Dinner

Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Raisins, and Pecans Recipe

ByJulian Dempsey December 13, 2025December 13, 2025

Introduction

This Broccoli Salad is a classic summer potluck favorite! It combines fresh broccoli with chewy raisins, crunchy pecans, crispy bacon, and more, all tossed in a creamy and tangy homemade dressing. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or as a refreshing side.

A white bowl filled with a broccoli salad that has vibrant green broccoli florets as the main layer, mixed with small pieces of brown walnuts and darker raisins scattered throughout; the salad also includes finely chopped light pink onions and creamy dressing coating the ingredients, giving a slightly shiny texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface next to a textured beige fabric placemat, with a dark brown wooden-handled utensil nearby. Some sunflower seeds and small bits of reddish-brown crispy pieces are scattered around the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups mayonnaise (olive oil based preferred)
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon each)
1 (12 oz) package bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
2 pounds broccoli, chopped into small bite-sized pieces (about 2–3 heads)
½ small red onion, finely diced
¾ cup raisins
¼ cup shelled sunflower seeds
½ cup pecans, roughly chopped

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Add the cooked bacon, chopped broccoli, red onion, raisins, sunflower seeds, and pecans to the bowl.
Step 3: Stir the ingredients gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Cover the bowl and chill for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.
Step 5: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then enjoy your fresh broccoli salad!

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, remove most of the broccoli stems and chop the florets into small, bite-sized pieces.
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
Use light mayonnaise to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
Add shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.

Storage

Store broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir gently before serving again. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and does not freeze well.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white bowl with black square patterns filled with a broccoli salad. The salad has three main layers: bright green broccoli florets with a bumpy texture, small pieces of pinkish bacon scattered throughout, and creamy white dressing coating the ingredients lightly. The bowl is held by a woman's hand at the bottom right corner, all placed against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, the salad tastes even better after chilling for at least one hour. You can prepare it the day before serving and keep it refrigerated.

Can I substitute the bacon with a vegetarian option?

Absolutely, you can omit the bacon or use plant-based bacon alternatives or toasted sunflower seeds for a smoky crunch.