The perfect balance of healthy vegetables, salty bacon, sweet raisins, and creamy mayo, this Broccoli Bacon Salad is the best side dish all year long!
I know what you’re thinking. “Karin, isn’t broccoli salad strictly a summertime recipe?” I hear you, I really do. After all, nothing says picnic or barbecue like a good broccoli salad. However, I don’t like to be limited in life – especially when it comes to foods. Therefore, I’m making the stand that broccoli salad can and should be made at any time, and I’m sharing this amazing whole30 Broccoli Bacon salad to get you on board too.
Plus, when made in the colder months (October through April) broccoli is actually in-season in the United States. This means that it will be cheaper and even more delicious. Take a look at this chart to find which fruits and vegetables are in season right now.
We all know that life often involves a variety of festivities, and from birthday parties, date nights, weddings, graduations, reunions, and everything in between, it’s almost always a guarantee that there will be food. However, navigating a Whole30 lifestyle through these events isn’t always easy. So, in an effort not to miss out on any of life’s fun, I’ve worked to take some of my favorite common recipes such as Buffalo Chicken Salad, Egg Salad, and Perfect Baked Meatballs and tweaked them to be Whole30 compliant and every bit as delicious as the original recipes.
For example, this hearty Broccoli Bacon Salad has the saltiness of bacon, the sweetness of raisins, and creaminess from mayo to create a wonderfully delicious and easy side dish for any get together. While I created this recipe, I believe in giving credit where credit is due. So, in all honesty, this recipe is inspired by CookEatPaleo’s Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Her version is delicious as well!
To make this recipe, start by cooking the bacon. Then, dice your red onions and chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Next, combine the onions, vinegar, and a good pinch of salt in the bottom of a large bowl. Stir in the mayonnaise.
Finally, add the remaining ingredients to the bowl, and toss thoroughly making sure everything is well-coated with mayonnaise and the seasonings are well-distributed. Lastly, taste your salad and add salt and pepper to taste.
Tips for Serving Broccoli Bacon Salad:
While this Broccoli Bacon Salad is great all the time, I will admit it’s even better after it has been chilled for a few hours! Therefore, I recommend making it well ahead of time or even the night before an event.
Not sure what to pair with Broccoli Bacon Salad? This recipe is great for summer cookouts paired with barbecue sandwiches, grilled chicken, or even burgers! If you’re looking for more of a weeknight recipe, I love to serve this salad alongside pork chops, baked chicken, or even shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions:
u003cbru003eHow long can I keep Broccoli Bacon Salad?
Broccoli Bacon Salad is best served within 24 hours of being made. However, if stored in an airtight container, this recipe will stay good to eat in the fridge for 3-5 days.
u003cbru003eIs Broccoli Salad served raw?
While most Broccoli Bacon Salads use raw broccoli, you can absolutely cook it before adding it to your recipe. This will make it easier to digest without altering the taste. However, be careful not to overcook your broccoli. If possible, you want to keep a nice crunch to the vegetable. Therefore, I recommend lightly steaming your broccoli if you want to cook it before use in this salad. Check out this u003ca href=u0022https://www.crunchycreamysweet.com/how-to-steam-broccoli/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003elinku003c/au003e if you need help steaming!
u003cbru003eCan Broccoli Salad be frozen?
Broccoli Bacon Salad can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months! However, it can be a bit tricky. To ensure your salad doesn’t go soggy follow these steps: u003cbru003eu003cbru003e1. Pre-freeze your Broccoli Bacon Salad. Spread the mixture over a parchment-lined baking sheet, and pop it in the freezer for a few hours.u003cbru003e2. Place the mixture in an airtight container. u003cbru003e3. Store it in the fridge for up to 6 months.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThe great part about Broccoli Bacon Salad is that it is served cold. So, you don’t have to go through the trouble of trying to reheat mayonnaise and other temperature sensitive ingredients!
u003cbru003eCan I use something other than mayonnaise in Broccoli Bacon Salad?
The mayonnaise in Broccoli Bacon Salad can absolutely be substituted! If you want a similar flavor, opt for a plain Greek yogurt instead. Or, feel free to substitute your favorite salad dressings instead.
u003cbru003eCan I use something other than Bacon in Broccoli Salad?
While this recipe won’t technically be Broccoli Bacon Salad, the bacon in this recipe can be substituted for a number of ingredients including: u003cbru003eu003cbru003eTurkey or soy bacon u003cbru003eCoconut baconu003cbru003eSalted nutsu003cbru003eShallotsu003cbru003eAnything you prefer!u003cbru003eu003cbru003eFeel free to get creative with this recipe. You can absolutely omit the bacon altogether. Yet, if you’re looking to substitute it instead, remember to opt for crunchy, slightly salty foods. The options are endless!
So, there ya have it! The BEST and easiest Broccoli Bacon Salad ever! This recipe is a go-to of mine all year long. Even better, my boys like it, too! What recipes are your go-to’s for summer barbecues, holidays, weeknights, and everything in between? Let me know in the comments below!
Also, I’d love it if you made this recipe! Be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!
In the meantime, enjoy!
Karin
P.S. This page may contain affiliate links. Of course, you’re not obligated to use them, but I appreciate the love if you do!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Red onion diced
- 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup Mayo (Whole30 compliant. I use Primal Kitchen's)
- 1 head Broccoli cut into bite size florets
- 8 slices Whole30 compliant bacon. I used Pedersons cooked and cut into small pieces) Make it easy on yourself and bake it! No mess and easy to save the fat for later recipes. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes (rotating halfway through)
- ½ cup Golden raisins
- ¼ cup Chopped walnuts
- Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. I used about 1/2t salt and 1/4t freshly ground pepper.
Instructions
- Combine onions, vinegar and a good pinch of salt in bottom of large bowl. Stir in mayonnaise.
- Add remaining ingredients and toss. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Enjoy!
