Smoky Sweet Broccoli Crunch

Discover the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish with this delightful Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Dried Cherries. A vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying alternative to traditional lettuce-based salads, this recipe is guaranteed to be the star of any gathering, from casual backyard barbecues to festive holiday potlucks.

Reimagining the beloved classic Broccoli Raisin Salad, our version elevates every bite with a thoughtful blend of textures and tastes. We’ve enhanced it with rich shredded cheddar cheese, substituted conventional raisins for the sweet-tart burst of dried cherries, and added a lively pop of color and freshness with finely diced red bell pepper. The exquisite crunch from toasted nuts and seeds creates a multi-dimensional culinary experience, making this an truly out-of-this-world side dish that guests will rave about.

Why This Broccoli Salad Will Be Your New Favorite

This Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Dried Cherries isn’t just another side dish; it’s a culinary revelation that combines simplicity with sophisticated flavor. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection:

• **Incredibly Adaptable:** This highly adaptable salad recipe has been a staple at family gatherings and celebrations for years, always evolving to suit individual tastes. Its core components are forgiving, allowing for easy substitutions and personal touches that make it uniquely yours.
• **Irresistibly Delicious:** At its heart lies a sweet, tangy, and rich mayonnaise-based dressing that perfectly coats every ingredient. The dressing’s creamy texture, combined with the satisfying crunch of fresh broccoli, nuts, and seeds, creates an irresistible symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
• **Thoughtful Ingredient Swaps:** While often found chock full of raisins, we’ve made a deliberate swap for plump dried cherries, which offer a more complex sweet-tart profile. If cherries aren’t your preference, dried cranberries provide another delicious alternative. The nut of your choice, such as slivered almonds or pecans, adds crucial texture and healthy fats. Crispy bacon introduces a delightful saltiness that expertly balances the sweetness of the dressing and fruit, elevating the overall taste experience.
• **A Potluck & Picnic Star:** This salad is a super popular choice for summer gatherings, especially pitch-in meals, picnics, and potlucks. Unlike delicate lettuce salads that wilt easily, this robust broccoli salad travels beautifully and maintains its fantastic texture and flavor, even after hours. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that consistently disappears first from the buffet line.
• **Nutrient-Packed Goodness:** Beyond its incredible taste, this salad is packed with wholesome ingredients. Broccoli provides a generous dose of vitamins K and C, fiber, and potassium. Nuts and seeds contribute healthy fats and protein, while bell peppers add even more vitamin C and antioxidants, making this a delicious and beneficial addition to any meal.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Broccoli Salad

Crafting the perfect Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Dried Cherries begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for each:

• Kitchen Staples: Granulated Sugar – A touch of sugar is essential for balancing the tangy mayonnaise and lemon juice, creating that signature sweet-savory dressing. You can adjust the amount to your taste.
• Thick-Cut Bacon: The cornerstone of flavor in this salad, thick-cut bacon offers a satisfying chewiness and deep, smoky, salty notes. Cook it until perfectly crisp, then chop it into small pieces. For best results, render the bacon slowly for maximum crispness and flavor.
• Broccoli Florets: Aim for fresh, vibrant green broccoli. Cut the florets into small, bite-sized pieces so they are easy to eat and mix well with the other ingredients. If you prefer a slightly softer texture or wish to mellow the raw broccoli flavor, a quick blanch in boiling water followed by an ice bath can work wonders. However, many enjoy the crispness of raw broccoli in this salad.
• Red Bell Pepper: This adds a beautiful burst of color, a hint of sweetness, and a refreshing crunch. Dice it finely to integrate seamlessly into the salad.
• Red Onion: Red onion provides a sharp, pungent bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the dressing and cherries. If you find raw onion too strong, diced red onion can be soaked in a little vinegar for 5-10 minutes. This pickling process significantly lessens its sharpness, making it milder and more palatable without losing its distinctive flavor.
• Dried Tart Cherries: These are our secret weapon, offering a delightful chewiness and a bright, tangy-sweet flavor that outshines traditional raisins. Montmorency cherries, often found at stores like Trader Joe’s, are highly recommended for their robust tartness. Dried cranberries also make an excellent substitute.
• Slivered Almonds: For that essential nutty crunch, slivered almonds are ideal. Toasting them gently in a dry skillet before adding them to the salad will enhance their natural oils and bring out a deeper, richer flavor and aroma. Be careful not to burn them; a few minutes over medium heat, shaking frequently, is usually sufficient.
• Sunflower Seeds: Another textural powerhouse, sunflower seeds contribute a different kind of crunch and a subtle, earthy flavor. They also add healthy fats and protein.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar cheese adds a creamy, savory dimension that complements the bacon and sweet dressing. You can shred your own from a block for superior flavor and texture, or use pre-shredded. Cubed cheddar is also an option for distinct cheesy bites. Monterey Jack or even a smoked gouda could offer interesting variations.
• Mayonnaise: The base of our creamy dressing. The quality of your mayonnaise truly matters here. Brands like Hellmann’s (Best Foods on the West Coast) or Duke’s are known for their rich, balanced flavor and smooth consistency, providing the perfect foundation for the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable! Its bright, zesty acidity is crucial for cutting through the richness of the mayonnaise and bacon, adding a vibrant tang that elevates all the other flavors. Avoid bottled lemon juice from the grocery shelves; its flavor simply doesn’t compare.

Expert Tips for Crafting the Ultimate Broccoli Salad

While this Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Dried Cherries is delightful right after it’s assembled, a little patience goes a long way. I couldn’t resist digging into a big bowl immediately after tossing, and while it was tasty, it truly transformed into something extraordinary the next day. The dressing had the chance to loosen up beautifully, and all the individual flavors melded wonderfully into a cohesive, harmonious dish. Unlike a lettuce salad that turns soggy overnight, this sturdy gem ages gracefully, making it an ideal make-ahead option. So, if you’re looking for a distinctive and delicious side for your next gathering, give this one a shot. Plan ahead and make it the night before—it’s absolutely worth the wait!

• Customization is Key: This salad is remarkably easy to customize to personal preferences or dietary needs. If you or your guests aren’t fond of nuts, like my husband, feel free to omit the crunchy almonds and sunflower seeds entirely. For those who prefer the classic taste of raisins, simply swap them in place of the dried cherries. Alternatively, dried cranberries offer a wonderfully tart and chewy alternative that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different dried fruits or nut varieties like pecans or walnuts.
• Broccoli Preparation – Raw vs. Blanched: The traditional method for this salad uses fresh, raw broccoli florets, which provide a fantastic crisp texture. I’ve often blanched the broccoli in the past to soften its texture and mellow its raw flavor, and that works perfectly. However, I find this salad equally delicious with just fresh, crisp broccoli florets, especially when they are cut into small, manageable pieces. The choice is yours, depending on your preferred texture.
• Cheese Makes a Difference: Incorporating shredded cheese was a delightful enhancement to my original recipe, and it’s a step I’ll continue to include. I typically use sharp cheddar for its robust flavor, but Monterey Jack, white cheddar, or even a smoked provolone would work exceptionally well in this easy broccoli salad, adding another layer of creaminess and savory depth.
• Sweetener Options for the Dressing: While I sweetened the simple mayonnaise dressing with granulated sugar, there are other excellent options. Honey offers a natural, floral sweetness and a slightly different texture. For those managing sugar intake, a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup with sugar can also be used effectively. Consider using a homemade mayonnaise instead of store-bought for an even fresher, more wholesome version of the dressing, though a good quality store-bought brand is perfectly acceptable.
• Adding a Mild Onion Bite: My original recipe didn’t include onions, but I experimented with pickled onions leftover from my tuna salad and found that a couple of tablespoons added a delicious, tangy depth without being overpowering. You could also opt for thinly sliced scallions (green onions) if you enjoy a milder onion flavor. To quickly pickle onions, simply chop them, add them to a small bowl, and pour in enough champagne or other favorite vinegar (apple cider vinegar works well) to cover. Let them sit for 5 minutes or more, then drain thoroughly before adding to the salad.
• PRO-TIP: Embrace the Chill Time! You can certainly enjoy this Broccoli Salad as soon as it’s tossed, but for the absolute best flavor experience, allow the ingredients to chill and meld. An overnight stint in the refrigerator truly lets the flavors develop and deepen. Just give it another good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
• Storage and Food Safety: Store the salad in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always remember to toss it again just before serving. Due to the mayonnaise-based dressing, it’s crucial not to leave the salad out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially in warmer conditions. The risk of food-borne illness increases significantly when mayonnaise-based salads are left in the heat for extended periods. Keep it chilled until serving time to ensure freshness and safety.

Effortless Preparation: How to Make Broccoli Salad

Creating this delicious Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Dried Cherries is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect outcome every time:

Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Salad

Explore More Delicious Side Dishes

If you’ve enjoyed the fresh and vibrant flavors of our Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Dried Cherries, you’ll love exploring other delightful side dish options. While I often gravitate towards garden tomatoes and fresh basil in my summer salads, the possibilities for creating amazing accompanying dishes are truly endless. Here are a few more recipes to inspire your next meal:

• Summer Italian Spaghetti Salad from Reluctant Entertainer – A pasta salad bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
• Cold Beet Salad Recipe – Earthy beets paired with sharp blue cheese for a sophisticated side.
• Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Salad – A simple yet elegant pasta salad highlighting summer’s bounty.
• Hearts of Palm, Artichoke, Avocado, and Butter Lettuce Salad – A light and refreshing salad with luxurious ingredients.
• Discover more of the Best Salad Recipes to complement any meal or occasion.

The Recipe:

Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Dried Cherries

Prep Time
20 minutes

Total Time
20 minutes

Yield
8 servings

This classic picnic and potluck salad, featuring crisp broccoli, savory bacon, and sweet-tart dried cherries in a creamy dressing, is easily adapted to make it your own for any gathering!

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick bacon, cooked and chopped
• 4 cups of small, bite-sized broccoli florets
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons diced, pickled red onion*
• ½ cup dried tart cherries
• ½ cup slivered almonds
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mayonnaise (I recommend Hellmann’s)
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy cooked bacon, fresh bite-sized broccoli florets, diced red bell pepper, the subtly flavored pickled red onions (if using), the sweet-tart dried cherries, crunchy slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, and grated sharp cheddar cheese. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are well distributed.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and granulated sugar until the dressing is smooth and well combined. This forms the creamy, tangy base of your salad.
3. Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the broccoli and other salad ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Toss thoroughly but gently to ensure every piece of the salad is evenly coated with the delicious dressing.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the broccoli salad for at least one to two hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, enhancing the overall taste. Before serving, give the salad another good toss to ensure the dressing is well-distributed. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

*Soak the diced onion in champagne vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) for 5-10 minutes while prepping other salad ingredients, then drain thoroughly before adding to the salad. This simple step will significantly soften the sharp flavor of the raw onions, making them more palatable.

This salad truly tastes best after refrigerating for a few hours up to overnight, allowing the flavors to fully meld and develop. Do not skip this chilling step for optimal taste!

Store any leftover salad covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always toss well before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 425Total Fat: 38gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 745mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 12g

HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest