Description
A make-ahead, crowd-pleasing broccoli salad featuring crunchy florets, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and sweet grapes in a tangy ranch dressing. It tastes better the next day and is perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head broccoli (chopped into bite-sized florets, approx. 6–7 cups)
- 8–10 slices thick-cut bacon (cooked, cooled, and crumbled)
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 medium red onion (finely diced)
- 1 cup red seedless grapes (halved)
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 packet (0.7 oz) ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Wash the broccoli thoroughly and chop into bite-sized florets. Peel and slice thick stems if desired. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (4-6 minutes per side). Transfer to paper towels to drain grease. Let cool completely, then crumble.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, white vinegar, and sugar until smooth. Taste and adjust if needed.
- Add the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, halved grapes, and golden raisins to the bowl with the broccoli.
- Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly until everything is coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow flavors to meld and broccoli to soften slightly.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss. Adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with extra bacon bits if desired.
Notes
Do not use frozen broccoli as it becomes soggy. Shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent the dressing from coating properly. Ensure bacon is fully cooled and drained to prevent wilting the broccoli. For meal prep, store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Do not freeze this salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 10
Keywords: broccoli salad, ranch salad, holiday side dish, make-ahead salad, budget-friendly recipes, bacon salad, creamy salad, Thanksgiving sides, Christmas sides