This Broccoli Cheese Salad is crunchy, creamy, and packed with cheesy flavor in every bite. It’s the perfect side dish for BBQs, meal prep lunches, or a quick dinner add-on—especially if you love that sweet-and-savory combo with bacon and cranberries.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients List
Salad
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional but highly recommended)
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional for sweetness)
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or regular vinegar)
- 2 tbsp sugar (or sugar-free substitute for low-carb)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Broccoli
Wash the broccoli and chop into small florets. Make sure they’re bite-sized so the dressing coats evenly.
2. Mix the Salad
In a large bowl, add:
- broccoli
- cheddar cheese
- bacon
- red onion
- sunflower seeds/walnuts (if using)
- raisins/cranberries (if using)
Toss everything together.
3. Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- mayonnaise
- vinegar
- sugar (or substitute)
Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is fully coated.
5. Chill (Important!)
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
This helps soften the broccoli slightly and makes the flavor way better.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with grilled chicken, burgers, or BBQ ribs
- Add to meal prep bowls with turkey or tuna
- Serve as a side for sandwiches or wraps
- Great with keto dinners if you use sugar-free sweetener
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Best texture is within the first 24–48 hours
- Stir before serving again
Tips & Variations
- Softer broccoli: blanch broccoli for 1 minute, then ice bath
- More protein: add chopped boiled eggs or diced chicken breast
- Extra crunch: add chopped celery
- Keto version: skip raisins and use monk fruit sweetener
- Healthier swap: use half Greek yogurt + half mayo
