If you’re craving a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful salad that brings together savory and tangy notes, this Broccoli Salad with Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, and Red Onion Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of salad that brightens up any meal with its vibrant colors, creamy dressing, and that delightful salty crunch from bacon. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or just want a wholesome side that’s easy to toss together, this recipe hits every note perfectly and never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet impactful, these ingredients are the building blocks of a salad that balances bold flavors with fresh textures. Each component plays an important role whether it’s the tang from the red wine vinegar, the sharpness of cheddar, or the crispiness of bacon.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy punch that wakes up the flavors in the dressing.
- Sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity and create a harmonious dressing.
- Ground pepper: Brings a subtle warmth that enhances the overall profile without overpowering.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and helping all the flavors shine through.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, luscious base that coats every ingredient beautifully.
- Lemon juice: Adds fresh citrus notes to brighten the dressing further.
- Broccoli heads: The star veggie, chopped into bite-sized pieces for that perfect crunch.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a rich, cheesy depth that complements the crisp broccoli.
- Bacon slices: Crumbled to add irresistible smoky and salty crunch.
- Red onion: Finely chopped for a sharp bite and vibrant color contrast.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, and Red Onion Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Begin by mixing your red wine vinegar, sugar, ground pepper, salt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a large oversized mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until you get a smooth and well-blended dressing—this creamy vinaigrette is what brings everything together with a zingy but balanced flavor profile.
Step 2: Add the Salad Ingredients
Next, toss in the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped red onion right into the same bowl. Stir everything thoroughly so that the dressing gently coats every piece, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Step 3: Chill or Serve Immediately
At this stage, you can serve the salad right away for a fresh and crunchy experience, or pop it in the fridge for a bit to let those flavors mingle and deepen. Either way, it’s ready to delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, and Red Onion Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra crumbles of crispy bacon or some finely chopped green onions on top just before serving for an added pop of freshness and texture. Toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds also add a nutty crunch.
Side Dishes
This salad works wonderfully alongside grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or a hearty sandwich. Its fresh crunch and creamy, tangy contrast elevate almost any main dish without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, serve this Broccoli Salad with Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, and Red Onion Recipe in a hollowed-out bread bowl or layered in a clear trifle dish to showcase the beautiful colors. You can also portion it into individual small cups for easy grab-and-go servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days when the broccoli still holds its crispness and the dressing remains fresh and creamy.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the broccoli and dressing may separate and turn watery upon thawing, losing that perfect texture we love.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. Just give it a gentle stir if the dressing settles a bit before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Fresh broccoli provides the best crunch and texture for this salad. Frozen broccoli tends to be softer once thawed, which changes the overall mouthfeel, so it’s better to stick with fresh for this recipe.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt or sour cream can replace mayonnaise. Keep in mind the dressing will be less rich but still tangy and delicious.
How do I make the bacon crispy?
Cooking bacon in a skillet over medium heat and draining it on paper towels helps achieve that perfect crispiness that adds great texture to the salad.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! While the classic recipe is stunning on its own, adding sliced radishes, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots can bring extra colors and flavors if you want to customize.
Should I prepare the salad dressing ahead of time?
You can make the dressing a few hours before assembling the salad, but for best flavor and texture, mix everything just before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about the way the crunchy broccoli, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and zesty dressing come together in this Broccoli Salad with Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, and Red Onion Recipe. It’s not just a salad—it’s a flavorful experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple on your table!
Print
Broccoli Salad with Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, and Red Onion Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A fresh and crunchy broccoli salad with a creamy, tangy dressing, loaded with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and red onion. This easy-to-make salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal, ready in just 30 minutes and serving eight.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) red wine vinegar
- 1/8 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup (149 g) mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salad Ingredients
- 2 heads chopped broccoli
- 1 1/2 cup (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup (80 g) chopped red onion
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a large oversized mixing bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, sugar, ground pepper, salt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Whip together for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: To the same bowl, add the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped red onion. Stir everything thoroughly until all the salad ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Using a spatula, transfer the salad into a serving bowl. It can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- For extra crunch, consider adding sunflower seeds or sliced almonds.
- Chilling the salad for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld better.
- Use low-fat mayonnaise for a lighter version of the dressing.
- To keep bacon crispy, add it just before serving if chilling the salad.
