If you’re looking for a broccoli cranberry salad recipe that’s easy to make and full of flavor, this one is a must-try. With crisp broccoli, sweet, dried cranberries, savory bacon, and a creamy, tangy dressing, this broccoli salad with cranberries and bacon is the perfect side dish for potlucks, holidays, or everyday meals.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it comes from a cookbook my mom created. And if it made it into her collection, I knew it had to be something truly delicious.
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Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cranberry Salad
- Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
- Perfect make-ahead salad for gatherings
- A delicious balance of sweet, savory, and creamy
- Great for holidays, BBQs, and weeknight dinners
- Easily customizable with nuts and seeds
Ingredients for Broccoli Cranberry Salad
- 4 cups fresh broccoli, chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup chopped sweet onion
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
How to Make Broccoli Cranberry Salad
- Wash and dry vegetables
Rinse the broccoli, celery, and onion thoroughly and dry well to prevent excess moisture. - Chop ingredients
Cut broccoli into bite-sized pieces and finely chop the celery and onion. - Cook the bacon
Fry bacon until crispy, then let cool and crumble into small pieces. - Combine salad ingredients
In a large bowl, mix broccoli, celery, onion, cranberries, and bacon. - Make the dressing
Whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. - Mix and chill
Pour dressing over the salad and stir well. Refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours before serving. - Serve and enjoy
Stir again before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for the Best Broccoli Cranberry Salad
- Dry your broccoli well to prevent a watery salad
- Chill before serving for the best flavor
- Cut pieces small for better texture and bite
- Cook bacon ahead of time to save prep time
Variations and Substitutions
Make this easy broccoli cranberry salad your own:
- Add chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or cashews
- Mix in sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch
- Swap cranberries for raisins
- Use Greek yogurt instead of some mayo for a lighter version
Skip bacon for a vegetarian option
Make Ahead Tips
This make-ahead broccoli salad actually tastes better with time!
- Prepare it 4–24 hours in advance
- Store covered in the refrigerator
- Stir before serving to redistribute dressing
Equipment Needed
- Frying pan for bacon
How to Store Broccoli Cranberry Salad
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle.
FAQs About Broccoli Cranberry Salad
Can I make broccoli cranberry salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad is even better after chilling for several hours or overnight.
Why does broccoli salad get watery?
It usually happens when the broccoli isn’t dried properly or the dressing sits too long before serving.
Can I make this broccoli salad without bacon?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon or replace it with seeds or nuts for added crunch.
How do you chop broccoli for salad?
Cut florets into small, bite-sized pieces. Peel and chop tender stems if desired.
Broccoli Cranberry Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli chopped into small pieces
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped sweet onion
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 10 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
Ingredients for Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Clean Vegetables: Wash and dry the broccoli, celery, and onion thoroughly.
- Prep Vegetables: Chop the broccoli, celery, and onion into small pieces.
- Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy, then let it cool and crumble it.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the chopped broccoli, celery, onion, crumbled bacon, and dried cranberries.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, and cider vinegar.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and stir until well coated.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad before serving. Stir again just before serving.
How to Make The Dressing
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Pour over the broccoli mixture and stir. Refrigerate stirring occasionally.
Final Thoughts
This broccoli cranberry salad recipe is the perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, bringing it to a potluck, or making a simple weeknight side dish, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
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This is a perfect recipe to break out of my salad rut and give this vibrant, flavor-packed dish a try. I think my taste buds will thank me:)
Thanks for sharing!
I agree! This broccoli cranberry salad has a nice crunch to it which I really enjoy!!
This is such a delectable looking recipe in my opinion. Got to try it this weekend!
Yay! I hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think 🙂
This recipe looks and sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it. It’s perfect for summer parties. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! Let me know what you think once you’ve given it a try 🙂
You had me at bacon! Yum! This broccoli cranberry salad recipe sounds amazing – I can’t wait to try it!
Hahaha! I’m a bacon lover too! The salty/sweetness of this broccoli cranberry salad is amazing!
i love this combination of sweet and crunchy but still savory
You hit the nail on the head! It is so refreshing!!
This looks fresh and yummy! I’m all for adding bacon to salad!
Bacon makes everything better 🙂
It’s funny. I don’t like vegetables, especially broccoli, but I really want to try this salad! It looks so good and sounds so tasty! I want to try it! I think it’s a delicious and fun way to get your quota of vegetables eaten! Thanks for this recipe!
I do hope you like this broccoli cranberry salad if you give it a try! All the flavors together are divine!
This sounds so good. Thank you for sharing this delicious easy to make recipe. 😊
Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment)
Letstakeamoment.com
This broccoli cranberry salad is a big hit with my husband. I do hope you enjoy it!
This looks great! I can’t wait to give it a try! Yum!
Thank you 🙂
Oh, this looks very similar to a broccoli salad I had years ago at a potluck but it had raisins instead of cranberries. I enjoyed that salad but never found out how to make it. I’ll give this a try and see how similar it is to that one. Can’t wait to try it.
You could totally use raisins in this broccoli salad rather than cranberries. I’m sure it would be delicious!
It looks perfect and easy to prepare and pack for a picnic! Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure! 🙂
This is the perfect recipe for the summer. I was searching for something healthy, and cold to take for lunch.
Hi Erica! Thie broccoli cranberry salad wouldm make the perfect healthy lunch option to enjoy all week long.
Amazing, will have salad daily, in fact I do.
Thanks so much for participating and sharing at SSPS 316. See you again next week at https://esmesalon.com/tag/seniorsalonpitstop/
You’re welcome!