This Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon is perfect for all your summer picnics. It’s mayo-less and a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors!
Happy June folks!
Summer picnic and backyard BBQ season is upon us! Who’s looking for a new salad or two to add to the menu?
We always have the usual favorites on our menu, but to keep things from getting boring, I look to add a few new recipes every summer season.
A few favorites from last year were my Chicken Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing and my Watermelon, Feta and Couscous Salad with Citrus Vinagrette. If you haven’t tried either, I highly encourage you to take a peek at the recipes and give them a go.
Today’s Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors AND it’s mayo-less. It’s the perfect addition to your summer picnic menu.
I know a lot of people shy away from salads with mayo during the warm summer months, so this broccoli salad recipes fits the bill.
It’s a tangy combination of broccoli, bacon, golden raisins, red onion, crunchy, toasted sunflower seeds and shredded cheddar all marinated in a light dressing.
Believe it or not, even Mr. Picky goes for this one. It took a little convincing that he could actually enjoy the broccoli raw, but he put on his big boy pants and surprised himself.
So ready your picnic basket for a season of fun and delicious food. Enjoy!
A Few Cook’s Notes for Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe:
I toasted my sunflower seeds for this salad. Toasting them in a skillet takes just a few minutes and really enhances their flavor.
I like to marinate this salad in my fridge for at least three hours. I stir it every hour.
Cheddar works great in this salad, but you could also use monterey jack or whatever cheese you prefer.
Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
Dressing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 3 Tbsp. light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
Broccoli Salad
- 10 strips bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 7 cups small broccoli florets
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2/3 cup golden raisins
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients until well blended. Set aside.
Broccoli Salad
- In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until just crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.Clean the skillet and then add the sunflower seeds. Toast the seeds, watching carefully and stirring often, over medium heat until golden, about 4-5 minutes. Let the seeds cool and then place in a large serving bowl.
- Add the bacon, broccoli, red onion, raisins and shredded cheese to the large serving bowl with the toasted sunflower seeds. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Place in the refrigerator, covered, to marinate for at least 3 hours, stirring every hour.
I absolutely love a good broccoli salad, and this one looks superb!! And it is definitely a lighter option which is perfect for the warmer weather :)
Thanks Alex. It’s one of my favorites too. Definitely a healthier option at our backyard BBQ. Happy Monday!
I love broccoli salad, but haven’t had in a while so this is a delicious reminder! So perfect for summer bbqs too! I could make a whole meal out of just this :)So many yummy flavours! Pinned!
Thanks so much Dawn! I’ll be making this one on the routine this summer!
This is perfect for BBQ season! And I love that there’s no mayo too–that’s always a bonus!
Lots of people try to shy away from mayo, so this is a delicious option Kelsie. Happy Monday!
This is a perfect summertime salad! I love the combination of ingredients and the golden raisins. We’ve made a version of this before with dried cranberries, but now I need to try this with golden raisins!
Both would be delicious Kathy! One of my favorite healthy summer salads. Hope you have a great week!
This salad makes a main meal with all those delicious and healthy ingredients.
Yes it does Gerlinde. Thanks!
This is one of my favorite summer salads, Mary Ann! I love that you made a mayo-less version and can’t wait to try it!!!
Hope you enjoy it Marissa!
I made this today bc I happened to have almost everything available. Man oh man was it delicious.
I didn’t have Sunflower seeds but they would make it even better.
It’s a keeper!
I’m so happy you gave the recipe a try Ashley! Thanks so much for taking the time to drop a comment. And thanks so much for following the BHK!
I loooove broccoli in general, especially broccoli salads! Yours looks absolutely perfect!!!! I am most definitely making this immediately! You’ve loaded it up with all the yummiest ingredients! I’m really excited about trying this!! Pinned!!
Thanks Chey! And thanks for pinning!
Mary Ann, we love broccoli salad! My kids actually eat broccoli this way!! I want to make this asap, and serve it along with some grilled sausages!
Perfect! Hope y’all enjoy it Katherine!
Broccoli salad is a staple side dish for our summer get togethers! I can’t eat mayo, so I absolutely love that this is mayo-free! Pinning and can’t wait to try!
Enjoy Leanne!
Can hardly believe it’s June…. This year is going to be a blink! Love a good broccoli salad, Mare… such a delicious side or snack! It looks scrumptious!
It’s breezing by Traci! We’ll be enjoying this one all summer long!