Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon Recipe

Everyone needs a recipe for the best Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon! This one is stuffed with turkey bacon, cranberry, cheese, sunflower seeds, and tangy homemade dressing. It’s easy to make and is a huge crowd pleaser. This salad is perfect for your summer barbecue or even for serving at Thanksgiving!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of turkey bacon, cranberries, and cheese creates a rich flavor that everyone will love.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making this salad is quick and hassle-free.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish or as a light main course. It fits perfectly into any meal plan.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare this salad in advance, and it stays fresh in the fridge for days!
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and healthy fats from sunflower seeds, this salad offers a guilt-free indulgence.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon, gather these essential tools to ensure smooth preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk
• Baking sheet (for Turkey Bacon)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures precise cutting of broccoli and other ingredients for uniform pieces.
• Whisk: Helps mix dressing ingredients smoothly for an even consistency.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for cooking turkey bacon evenly without mess.

Ingredients

To make the best Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon, you will need the following ingredients:

• 10-11 strips Turkey Bacon (cooked)
• 2 heads broccoli (about 1 and 1/2 pounds or 5-6 cups)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds (roasted and salted)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/3 cup chopped red onion (or more to taste)
• 1 & 1/4 cups Miracle Whip OR mayonnaise
• Zest from 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons white apple vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 & 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Start by making the turkey bacon. I highly recommend baking it in the oven—it’s much easier and avoids splatter. Cook the turkey bacon until crispy to your liking. Once done, set aside on paper towels to cool. After cooling, chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the turkey bacon cooks, mix together the ingredients for the dressing:
* In a large bowl, combine:
– 1 & 1/4 cups Miracle Whip OR mayonnaise
– Zest from 1 lemon
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons white apple vinegar
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 & 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
– 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Whisk all the dressing ingredients together until smooth.

Step 3: Chop the Broccoli

Chop your broccoli using a chef’s knife. Aim for small florets so that every bite is well-balanced. If desired, save the stems by chopping them up and adding them into the salad as well.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add all chopped broccoli into the large bowl with the dressing. Then add:
* 1 cup dried cranberries
* 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
* 1 cup cheddar cheese
* Most of the chopped turkey bacon (reserve some for topping)

Mix everything together until fully coated in dressing.

Step 5: Serve or Chill

This salad can be served at room temperature or chilled. If you choose to chill it first, let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers covered in the fridge! This delicious salad will keep fresh for about five days.

How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon Recipe

Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon is a versatile dish that can be served in various creative ways. The flavors and textures make it an excellent choice for both casual meals and festive gatherings.

As a Side Dish

• Perfect for pairing with grilled meats at summer barbecues.
• Complements hearty main dishes during holiday feasts.

As a Picnic Treat

• Easy to transport and serve cold, making it ideal for picnics.
• Adds a refreshing crunch to your outdoor dining experience.

On a Buffet Table

• A colorful addition to any buffet spread.
• Guests can help themselves, making serving easy and fun.

As Lunch Meal Prep

• Great for meal prep; just pack individual portions in containers.
• Keeps well in the fridge for several days, providing a quick lunch option.

How to Perfect Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon Recipe

For the best results with your Broccoli Salad, consider these helpful tips:

• Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli enhances the salad’s flavor and texture.
• Adjust dressing sweetness: Depending on your taste, feel free to add more or less sugar to the dressing.
• Let it chill: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes improves its flavor as the ingredients meld together.
• Add nuts for crunch: You can incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Experiment with cheese: Try using different types of cheese like feta or gouda for unique flavor profiles.
• Serve immediately or within 5 days: The salad is best enjoyed fresh but will still taste great within 5 days of preparation.

Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon Recipe

When planning your meal, consider these delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with Broccoli Salad:

1. Grilled Chicken: Juicy and flavorful chicken that complements the salad’s crispness.
2. Corn on the Cob: Sweet and buttery corn adds seasonal freshness alongside the salad.
3. Baked Potatoes: A hearty choice that can be topped with sour cream or cheese for added flavor.
4. Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa seasoned with herbs provides an excellent contrast to the creamy salad.
5. Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery bread that pairs well with salads at any gathering.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunchiness and balances out the richness of the turkey bacon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s final outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the broccoli – Cooking broccoli too long can make it mushy. Aim for bright green florets and a slight crunch.
• Using too much dressing – Adding excess dressing can overwhelm the salad. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed for flavor.
• Skipping the chilling time – Not letting the salad chill can prevent flavors from melding. Allow at least 20 minutes in the fridge before serving for best results.
• Not reserving toppings – Forgetting to save some Turkey Bacon or other toppings can make your salad look less appealing. Reserve some ingredients to sprinkle on top just before serving.
• Ignoring ingredient freshness – Using stale nuts or expired cheese can ruin your salad’s taste. Always check ingredient freshness before use.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Ensure it has cooled down to room temperature before sealing.

Freezing Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon Recipe

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of broccoli and other fresh ingredients once thawed.
• If you must freeze it, consider leaving out crunchy ingredients like sunflower seeds and bacon until after thawing.

Reheating Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring often until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize the Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon Recipe?

You can easily customize this recipe by adding different vegetables or swapping out turkey bacon for another protein like grilled chicken.

How do I ensure my broccoli stays crisp?

Blanching your broccoli briefly in boiling water and then shocking it in ice water can help maintain its crispness.

What other ingredients can I add to my Broccoli Salad?

Consider adding diced apples, bell peppers, or even nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

How long will leftovers last?

The salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about five days. Just keep it covered!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead. Just prepare everything, but hold off on adding toppings until right before serving.

Final Thoughts

The Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for summer barbecues or holiday gatherings alike. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients! Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

This Broccoli Salad with Turkey Bacon is a crowd-pleaser that combines crunchy broccoli, savory turkey bacon, sweet dried cranberries, and creamy dressing for an explosion of flavors. Ideal for summer barbecues or holiday gatherings, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Packed with vitamins and healthy fats from sunflower seeds, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that can be made ahead of time and served cold or at room temperature. Whether as a side dish or a light main course, this versatile salad is sure to impress everyone at your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10–11 strips turkey bacon (cooked)
• 2 heads broccoli (about 1.5 pounds)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup roasted salted sunflower seeds
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup chopped red onion
• Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
• lemon zest
• lemon juice
• apple cider vinegar
• sugar
• kosher salt
• black pepper
• dry mustard
• cayenne pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook the turkey bacon in the oven until crispy; chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth.
3. Chop broccoli into small florets and add to the bowl along with cranberries, sunflower seeds, cheddar cheese, and most of the turkey bacon.
4. Mix thoroughly to coat everything in dressing.
5. Serve immediately or chill for at least 20 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 25mg