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Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon & Cranberries: Easy Recipe

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This creamy broccoli salad with bacon and cranberries is a quick and easy side dish that combines crunchy broccoli, salty bacon, sweet-tart cranberries, and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or weeknight dinners, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 15 minutes of active prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli, chopped into small florets
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds, raw or roasted
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (full-fat)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place 8 slices of bacon in a cold skillet. Turn the heat to medium and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping once, until crisp and deep golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble into small pieces.
  2. Prep the broccoli: While the bacon cooks, wash and dry 4 cups of broccoli florets. Cut them into bite-sized pieces—about 1-inch across. Make sure they’re dry before adding the dressing.
  3. Soak the onion: Finely dice ¼ cup red onion. Place it in a small bowl with cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes. Drain well and pat dry.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine ½ cup Greek yogurt, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk or shake until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust.
  5. Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli, crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, diced red onion, and sunflower seeds. Pour the dressing over the top.
  6. Toss gently: Use a spatula or large spoon to toss everything together until the broccoli is evenly coated. Don’t overmix.
  7. Chill (optional but recommended): Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld and the broccoli soften slightly.
  8. Final touch: Right before serving, give the salad a quick stir. If it looks dry, add a tablespoon more yogurt or mayo. Sprinkle a few extra cranberries or bacon bits on top for presentation.

Notes

For best results, dry broccoli thoroughly to avoid watery dressing. Add bacon and sunflower seeds just before serving to keep them crunchy. The salad tastes even better after chilling for 30 minutes or overnight. If making ahead, keep bacon separate.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy broccoli salad, broccoli salad with bacon, broccoli salad with cranberries, easy broccoli salad, potluck salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/creamy-broccoli-salad-with-bacon-and-cranberries-easy-recipe/