Martie's Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese - A Perfect Potluck Recipe

This classic broccoli salad recipe comes from my sister-in-law Martie, who often brings it to family gatherings and potlucks. It combines fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, sweet grapes, creamy cheese, crunchy almonds and a zesty dressing for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. While full of goodness, it's easy to whip together. The salad holds up well when made ahead since the broccoli soaks up all the tasty dressing. Here is Martie's go-to potluck recipe for a broccoli salad everyone will love.

Chop the Broccoli

Cut about 6 cups of bite-sized broccoli florets from a head of fresh broccoli. Aim for pieces that are small enough to easily spear with a fork for eating. Add broccoli to a large bowl.

Cook and Crumble Bacon

Chop 6 slices bacon into 1-inch pieces. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, then crumble the cooked bacon over the broccoli.

Add Remaining Ingredients

Martie's mix-ins are:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1⁄2 cup sliced almonds
- 1⁄4 cup diced red onion

Whisk Up Zesty Dressing

In a small bowl, combine:
- 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
- 1⁄4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1⁄2 tsp celery seed
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp pepper
Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Toss and Chill

Pour dressing over broccoli mixture and toss gently until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with extra cheddar and crumbled bacon. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Martie's broccoli salad is a simple yet flavorful recipe that's perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings. The contrasting flavors and textures make it a huge hit!

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked bacon?

Yes, pre-cooked bacon pieces will save time.

How far ahead can I make this?

You can prepare the salad up to 1 day in advance before serving.

Can I double this recipe for a potluck?

Yes, it can easily be doubled for a large gathering.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but any shredded cheese works.

Can I leave out an ingredient?

Everything adds great flavor and texture, but onions or grapes can be omitted.

With its sweet, crunchy, savory flavors, this crowd-pleasing broccoli salad is a staple at potlucks. The easy prep is a bonus!