10 Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipes

I remember the first time I tasted a broccoli salad at my grandmother’s summer picnics—it was a revelation. Crunchy broccoli florets tossed with crispy bacon, sweet raisins, and a creamy dressing that brought everyone back for seconds. Those gatherings were pure magic, filled with laughter and the smoky aroma of bacon sizzling on the grill. Broccoli salads like that have always been my go-to for potlucks, evoking those nostalgic flavors while being surprisingly nutritious.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my kitchen to elevate this classic. With a focus on healthier twists—like swapping mayo for yogurt or adding superfoods—I’ve whipped up batches that balance indulgence with wellness. In today’s world of busy schedules and health-conscious eating, bacon broccoli salads are perfect: they’re no-cook, make-ahead friendly, and pack fiber, protein, and antioxidants into every bite.

Classic Creamy Bacon Broccoli Salad

This timeless version captures the essence of picnic perfection with its sweet-and-savory profile. Ingredients (serves 6): 6 cups broccoli florets, 8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup red onion (diced), 1/2 cup raisins, salt and pepper to taste.

Chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces and blanch for 1 minute in boiling water, then plunge into ice water. Mix mayo, sugar, and vinegar for the dressing. Toss broccoli, bacon, onion, and raisins with dressing; chill for 1 hour. It’s ready to serve! This salad aids digestion with broccoli’s fiber and provides a satisfying crunch that curbs cravings.

Cranberry Pecan Bacon Broccoli Salad

A festive upgrade with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans for texture contrast. Ingredients (serves 6): 6 cups broccoli florets, 8 slices bacon (crumbled), 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup mayo, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup diced red onion.

Blanch broccoli briefly, then pat dry. Whisk yogurt, mayo, honey, and lemon juice. Combine all ingredients, toss gently, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. The antioxidants from cranberries and heart-healthy fats from pecans make this a nutrient powerhouse that supports immune health.

Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Salad

Loaded with sharp cheddar for a melty, comforting twist that’s irresistible. Ingredients (serves 6): 6 cups broccoli florets, 8 slices bacon (crumbled), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, salt and pepper.

Prep broccoli by chopping finely. Stir together mayo, sour cream, and vinegar. Mix in broccoli, bacon, cheese, and seeds; let flavors meld in the fridge for 1 hour. Calcium from cheese and vitamin C from broccoli boost bone health and immunity.

Sunflower Seed Bacon Broccoli Salad

Nutty sunflower seeds add a satisfying pop, perfect for seed lovers. Ingredients (serves 6): 6 cups broccoli florets, 8 slices bacon (crumbled), 3/4 cup sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup chopped celery, 1/4 cup red onion.

Blanch and chop broccoli. Blend dressing ingredients until smooth. Toss everything together and chill. Vitamin E from seeds promotes skin health, paired with broccoli’s detoxifying sulforaphane.

Tangy Vinegar Bacon Broccoli Salad

A lighter, zesty option with no mayo for a refreshing crunch. Ingredients (serves 6): 6 cups broccoli florets, 8 slices bacon (crumbled), 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 cup sliced almonds, 1/4 cup diced shallots.

Whisk oil, vinegar, mustard, and honey for dressing. Combine raw chopped broccoli, bacon, almonds, and shallots; drizzle and toss. Marinate 20 minutes. Low-calorie and probiotic-friendly from vinegar, it aids gut health.

Avocado Bacon Broccoli Salad

Creamy avocado brings healthy fats and a guacamole vibe to the mix. Ingredients (serves 6): 6 cups broccoli florets, 8 slices bacon (crumbled), 2 ripe avocados (diced), 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped), 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), salt.

Blanch broccoli lightly. Mash one avocado into yogurt and lime for dressing; stir in the rest diced. Toss with other ingredients and chill. Monounsaturated fats from avocado support heart health alongside broccoli’s fiber.

Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Broccoli Salad

Kick it up with heat from jalapeños for bold flavor adventurers. Ingredients (serves 6): 6 cups broccoli florets, 8 slices bacon (crumbled), 2 jalapeños (seeded and diced), 1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1/4 cup green onions, 1/2 cup cashews.

Chop and blanch broccoli. Mix creamy dressing with vinegar. Combine all, adjusting spice; refrigerate. Capsaicin boosts metabolism, and broccoli adds anti-inflammatory benefits.

Apple Bacon Broccoli Salad

Sweet, crisp apples make this a fruity delight for fall gatherings. Ingredients (serves 6): 6 cups broccoli florets, 8 slices bacon (crumbled), 2 apples (diced), 1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup dried cherries, cinnamon pinch.

Toss apples in lemon to prevent browning. Blend mayo and yogurt dressing. Mix with blanched broccoli, bacon, and cherries; chill. Apples’ pectin aids digestion, complementing bacon’s protein.

Greek Yogurt Bacon Broccoli Salad

A probiotic-packed, lighter take using yogurt for creaminess. Ingredients (serves 6): 6 cups broccoli florets, 8 slices bacon (crumbled), 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 cup cucumber (diced), 1/4 cup feta cheese, dill.

Whisk yogurt, vinegar, honey, and dill. Toss with chopped raw broccoli, bacon, cucumber, and feta. Great for meal prep. Probiotics enhance gut microbiome, with low-cal protein.

BBQ Bacon Broccoli Salad

Smoky BBQ sauce infuses bold, grill-inspired flavors. Ingredients (serves 6): 6 cups broccoli florets, 8 slices bacon (crumbled), 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup mayo, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup corn kernels, 1/4 cup red bell pepper (diced), green onions.

Mix BBQ sauce, mayo, and vinegar. Combine blanched broccoli, bacon, corn, and pepper; dress and chill. Antioxidants from veggies pair with satisfying umami for energy.

These 10 bacon broccoli salad recipes are versatile crowd-pleasers that come together in minutes—perfect for weeknight sides, barbecues, or healthy snacking. Grab some fresh broccoli and bacon, pick your favorite variation (or try them all!), and discover why this combo never gets old. Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you!