Broccoli Pea Salad Recipe With Bacon

Broccoli Salad Recipe

When it comes to versatile side dishes that everyone loves, this broccoli salad is at the top of my list. The combination of fresh, crunchy broccoli, salty bacon, and a creamy, slightly sweet dressing creates a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

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

Ingredients to Make Broccoli Bacon Salad

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

Want to mix things up? Try these delicious vegetable add-ins or substitutions:

• Cauliflower: Add 2 cups finely chopped cauliflower for extra crunch and nutrients
• Carrots: ½ cup shredded carrots add beautiful color and sweetness
• Bell peppers: ½ cup diced red bell pepper brings vibrant color and a crisp texture
• Red cabbage: ½ cup shredded for beautiful color and additional crunch
• Kale: Replace up to half the broccoli with finely chopped kale for a nutrition boost
• Brussels sprouts: Thinly sliced raw Brussels sprouts make a great addition

Healthier Alternatives

• Mayo substitutes: Replace half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a lighter dressing
• Sugar alternatives: Use honey, maple syrup, or stevia to taste instead of granulated sugar
• Lower-fat option: Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, or omit it entirely and add extra sunflower seeds for crunch
• Dairy-free version: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative
• Lower-carb option: Use a natural sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol

How to Make Broccoli Pea Salad for Your Next Potluck

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

• Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut into small, bite-sized pieces about the size of a pea.
• Finely chop the celery and red onion.
• If using cauliflower or other vegetables, chop them into pieces of a similar size as the broccoli.
• Thaw frozen peas by placing them in a colander and running cool water over them for about a minute.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Cook bacon until crisp using your preferred method:

• Microwave: Layer paper towels on a plate, arrange bacon in a single layer, cover with another paper towel, and microwave for 5-7 minutes.
• Oven: Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes on a lined baking sheet.
• Stovetop: Cook in a skillet over medium heat until crisp.

Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and grated Parmesan cheese in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a tangier dressing, add an extra teaspoon of vinegar.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

• In a large bowl (at least 4-quart capacity), combine the chopped broccoli, celery, onion, peas, and any other vegetables you use.
• Add the bacon and any optional ingredients like cheese, sunflower seeds, or dried cranberries.
• Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
• Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften slightly. Give it a quick stir before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you store leftovers?

Store any leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The salad is often even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to develop.

If the salad seems dry after being stored, you can mix in a small amount of additional dressing made from 2 parts mayo to 1 part vinegar.

Are peas and broccoli good for you?

Absolutely! Broccoli is packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants that support immune health and have anti-inflammatory properties. Peas are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like iron and magnesium.

Together, these vegetables provide numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, heart health support, and powerful antioxidant protection.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. For best results, prepare it 4-24 hours before serving.

If making more than a day ahead, keep the bacon separate and add it just before serving to maintain its crispness.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

• Substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise for a lighter dressing with added protein.
• Replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup, using about half the amount.
• Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce fat content.
• Add more vegetables, like grated carrots or diced bell peppers, for extra nutrients.
• Include seeds or nuts for healthy fats and additional protein.

Final Thoughts

This broccoli 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 before serving. The magic happens when all those flavors meld together in the refrigerator. Don’t skip that step! Whether you make it exactly as written or add your own twist, this broccoli salad is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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 Hawiian 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