Creamy Broccoli Pea Salad with Bacon is a Favorite 🥓

The Best Broccoli Pea Salad for Holidays, Potlucks and BBQs

No dinner table is complete without a salad! When it comes to versatile side dishes that everyone loves, this broccoli pea salad with bacon is at the top of my list. The combination of fresh, crunchy broccoli, sweet green peas, salty bacon, and a creamy, slightly sweet dressing creates the perfect blend of flavors and textures.

This broccoli pea salad recipe is special because it transforms simple ingredients into something truly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a holiday dinner, or need a dish to bring to a potluck, this easy pea salad never disappoints and almost always comes home with an empty bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Pea Salad

• Crunchy + creamy: Fresh broccoli and peas stay crisp while the dressing adds a silky, tangy finish.
• Make-ahead friendly: It tastes even better after it chills, making it stress-free for gatherings.
• Customizable: Add veggies, nuts, or cheese to fit your taste or fridge contents.
• Crowd-pleasing: It pairs well with burgers, chicken, ribs, ham, and holiday spreads.

Curious about the benefits of cruciferous veggies like broccoli? Here’s a high-DA breakdown of the science.

Ingredients for Broccoli Pea Salad with Bacon

This recipe offers so many variations! Use what you have, your favorite veggies, or healthier alternatives for a delicious and satisfying salad.

For the Salad

• Broccoli florets
• Bacon
• Celery
• Red onion
• Frozen green peas
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Sunflower seeds or slivered almonds (optional)
• Dried cranberries (optional)

For the Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Granulated sugar
• White vinegar
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

Vegetable Variations & Healthy Swaps

Vegetable Variations

• Cauliflower: Add 2 cups finely chopped for extra crunch and nutrients.
• Carrots: ½ cup shredded adds color and sweetness.
• Bell peppers: ½ cup diced red pepper adds vibrant crunch.
• Red cabbage: ½ cup shredded for color and texture.
• Kale: Replace half the broccoli with finely chopped kale.
• Brussels sprouts: Thinly sliced raw sprouts add great texture.

Healthier Alternatives

• Mayo substitutes: Replace half or all mayo with Greek yogurt or avocado.
• Sugar alternatives: Honey, maple syrup, or stevia to taste.
• Lower-fat option: Turkey bacon or extra sunflower seeds.
• Dairy-free: Skip cheese or use plant-based alternatives.
• Lower-carb: Use monk fruit sweetener or erythritol.

How to Make Broccoli Pea Salad

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

• Wash broccoli and cut into small bite-sized pieces.
• Finely chop celery and red onion.
• Chop other veggies into similar-sized pieces.
• Thaw peas under cool running water.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

• Microwave: 5–7 minutes between paper towels.
• Oven: 400°F for 15–20 minutes.
• Stovetop: Cook over medium heat until crisp.

Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Whisk mayo, sugar, vinegar, and Parmesan. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add more vinegar for extra tang.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

• Combine broccoli, celery, onion, peas, and any extra veggies.
• Add bacon, cheese, seeds, or dried cranberries.
• Pour dressing over and fold gently.

Chill for at least 2 hours (overnight is best!).

Broccoli Pea Salad FAQs

How do you store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Add extra dressing if the salad dries slightly.

Are peas and broccoli good for you?

Yes! Broccoli provides vitamins C & K and antioxidants, while peas add fiber, protein, and minerals.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes! It’s better after resting 4–24 hours. Add bacon just before serving if you want it extra crisp.

How can I make it healthier?

• Use Greek yogurt for part of the mayo.
• Use monk fruit or maple syrup instead of sugar.
• Use turkey bacon.
• Add more vegetables.
• Include seeds or nuts for healthy fats.

⭐ Reader Reviews

Final Thoughts

This broccoli pea salad has been my go-to recipe for gatherings for years, and I’ve yet to bring home anything but an empty bowl. What I love most about it is its versatility – you can easily adapt it based on what you have in your fridge or your personal preferences.

The key to making this salad truly special is chopping everything into similar-sized pieces and giving it time to chill. The magic happens after it rests in the refrigerator. Don’t skip that part!

More Delicious Salad Recipes

• Healthy Lemon Herb Potato Salad
• Marshmallow Fruit Salad
• Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Burrito
• Ramen Noodle Chinese Chicken Salad
• Caramel Apple Snickers Salad

More Favorite Potluck Recipes

• The Best Classic Coleslaw Recipe
• Easy Jalapeno Cilantro Dip Recipe
• Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe
• Homemade Tortilla Chips with Peach Mango Salsa
• Air Fryer BBQ Baked Beans
• Kings Hawaiian Rolls Copycat Recipe

Broccoli Pea Salad Recipe

The crowd-pleasing broccoli salad combines crisp vegetables, savory bacon, and a creamy homemade dressing for the perfect side dish.

4.59 / 5 ( 36 Reviews )

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 2 hours hours

Total Time: 2 hours hours

Serves: 10

Adjust Servings: 10

US CustomaryMetric

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Measuring cup
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Ingredients

Salad

• 2-3 heads broccoli finely chopped (about 6 cups)
• ¼ cup red onion finely diced
• ½ cup celery finely chopped
• 12-15 ounce package frozen peas thawed
• 1 pound bacon cooked crisp and finely chopped
• ½ cup shredded cheese optional

Dressing

• 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Chop all of the vegetables and cooked bacon into pieces that are pea-sized or slightly smaller. Combine salad ingredients in a large bowl.
• In a medium bowl, whisk dressing ingredients together. Pour dressing over salad. Gently fold the dressing into the salad until evenly coated.
• Let salad chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Recipe Notes

• For best results, make this salad a day ahead to allow flavors to fully develop.
• You can substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise for a lighter version.

Nutrition

Calories: 534kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 45g | Sodium: 615mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 11g