Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon: Your Go-To Potluck Side
This easy broccoli salad with bacon is the whole package—creamy, crunchy, cheesy, tangy, sweet, savory, sharp, and downright irresistible.
It’s packed with crisp broccoli, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, and thinly sliced green onion for that bold, zippy edge. Everything gets tossed in a silky, slightly sweet dressing that clings to every bite. It’s vibrant, bold, and totally craveable—the kind of side dish that vanishes fast at any gathering.
I’ve been making this salad summer after summer, and it’s always the first thing people ask for when I show up with a bowl. Backyard BBQs, potlucks, family reunions—it’s a total crowd-pleaser. The kind of dish that ends up on everyone’s plate… and then disappears before you’ve even gone back for seconds.
I honestly don’t know where this recipe came from originally. It’s been passed from friend to friend, texted in group chats, scribbled on napkins—one of those recipes that just travels. And every time I share it with someone new, the response is the same: “I need this recipe.”
Not too long ago I saw my gal pal Yvette—first time in a very long time—and the first thing she brought up was the broccoli salad I brought to our sons’ baseball BBQ, like a million years ago. That’s how you know it’s a keeper.
Make a big bowl (I’ve included party-size measurements), or cut it in half for a smaller crew. But I promise: if you use these measurements, it’ll still be devoured.
Ingredients for this Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon
I know I’m stating the obvious here—broccoli and bacon are front and center. But if you’re pulling together a shopping list, don’t forget those two key players. The rest of the lineup brings the flavor, the crunch, and the creamy goodness that makes this salad such a crowd-pleaser:
- Broccoli – Just raw and chopped. No blanching.
- Bacon – Cook it crisp. A little smoky crunch in every bite.
- Scallions – Or green onions, if that’s what you call ’em. Thinly sliced for a fresh, slightly sharp bite that balances all the creamy goodness.
- Shredded cheddar – I go for the bagged stuff here, but skip the finely shredded kind—it just disappears into the mix. Sharp or extra sharp cheddar gives the best flavor and stands out in every bite.
- Mayonnaise – The creamy base that ties it all together.
- Sugar – A little sweetness to play off the vinegar and tie it all together.
- Distilled white vinegar – For that bright, tangy zip in the dressing.
How to Make This Broccoli Bacon Beauty
Start by cooking up your bacon—nice and crispy. Set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Grab your broccoli and scallions. Give both a good rinse and pat the broccoli dry with a clean towel or paper towel so the dressing can cling nicey, nice.
Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets and slice up those scallions. Chop or crumble up the bacon. Then toss it all—broccoli, scallions, bacon, and shredded cheddar—into a big mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the mayo, sugar, and vinegar until smooth. Pour it right over the broccoli mixture and give it a good toss until everything’s coated and cozy.
Make Ahead Tips
This easy broccoli salad with bacon is super make-ahead friendly. You can cook up the bacon, chop the broccoli and scallions, and mix all together with the cheese. Whisk the dressing in a separate bowl or jar and stash it in the fridge.
When you’re ready to serve, just pour that dressing over the salad, give it a good toss, and boom—done.
Variations to Make It Your Own
Once you’ve got the base down, this salad is all yours to tweak. Here are a few ideas if you’re feeling inspired:
- Leave out the bacon – Totally fine if you want to keep it vegetarian.
- Want more bite? Swap the scallions for thinly sliced red onion for a sharper, more pungent kick.
- Add nuts – Slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, or chopped pecans are great for extra crunch. I only add them when I know no one at the Q (you know, BBQ) has a nut allergy.
- Make it sweeter – Toss in a handful of dried cranberries for a little tangy sweetness.
- Switch up the cheese – Use what you’ve got—shredded Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even feta if you’re feeling fancy.
- Less creamy? Don’t pour in all the dressing. Start slow and add just enough to lightly coat everything.
This is one of those recipes that forgives a lot and still tastes amazing.
What to Serve with Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon
This salad brings the creamy, crunchy goodness—so let’s round out your menu with some of my grilled favorites and a signature sip. Here’s how I love to build a full-on summer spread…
- Grilled Herb Chicken – Juicy, simple, and a perfect match for the tangy salad.
- Skirt Steak – Quick to grill and full of bold flavor. Slice it thin and serve it up family-style.
- Grilled Shrimp – Light, smoky, and perfect if you’re feeding a crowd that loves seafood.
- Summer Salsa – Keep things fresh with a bright, zesty salsa—ideal for scooping while the grill’s heating up.
- Raspberry Lemonade Cocktail – Because no summer gathering is complete without a signature cocktail. This one’s fruity, refreshing, and dangerously drinkable.
Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, bringing it to a potluck or just keeping dinner easy on a weeknight, this broccoli salad fits right in.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
If you’re prepping this Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon ahead of time, the best move is to store everything separately. Keep the chopped broccoli, scallions, bacon, and shredded cheese in airtight containers, and stash the dressing in a jar in the fridge. You’ll get a solid 2–3 days out of the prepped ingredients this way.
Once the dressing is mixed in, it’s best eaten within 24 hours. The bacon starts to soften, and while the flavor’s still great, you lose that crispy crunch.
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Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon: Your Go-To Potluck Side
Equipment
- fry pan for bacon
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8-10 slices bacon cooked & chopped
- 2 bunches fresh broccoli cut into small florets
- ½ cup scallions chopped
- 1 cup sharp shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp vinegar
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until nice and crispy. Let it cool on a paper towel-lined plate, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Rinse the broccoli and scallions. Pat the broccoli dry so the dressing sticks better, then chop it into small, bite-sized florets. Slice up the scallions.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the broccoli, scallions, shredded cheddar, and chopped bacon.
- In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and mix it all together until everything’s evenly coated.
- Enjoy!
