Broccoli Bacon Salad
Broccoli shows off its versatility in this crunchy, nutty make-ahead salad, but the real star is the sweet, creamy dressing.
Serves8
Makes8 cups
Prep10 minutes
Cook10 minutes
I love hosting my friends for special occasions, whether for birthdays or simple rooftop hangs. When designing the menu, I often need to remember the importance of simple salads. Sure, grilled pork belly or a big plate of fried chicken take center stage, but sides, especially light, flavorful salads, are what’s gone the fastest.
This crunchy, creamy broccoli bacon salad is one of my favorite make-ahead salads. Here, raw broccoli florets get dressed in a tangy, creamy mayonnaise-based sauce and tossed with toppings like sliced almonds, scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and more. It’s perfect for those occasions when you have to cook a feast and is so versatile that it will go with just anything you serve.
Ingredients in Broccoli Bacon Salad
- Bacon: Cook thick-cut bacon in a skillet until crisp for added texture. Plus, the mayonnaise-based dressing has a little bacon fat for that subtle smoky flavor.
- Red onion and scallion: Adds extra punch to each bite of the salad.
- White sesame seeds and sliced almonds: You can omit the toasted white sesame seeds, but I highly recommend adding sliced almonds for a beautiful, nutty crunch.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a much-needed acidity that balances the rest of the ingredients.
Can You Make Broccoli Bacon Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make broccoli bacon salad ahead of time. In fact, it’s better to make it a few hours before serving so that all of the ingredients can absorb the sweet, creamy dressing, while keeping the chopped broccoli from getting soggy. I recommend holding the final toppings like toasted sesame seeds and crispy bacon pieces until serving so that they stay crisp.
What Goes Well with Broccoli Bacon Salad
Broccoli bacon salad goes with everything, especially meaty entrées, like a big hunk of smoked brisket, prime rib, grilled chicken, or even as a side to a hot dog feast.
Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe
Broccoli shows off its versatility in this crunchy, nutty make-ahead salad, but the real star is the sweet, creamy dressing.
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 10 minutes
Makes 8 cups
Serves 8
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 5 slices
thick-cut bacon
- 1 pound
broccoli florets
- 1/2
medium red onion
- 1
medium scallion
- 1/2 cup
mayonnaise, preferably Kewpie
- 1/2 cup
plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons
rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons
granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon
kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon
freshly ground black pepper
- 1
medium lemon
- 1/2 cup
sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon
toasted white sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
Instructions
Cut 5 thick-cut bacon slices crosswise into 1-inch pieces. Place in a large skillet and cook over medium-low heat until browned and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the following, adding each to the same large bowl as you complete it: Cut 1 pound broccoli florets into rough 3/4-inch pieces (about 6 cups). Finely chop 1/2 medium red onion (about 2/3 cup). Thinly slice 1 medium scallion.
When the bacon is ready, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Transfer 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat to a medium bowl and discard the remaining fat.
Add 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to the bacon fat and whisk to combine.
Finely grate the zest of 1 medium lemon over the broccoli (about 1 teaspoon). Juice the lemon over the broccoli (about 3 tablespoons). Add the dressing, half of the cooked bacon, 1/2 cup sliced almonds, and 1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds. Toss until well combined.
Garnish with more sesame seeds and the remaining bacon, and serve either at room temperature or chilled.
Recipe Notes
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.