Loaded Broccoli Salad

By Leslie Blythe Bacon, Salad, Salad Dressing Mixing

June 22, 2025

Loaded Broccoli Salad is a combination of crunchy textures, sharp cheddar cheese, green onions, creamy dressing and topped with crumbled bacon. The star here is, of course, the raw broccoli florets. When cut into bite-sized pieces, they provide a crisp, fresh base with a satisfying crunch. It's your go-to side for those sizzling summer BBQs.

Prep: 25 mins
Yields: 6 Servings

Ingredients

3 slices bacon

¼ cup sour cream

¼ cup mayonnaise

4 teaspoons rice vinegar or cider vinegar

¼ teaspoon ground pepper

4 cups chopped broccoli

½ cup scallions, sliced

½ cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese

Directions

1Cook 3 slices of bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat. Chop the bacon when cool enough to handle.

2Whisk ¼ cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 4 teaspoons vinegar, ¼ teaspoon pepper and the reserved bacon fat together in a large bowl. Add 4 cups broccoli, ½ cup scallions, ½ cup cheese and the chopped bacon. Stir to coat with the dressing.

To make ahead

1Assemble the salad and dressing a day ahead and store in separate airtight containers.

Recipe from Eating Well.

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