Broccoli and bacon along with cheese, nuts and berries make this quick sweet summer salad a big hit with any size gathering.

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A salad that is hearty enough to be a meal is one of my favorite things to enjoy on a warm summer evening. Satisfying, yet simple—sounds like a perfect combination to me.

Love broccoli? Then you won’t want to miss my recipe for Broccoli & Spinach Vegetable Lasagna, it is sooo good!

I am all about quick and easy dishes, and this one definitely falls into that category! It is also gluten-free, which makes it a great crowd-pleaser.

It is a perfect salad to bring with you to a party or gathering because it travels very well. It doesn’t need to be reheated or fussed with…just grab it out of the fridge and off you go.

Looking for a refreshing summer cocktail to accompany this amazing broccoli salad? Give this watermelon mint mojito a try. It’s so good!

Broccoli Bacon Sweet Salad

All you have to do is chop up your ingredients, toss them together, and chill. It’s so easy!

Ingredients:

2 lbs broccoli, chopped
10 slices of bacon, cooked
6 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
3 tbsp white vinegar
3/4 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup sugar

I suggest using a good pair of kitchen shears to help make your chopping simple. I love cutting cooked bacon with my kitchen shears because it is a gazillion times easier than using a knife. They especially work well making sure the broccoli is bite-sized.

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the broccoli, red onions, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Stir in the cranberries and walnuts.

In a separate bowl, whip together the mayo, sugar, and vinegar until it is a smooth, runny consistency. Pour the mayo dressing over the broccoli and mix together. Cover tightly and refrigerate. 

I do recommend that this salad sits in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving it. I usually make it the day before I serve it and that gives all the flavors time to come together nicely.

For other great salad recipes, check out:

Antipasto Pasta Salad

Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Greek Salad Sticks

I know you’re going to love this quick and easy sweet broccoli salad with bacon, cheese, red onion, walnuts, and cranberries as much as I do.

Did you give this broccoli salad a try? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.