This Labor Day Loaded Broccoli Salad is a fresh, colorful, and flavor-packed side dish perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or any festive gathering. Crisp broccoli florets mingle with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ⅓ cup sunflower seeds (hulled, unsalted or lightly salted)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the broccoli: Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli florets. Chop them into small, bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
2. Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then crumble once cooled.
3. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add broccoli, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
5. Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.
6. Chill before serving: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve: Give the salad a final toss before serving and enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 295
• Total Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 32mg
• Sodium: 395mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 14g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 9g

Nutritional Value of Broccoli in the Salad

Broccoli is the backbone of this loaded salad, providing a host of health benefits alongside its satisfying crunch. Rich in vitamins C and K, broccoli supports immune health and bone strength while offering dietary fiber to promote healthy digestion. It’s also a low-calorie vegetable that delivers antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and support overall wellness. In this recipe, broccoli’s raw texture brings a fresh, crisp bite that pairs well with the creamy dressing, making it both nutritious and delicious. Its ability to retain nutrients when served raw gives this salad a nutritional edge over cooked vegetable dishes.

Role of Bacon in Flavor Enhancement

Bacon brings an irresistible smoky, salty element to the salad, elevating its overall flavor profile. When crumbled and mixed with the other ingredients, bacon provides small bursts of savory richness that contrast beautifully with the freshness of the broccoli and the sweetness of the cranberries. Its crunchy texture also adds variety, ensuring every bite has a satisfying mix of components. While bacon is high in fat and sodium, using it in moderation allows you to enjoy its bold flavor without overwhelming the dish or compromising too much on healthiness.

Cheddar Cheese as a Creamy, Tangy Accent

Sharp cheddar cheese is a key contributor to the salad’s richness, offering a tangy, slightly nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients. The cheddar’s creaminess balances the crispness of the vegetables, while its bold taste stands up well to the dressing. Using shredded cheddar ensures that every bite has a little cheese without making the salad heavy. Additionally, cheddar provides calcium and protein, adding nutritional value to the dish. Choosing a sharp or extra-sharp variety intensifies the flavor, allowing you to use less while still achieving the same taste impact.

Sweet and Tart Balance from Dried Cranberries

Dried cranberries introduce a sweet and tangy element that balances the savory flavors of bacon and cheese. Their chewy texture contrasts with the crunch of the broccoli and sunflower seeds, creating a dynamic mouthfeel. Aside from flavor, cranberries offer antioxidants and natural compounds that support urinary tract health. They also contribute natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugars in the dressing. The bright red color of cranberries enhances the salad’s visual appeal, making it more inviting for guests during festive occasions.

Crunch and Nutrition from Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds bring a toasty crunch and nutty flavor that rounds out the salad’s texture profile. These seeds are packed with vitamin E, healthy fats, and protein, contributing to heart health and satiety. They also provide trace minerals like magnesium and selenium, which support immune function and metabolic health. Lightly salted sunflower seeds add a subtle seasoning boost, while unsalted ones allow you to control the overall sodium content. Their small size ensures they distribute evenly throughout the salad, so every bite offers a bit of nutty crunch.

The Dressing as a Flavor Binder

The creamy dressing in this salad acts as the unifying element, coating each ingredient with tangy-sweet flavor. Made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey, it combines creaminess with acidity and a touch of sweetness for a balanced taste. The apple cider vinegar adds brightness, preventing the salad from feeling heavy, while honey provides a gentle sweetness that ties together the savory and tart components. The dressing not only enhances taste but also improves texture by softening the broccoli slightly while still maintaining its crunch.

Make-Ahead Convenience for Events

One of the best features of this salad is its make-ahead nature, making it ideal for busy holiday gatherings like Labor Day. Preparing the salad in advance allows the flavors to meld, creating a richer, more cohesive taste. The dressing can be mixed and stored separately from the vegetables until just before serving to maintain maximum crunch. This also makes it easier to transport the salad for potlucks or picnics, as it can be assembled quickly on-site. The convenience factor ensures you can enjoy your event without being stuck in the kitchen.

Customizing for Dietary Preferences

This loaded broccoli salad is highly adaptable for various dietary needs and preferences. For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt or a yogurt-mayo blend for the dressing base to reduce calories and fat. Vegetarians can omit the bacon or replace it with plant-based bacon alternatives, while dairy-free eaters can swap cheddar with vegan cheese shreds. Those looking to lower sugar content can use unsweetened dried cranberries or skip them entirely, adding extra seeds or nuts for sweetness-free crunch. These adjustments make the salad versatile for diverse crowds.

Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or fish, making it a perfect side dish for barbecue gatherings. It also complements lighter mains like sandwiches, wraps, or roasted vegetable platters. For a vegetarian-friendly meal, serve it alongside quinoa or lentil dishes to boost protein content. The salad’s tangy and savory notes balance out richer, heavier entrees, while its freshness refreshes the palate. For drinks, a crisp iced tea or sparkling lemonade enhances the salad’s bright flavors without overpowering them.

Storage and Freshness Tips

To keep the salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It generally stays good for up to three days, though the broccoli may lose some crunch after the first day. If making ahead, store the dressing separately and combine it with the other ingredients just before serving to preserve texture. Leftovers can be revitalized with a sprinkle of fresh sunflower seeds or a drizzle of extra dressing. Avoid freezing this salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and the vegetables may become mushy.

Conclusion

The Labor Day Loaded Broccoli Salad is more than just a side dish it’s a vibrant mix of flavors, textures, and nutrients that can fit seamlessly into both casual and festive occasions. With its balance of crisp vegetables, creamy dressing, smoky bacon, and tangy-sweet accents, it offers something for every palate. Its adaptability for different diets, make-ahead convenience, and pairing versatility make it a reliable go-to recipe for holiday celebrations and beyond.