🥦 Loaded Broccoli Salad Recipe – Crunchy, Creamy & Full of Flavor
Title: Best Loaded Broccoli Salad Recipe | Creamy, Crunchy & Easy to Make
Description: Make the ultimate Loaded Broccoli Salad! Fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing come together for the perfect crowd-pleasing side dish.
🌼 Introduction
If you’re looking for a salad that’s both fresh and indulgent, this Loaded Broccoli Salad hits the sweet spot. With crunchy broccoli, smoky bacon, tangy cheese, and a creamy homemade dressing, it’s a dish that brings everyone back for seconds. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, or weeknight dinners — this salad is easy, make-ahead friendly, and absolutely irresistible!
🧂 Ingredients
For the Salad:
5 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
6 slices crispy bacon, cooked and crumbled
¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ small red onion, finely diced
½ cup sunflower seeds (or chopped almonds)
½ cup dried cranberries (optional for sweetness)
For the Dressing:
¾ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp honey (or sugar)
Salt and pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the broccoli:
Wash and chop the broccoli into small florets. For a softer bite, blanch in boiling water for 1 minute, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Pat dry.
2. Make the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, bacon, cheese, onion, sunflower seeds, and cranberries.
4. Add the dressing:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill before serving:
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend and the salad to crisp up.
💡 Tips & Variations
Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add roasted chickpeas or smoked almonds for crunch.
Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and half mayo for fewer calories.
Add more color: Toss in chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots.
Sweet twist: Use raisins, or diced apples for a fruity balance.
Extra crunch: Add toasted pecans or cashews before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This Loaded Broccoli Salad pairs perfectly with:
Grilled meats like chicken, steak, or ribs
Summer BBQs or potlucks as a refreshing side
Weeknight dinners for a quick, hearty veggie boost
Serve chilled with lemonade or iced tea for the ultimate comfort-meets-freshness combo.
🧊 Storage Instructions
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Make ahead: Combine ingredients (without dressing) up to 1 day ahead. Add dressing just before serving for the best crunch.
Do not freeze: Fresh broccoli and dressing don’t hold up well when frozen.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Fresh broccoli is best for crunch, but thawed frozen florets can work if you drain and dry them well.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for 1–2 hours.
Q: How do I keep it crunchy?
A: Dry the broccoli completely before mixing and add the dressing right before serving if storing ahead.
Q: What other cheese works well?
A: Colby Jack or Pepper Jack add great flavor and melt beautifully.
💚 Conclusion
This Loaded Broccoli Salad Recipe is the ultimate combination of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and savory goodness. It’s very easy to make, Enjoy.