chopped
▢ ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until combined.
Add the broccoli, bacon, and shredded cheese. Toss to coat in the dressing.
Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour (or until ready to serve).

Notes

Tasty mix-ins to try: red onion, cauliflower, raisins, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, sliced almonds.

This recipe can be doubled for a larger crowd.

Store in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

Nutrition

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