Last Updated on September 8, 2026 by Kimberly Stroh
Looking for the perfect side dish to bring to your next spring or summer gathering? Look no further than this vibrant and crunchy Cranberry Bacon Broccoli Salad! It’s packed with fresh broccoli, sweet dried cranberries, sunflower kernels, savory bacon bits, and a red onion kick, all tossed in a creamy, zesty mayonnaise dressing. This salad offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures—refreshing, tangy, and just a little bit indulgent.
Why We Love Cranberry Bacon Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is a mix of crunchy, and chewy texture with a touch of sweet. Dried Cranberries and red onion add color to the salad. I also love how much color it adds to our table. Whether you make it as a side dish or enjoy it for a meal (like lunches), it’s a vibrant dish. Plus, it’s easy to make the dish ahead of time. Think of spring or summer events because it’s a refreshing salad in warmer weather.
If you love summer salad recipes, I’ve got a few other unique ones to try! I love this Leftover Ham Layered Salad that’s served in a trifle bowl. Another great option is this Layered Bacon Cornbread Salad – it’s a Southern classic.
Cranberry Broccoli Salad Ingredients:
- Broccoli: I purchase the tiny florets that are already bite-sized and washed.
- Dried Cranberries: Also known as Craisins.
- Bacon Bits: Feel free to use fresh crumbled cooked bacon.
- Sunflower Kernels: Not sunflower seeds that need to be removed from shell.
- Red Onion: Adds color and crunch, but can be omitted.
- Mayonnaise
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy flavor
- Sugar: Cuts any bitter taste from broccoli
- Salt and Pepper
Watch Me Make Cranberry Bacon Broccoli Salad
Can You Make Broccoli Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! Cranberry Bacon Broccoli Salad is an excellent make-ahead side dish.
- Prepare the salad several hours before serving.
- Refrigerate it for at least one hour before serving.
- Making it the night before allows the flavors to blend together.
- Keep the salad covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it.
- Stir the salad before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Keep the salad chilled if serving it at an outdoor event.
The broccoli will stay crunchy while absorbing some of the creamy dressing’s flavor.
When to Serve Cranberry Bacon Broccoli Salad
- Spring gatherings
- Summer cookouts
- Backyard barbecues
- Family reunions
- Potlucks
- Picnics
- Easter dinners
- Mother’s Day celebrations
- Graduation parties
- Holiday meals
- Weeknight dinners
Because the recipe is served cold, it is particularly convenient when you need a side dish that can be prepared before guests arrive.
How To Store Leftovers
Transfer the salad leftovers to an airtight food storage container. Keep the salad refrigerated. For the best freshness, enjoy within 3-4 days of making it. Serve cold. Do not freeze the salad. The mayonnaise might absorb into the broccoli a bit. That’s ok!
Cranberry Bacon Broccoli Salad Must Stay Refrigerated
Mayonnaise-based salads pose a risk during the summer due to their potential to harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria when left unrefrigerated. The creamy texture of mayonnaise provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth, especially in warm weather.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against leaving such salads at room temperature for extended periods. It’s essential to keep these salads chilled and discard any leftovers that have been out for more than two hours to ensure food safety.
Consider using a chilled salad bowl to keep the salad at a refrigerated temperature if you’re serving it outdoors, during the summer. Keep the salad cold and immediately refrigerate leftovers!
Recipe Variations
There are so many different ways to make a broccoli salad. Measure the ingredients with your heart. If you like more bacon, for protein, add more. I’ve also seen variations of the salad with slivered almonds or raisins. It’s such a great crunchy salad and there are so many great crunchy topping options to use.
More Side Dish Salads That I Love:
How To Make Cranberry Bacon Broccoli Salad
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon bits, dried cranberries, red onion and sunflower kernels. Mix well and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar. Add the salt and pepper to taste. Whisk well.
Pour the salad dressing over the broccoli mixture. Mix well until combined. Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving.
Cranberry Bacon Broccoli Salad
A creamy, crunchy broccoli salad made with fresh broccoli, dried cranberries, savory bacon, sunflower kernels, and red onion tossed in a tangy homemade dressing. This easy make-ahead side dish is perfect for potlucks, cookouts, holidays, and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 Cups Broccoli Florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/3 Red Onion, diced
- 1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries
- 1/4 Cup Sunflower Seeds
- 1/2 Cup Bacon Bits
For The Dressing:
- 1 Cup Mayonnaise
- 3 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- Salt and Pepper To Taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon bits, dried cranberries, red onion and sunflower kernels. Mix well and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar. Add the salt and pepper to taste. Whisk well.
- Pour the salad dressing over the broccoli mixture. Mix well until combined. Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving.
Notes
- Refrigerate any leftovers. For the best freshness, enjoy the salad within 3-4 days of making it.
- Do not keep the salad out in the heat. Ensure the salad is always served chilled.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 274Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 513mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 5gSugar: 10gProtein: 6g
**Nutrition is calculated by a third party. Actual values may vary.