This post was sponsored by Farmland Foods as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
Broccoli Bacon Salad is the perfect side for busy family meals. No heat needed for this creamy, crunchy, smoky, and sweet salad. Filled with simple, and healthy, ingredients like fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, craisins, pecans, and cheese make a crowd pleasing dish!
My Broccoli Bacon Salad is a quick and easy side dish that is perfect for lunch or a weeknight dinner.
Farmland Foods Applewood Smoked Bacon makes this salad absolutely delectable along with fresh broccoli, sunflower seeds, craisins, cheddar cheese, and toasted chopped pecans. Tossed is a creamy sweet and salty poppy seed dressing makes a perfect side dish for busy days.
Broccoli Bacon Salad is delicious along side grilled fare like chicken, pork, beef, or fish. The salad can easily be made in advance, and is delicious for lunches and leftovers.
I have two boys, 8 and 5, and they love this salad- especially the bacon- same goes for my husband! I am always trying to create delicious side dishes that they love. My Broccoli Bacon salad certainly fits the bill because both my boys get excited to gobble this dish up.
I love Farmland bacon- it is our go-to brand when purchasing bacon at Walmart. The applewood smoked is my favorite, but the hickory smoked is also fantastic! The slices are cut well, and the flavor is delicious! It is the best bacon for my Broccoli Bacon Salad.
I am a working mom and in between recipe development and teaching my students my life can get really busy. I don't like debating about the consistency of a product, and that is why I choose Farmland products. Farmland is is my favorite brand because it consistently provides great-tasting, quality protein at a reasonable price that is perfect for every meal.
I also value the company values behind Farmland products. Regional and local food is important to me, and I can have those needs met with Farmland bacon. I know the company was founded on values of hard work, wholesome food, and community. To me, I like that I can identify with the values of a company that I am putting my dollar behind.
Ingredients
- Fresh Broccoli - Use fresh broccoli for this recipe- frozen will not produce the same result
- Red Onion - Yellow or white onion can be used in place of red onion
- Cheddar Cheese - I like to use a sharp cheddar for Broccoli Bacon Salad
- Craisins - Raisins are a great substitute if you can't find craisins
- Farmland Applewood Smoked Bacon - Farmland also makes hickory smoked and it is a delicious alternative
- Sunflower Seeds - I buy these shucked and salted, but unsalted works as well. Pepitas are a great alternative to sunflower seeds as well.
- Toasted Pecans - Chopped toasted pecans can typically be found why the baking supplies
- Mayonnaise - I recommend full-fat or reduced-fat, but not fat free
- Sour Cream - Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream
- Sugar - Honey or agave are delicious alternatives to granulated white sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Poppy Seeds - I love the look and flavor these add to the dressing, but they are optional
- Apple Cider Vinegar - white vinegar or white wine vinegar work well for the dressing too.
Cutting Broccoli Florets
Hold the broccoli with the stem facing up on a cutting board and use your knife to remove the florets from the crown. For Broccoli Bacon Salad, cut some of the florets in half to make smaller bite sized pieces. If the pieces are too large it is difficult to eat, and the dressing does not soak into the broccoli as well.
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a frying pan till crisp. Place on a paper towel lined plate to cool.
- Chop the broccoli into florets. Hold the broccoli with the stem facing up on a cutting board and use your knife to remove the florets from the crown. For Broccoli Bacon Salad, cut some of the florets in half to make smaller bite sized pieces. Place broccoli into a large bowl. Make sure the bowl is large enough to stir all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Dice the red onion and add it to the bowl with the broccoli. Add the cheese, craisins, sunflower seeds, and pecans.
- Chop the bacon and add it to the large bowl with broccoli.
- For the dressing, mix the mayo, sour cream, salt, pepper, sugar, poppy seeds, and vinegar in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix.
- Cover and chill for 1-2 hours before serving.
Tips on Cooking Crispy Bacon
- Cooking bacon on the stove: keep your heat medium-low. The bacon fat needs to render and this takes time. Turn the bacon occasionally, and it will slowly get golden brown and crispy.
- Baking bacon in the oven: A oven safe wrack works well for drippings, but not necessary. Simply line your rimmed baking sheet (must be rimmed) with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes and flip once half way. For less crisp bacon, reduce the baking time.
- Cooking bacon in the microwave: Place paper towel on a microwave safe plate and place a single layer of bacon on the plate. Place another paper towel on top. I typically find a minute for each piece on the plate is a good estimate, but this can vary depending on thickness.
Making the Salad in Advance
To make the Broccoli Bacon Salad ahead of time follow the recipe directions until adding the bacon and the dressing. The dressing and bacon can be prepped and stored separately. Add the bacon and dressing to the salad 1-2 hours before serving.
Store covered in the fridge. The salad keeps 3-4 days.
If you’ve tried my Broccoli Bacon Salad or any other recipe on Cheese Curd In Paradise please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you! You can FOLLOW ME on:
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Broccoli Bacon Salad
Ingredients
- 2 large heads of broccoli (about 7 cups chopped)
- ½ red onion
- ⅓ cup craisins
- ¼ sunflower seeds
- ¼ toasted chopped pecans
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ lb bacon
For Dressing
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a frying pan till crisp. Place on a paper towel lined plate to cool.
- Chop the broccoli into florets. Hold the broccoli with the stem facing up on a cutting board and use your knife to remove the florets from the crown. For Broccoli Bacon Salad, cut some of the florets in half to make smaller bite sized pieces. Place broccoli into a large bowl. Make sure the bowl is large enough to stir all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Dice the red onion and add it to the bowl with the broccoli. Add the cheese, craisins, sunflower seeds, and pecans.
- Chop the bacon and add it to the large bowl with broccoli.
- For the dressing, mix the mayo, sour cream, salt, pepper, sugar, poppy seeds, and vinegar in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix.
- Cover and chill for 1-2 hours before serving.
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