This broccoli salad with bacon and cheddar has it all, folks. Every bite is packed with flavor, and the combination of sweet, tangy, crunchy and creamy gives makes this broccoli salad recipe so very delicious.

I mean, come on. Look at this big bowl of yum!

Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe | Best Broccoli Salad | Broccoli Salad with Dried Cranberries | Broccoli Salad with Walnuts | Easy Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad with Bacon & Cheddar

One of my main gripes with most broccoli salad recipes is the inclusion of raisins.

I don’t want to offend any of you raisin fans out there, but raisins just aren’t really my favorite dried fruit, which is weird, because I actually really adore grapes. It’s just one of those funny food aversions that I carried with me from childhood and can’t seem to shake.

It’s funny, because any time I see a bowl of broccoli salad at a carry-in I sort of steer clear of it due to the raisins.

RELATED: Don’t miss my incredible sweet coleslaw recipe and my over-the-top loaded potato salad.

While you can certainly use raisins in this broccoli salad with bacon and cheddar, I strongly prefer dried cranberries. In fact, I kind of LOVE dried cranberries in salads, so it just made so much sense to use them in this fantastic broccoli salad with bacon and cheddar recipe.

Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe | Best Broccoli Salad | Broccoli Salad with Dried Cranberries | Broccoli Salad with Walnuts | Easy Broccoli Salad

Every single ingredient in this recipe is doing a job. There are no fillers in this broccoli salad, and the ingredients list is really just a big list of my all-tim favorite foods, all perfectly mixed-up in one bowl.

Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe | Best Broccoli Salad | Broccoli Salad with Dried Cranberries | Broccoli Salad with Walnuts | Easy Broccoli Salad

I really like making this broccoli salad with bacon and cheddar as a potluck dish because it’s so pretty and colorful.

It’s also great for carry-ins because it’s not prone to get soggy in a hurry. When I’m transporting this dish, I sometimes put my crumbled bacon in a plastic bag and them mix it in right before serving so it’s as crispy as possible.

Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe | Best Broccoli Salad | Broccoli Salad with Dried Cranberries | Broccoli Salad with Walnuts | Easy Broccoli Salad

Oh, and that bacon! I don’t want to skip discussing the fact that the bacon really takes this broccoli salad to a whole new level. Everything is better with bacon, and it really makes this recipe quite special.

I hope you enjoy my tasty broccoli salad with bacon and cheddar recipe!

More Summer Salads

Classic Potato Salad
Loaded Potato Salad
Sweet Coleslaw
Cucumber Tomato Salad
German Cucumber Salad

 

Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe | Best Broccoli Salad | Broccoli Salad with Dried Cranberries | Broccoli Salad with Walnuts | Easy Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad with Bacon & Cheddar Recipe

Yield: 6-8 servings
Additional Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

This sweet and delicious broccoli salad is easy to make and loaded with flavor and crunch.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. broccoli about 4 cups, cut into florets
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar, cut into small cubes
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup real mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl mix together the broccoli, crumbled bacon, onion, cranberries, cheese and the walnuts.
  2. In a small bowl stir together the mayonnaise, vinegar and the sugar. Add to the broccoli mixture and gently stir. Chill and serve.

Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe | Best Broccoli Salad | Broccoli Salad with Dried Cranberries | Broccoli Salad with Walnuts | Easy Broccoli Salad