Updated: July 12, 2026
This broccoli salad with bacon has been a staple at my family’s cookouts for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my mom made this recipe every year, and it was always one of the first side dishes to disappear from the table. The combination of crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, sweet raisins, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy homemade dressing is simple and the perfect side dish for dinner. You can also make this for a healthy lunch. If you’re looking for the best broccoli salad recipe to bring to your next gathering, this easy recipe never disappoints.
Want to Email This for Later?
Email this post to yourself and we’ll share more inspiration when it’s ready!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
- The creamy dressing perfectly balances sweet, salty, and savory flavors.
- Easy to prepare ahead of time, making entertaining stress-free.
- The flavors in this easy broccoli salad recipe become even better after chilling.
- This salad is naturally gluten-free and always a crowd favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This classic broccoli salad recipe comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Detailed measurements can be found in the recipe card below:
- Broccoli – Fresh broccoli is the base of this salad, adding crisp texture, vibrant color, and plenty of fresh flavor.
- Red Onion – Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp bite that balances the sweetness of the dressing.
- Golden Raisins – Golden raisins add subtle sweetness and chewy texture throughout the salad.
- Walnuts – Chopped walnuts contribute a buttery crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the broccoli.
- Bacon – Crispy bacon brings smoky, salty flavor that makes this broccoli bacon salad irresistible.
- Mayonnaise – Mayonnaise creates the rich, creamy dressing that coats every bite.
- Salt – Salt enhances all of the flavors while balancing the sweetness of the dressing.
- Granulated Sugar – A small amount of sugar adds just enough sweetness to create the signature creamy broccoli salad dressing.
How to Make Broccoli Salad
Below you’ll find an overview with step-by-step photos. The full ingredient amounts and detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
STEP 1: Cook the Bacon – Chop and cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to cool before adding to the salad.
STEP 2: Make the Dressing – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and salt until smooth and creamy.
STEP 3: Mix the Salad – To a large bowl, add fresh broccoli florets, red onion, and raisins to the bowl and toss until everything is evenly coated in the dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to come together.
STEP 4: Add the Toppings – Just before serving, stir in the crispy bacon and chopped walnuts into the broccoli mixture for the best texture. Serve cold and enjoy!
Substitutions & Variations
- You can substitute the golden raisins in this recipe for dried sweet cranberries.
- Swap walnuts for pecans, sliced almonds, or sunflower kernels.
- If you’re not a huge fan of pork, you can use turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon.
- Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese for an extra savory twist.
- Mix in diced apples for additional sweetness and crunch.
- Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, if you prefer a tangier dressing.
- Replace part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- If you want a bit more tang, try topping this recipe with parmesan cheese.
Time-Saving Tips for Broccoli Salad
- Purchase pre-cut broccoli florets to reduce prep time.
- Cook the bacon a day in advance and refrigerate until needed.
- Chop the broccoli and onion ahead of time for quick assembly.
- Prepare the dressing ingredients the night before and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make the salad several hours ahead and add the bacon and walnuts just before serving to keep them crisp.
Leftover Storage & Make Ahead
- Leftovers: Store leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make Ahead Tip: For the best texture, keep the bacon and walnuts separate until you’re ready to serve. This prevents them from becoming soft from the creamy mayonnaise-based dressing.
- Storage: This salad is an excellent make-ahead side dish because the flavors continue to develop after chilling. In fact, many people think it tastes even better the next day.
What to Serve with Broccoli Salad
This creamy broccoli salad pairs perfectly with nearly any grilled meal, especially:
- Grilled Pork Chops
- Honey BBQ Chicken
- Grilled Chicken Kabobs
- BBQ Ribs
- Southern Baked Beans
- Coleslaw
- Southern Potato Salad
FAQ
How long does broccoli salad last?
Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of raisins?
Absolutely. Dried cranberries are one of the most popular substitutions for raisins.
Can I freeze broccoli salad?
Freezing isn't recommended because the mayonnaise dressing can separate after thawing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your bacon and mayonnaise labels if serving someone with gluten sensitivities.
Recipe Card
Broccoli Salad Recipe with Bacon
Ingredients
Broccoli Salad
- 12 oz Broccoli Florets , (about 2 heads of broccoli cut into small pieces)
- ½ Red Onion, (chopped)
- ⅓ cup Golden Raisins
- ⅓ cup Walnuts, (chopped)
- 4 strips Bacon , (chopped)
Broccoli Salad Dressing
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1½ tbsp Granulated Sugar
Instructions
- Chop the bacon into small pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool while you prepare the rest of the salad.
- I recommend making the broccoli salad dressing next. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, add clean broccoli florets, red onion, and raisins to the bowl, then toss until everything is evenly coated in the dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
- Just before serving, gently fold in the crispy bacon and chopped walnuts. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Flavor Tip: Chill the salad for at least one hour before serving for the best flavor.
- Texture Tip: Add the bacon and walnuts just before serving so they stay crisp.
- Prepping Tip: Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets for easier eating.
- Dressing Tip: If the dressing thickens after chilling, stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise before serving.
- Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Craving More?
If you make this bacon broccoli salad recipe, I’d love to see it! Tag @elicitfolio on Instagram so I can see your creation, and be sure to follow along on Pinterest for even more recipe inspiration. If you enjoyed this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what other summer salads you’d like to see me make next!
