Creamy Broccoli Salad With Bacon

An overhead shot of a broccoli salad with bacon, almonds, cranberries and a creamy dressing.

Creamy Broccoli Salad With Bacon

Looking for a delicious and easy side dish? Look no further than my Creamy Broccoli Salad With Bacon. This salad is perfect for any occasion and is always a hit with everyone!

5 from 11 votes

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Course: Salads

Cuisine: Healthy, western

Prep Time: 20

Total Time: 20

Servings: serves

Calories: 590kcal

Author: Lucy - Bake Play Smile

Cost: $10

Equipment

frying pan and stove-top

Ingredients

For The Salad

2 medium heads of broccoli (1 very large or 3 very small)
100 g slivered almonds or sunflower seeds or pine nuts
400 g bacon streaky, diced
100 g dried cranberries
½ red onion finely diced

For The Creamy Dressing

1 cup (230g) whole egg mayonnaise
2 tbs (25g) caster sugar
3 tbs (40g) apple cider vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Chop the broccoli heads into very small pieces (0.5-1cm). Set aside in a large bowl.
Lightly toast the slivered almonds in a frying pan (no oil) over low heat on the stove-top. Stir regularly until just toasted. Add to the bowl with the broccoli.
TIP: When assembling the salad, reserve a small amount of almonds, bacon and cranberries for sprinkling over the top (optional - purely for decoration).
Fry the diced bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Place onto paper towel to remove the excess fat. Add to the broccoli bowl.
Add the dried cranberries and diced red onion.
Make the dressing by mixing all of the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl or jar. Pour over the salad and mix until well combined.
Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved extra almonds, bacon and cranberries over the top for decoration (optional).

Notes

RECIPE NOTES AND TIPS:

Preparing this salad a couple of hours ahead of time is best to allow the flavors to develop. However, if you're running short on time, you can make it and serve it immediately.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The leftovers for lunch the next day are delicious!
If you want to make this salad ahead of time, you can prepare everything except for the dressing. The dressing can be made closer to serving.
Don't like bacon? You substitute it with diced ham, or leave it out for a vegetarian option.
Not a fan of mayo? Use plain yogurt in place of the mayo for a lighter option.
Try adding in some shredded cheese or hard boiled eggs for extra healthy deliciousness!
This salad is not suitable for freezing.

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