10-Minute Broccoli Bacon Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing (No Mayo!)

This easy broccoli bacon salad features crisp veggies, savory bacon, and a tangy honey mustard dressing—no mayo required! Perfect for meal prep and ready in just 10 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Bacon Salad

This refreshing salad combines crunchy raw broccoli with savory bacon and a honey mustard dressing that’s lighter than traditional mayo versions. It stores beautifully for days, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks. The sweet and tangy flavors complement the crisp textures, while the customizable mix-ins let you make it your own. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients but tastes indulgent enough that even veggie skeptics will ask for seconds!

Broccoli Bacon Salad Ingredients

• For the salad:
  • 2 large broccoli heads, cut into small florets
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• For the honey mustard dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Tools Used to Make Broccoli Bacon Salad

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl for dressing
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk for mixing dressing
• Airtight container for storage

How to Make Broccoli Bacon Salad

1. Cook the bacon: Cook bacon until crispy in your preferred method (oven, stovetop, or air fryer). Drain on paper towels and crumble when cool.
2. Prepare the broccoli: Cut broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. If you prefer slightly softer broccoli, blanch it in boiling water for 60 seconds, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly thickened.
4. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and toasted almonds.
5. Add dressing and serve: Pour the honey mustard dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Variations of Broccoli Bacon Salad

• Cheesy version: Add 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar or crumbled feta cheese
• Protein-packed: Mix in diced grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs
• Vegetarian option: Skip the bacon and add smoked almonds or roasted chickpeas for savory crunch
• Fresh fruit twist: Add diced apple or pear for extra sweetness and texture
• Mediterranean style: Incorporate olives, cucumber, and feta with a lemon-olive oil dressing

Serving Broccoli Bacon Salad

This versatile salad makes an excellent side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, or burgers. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks since it doesn’t contain mayo and travels well. For a complete meal, serve it alongside rotisserie chicken or enjoy it as a light lunch with a slice of homemade bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does broccoli bacon salad last in the refrigerator? This salad stays fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after a day as the broccoli absorbs the dressing.

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, but I recommend adding the bacon and seeds just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Is broccoli bacon salad healthy? Yes! This version uses a honey mustard dressing instead of mayo, making it lighter while still delicious. Broccoli is packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. The nuts and seeds add healthy fats and protein.

Can I use frozen broccoli? Fresh broccoli works best for this salad as it provides the perfect crunch. Frozen broccoli tends to become too soft when thawed and won’t hold up well with the dressing.

How can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan? For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits. For a vegan version, also substitute the honey with maple syrup in the dressing.

Final Thoughts

This broccoli bacon salad with honey mustard dressing offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Make it today for an easy, delicious side dish that everyone will love!

More Recipes to Try!

• Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Potato Salad
• Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
• California Turkey Club Wraps
• Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble
• Whipped Ricotta Hot Honey Dip
• Breakfast Grilled Cheese
• Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites
• Lemon Blueberry Trifle
• Funnel Cake Bites

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