Creamy Broccoli Ranch Salad Recipe | Crunchy Side Dish with Bacon & Cheddar

Creamy broccoli ranch salad with bacon, cheddar, and sunflower seeds in a white bowl.
Creamy Broccoli Ranch Salad—crunchy, cheesy, and tossed in tangy ranch dressing.
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Introduction to Creamy Broccoli Ranch Salad

Creamy Broccoli Ranch Salad is a beloved side dish that brings together fresh vegetables, savory toppings, and a tangy dressing in one irresistible bowl. Known for its vibrant crunch and creamy texture, this salad is a staple at potlucks, backyard BBQs, and casual weeknight dinners. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly—thanks to its crowd-pleasing flavor and satisfying bite.

The salad’s flavor profile is a delightful mix of creamy ranch dressing, sharp cheddar cheese, smoky bacon bits, and crisp broccoli florets. Red onion adds a subtle zing, while sunflower seeds or almonds offer a nutty crunch. Whether served chilled or freshly tossed, it’s a refreshing contrast to grilled meats or hearty mains. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a go-to favorite for hosts and home cooks alike.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

This salad is a lifesaver when you need something quick, tasty, and universally loved. It comes together in minutes—especially if you use pre-chopped broccoli and store-bought ranch. No cooking skills required, just a few simple steps and a big mixing bowl.

It’s budget-friendly and endlessly customizable. Swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or tailor it to dietary needs. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or feeding a crowd, this salad holds up beautifully in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.

Perfect for gatherings, it complements grilled meats, sandwiches, or even stands alone as a light lunch. The creamy dressing clings to every bite, while the fresh crunch of broccoli and savory toppings keep it exciting. Tip: The key to its magic is balancing the rich dressing with crisp veggies—so don’t skimp on the broccoli!

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make this salad shine:

Core Ingredients:

  • Fresh broccoli florets – the star of the dish, offering crunch and nutrition
  • Ranch dressing – creamy and tangy; use homemade or store-bought
  • Shredded cheddar cheese – adds sharpness and richness
  • Bacon bits – smoky, salty, and irresistible
  • Red onion – for a touch of zing and color
  • Sunflower seeds or almonds (optional) – for extra crunch and nuttiness

Optional Add-ins:

  • Dried cranberries – a sweet contrast to the savory elements
  • Cauliflower – mix with broccoli for variety
  • Cherry tomatoes – juicy bursts of flavor
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream – mix into the dressing for added tang

Tip: Save time by using pre-chopped broccoli or a broccoli slaw mix. You can also prep ingredients ahead and toss them together when ready to serve. This salad is forgiving—feel free to experiment with textures and flavors to suit your taste.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Ranch Salad

Making this salad is simple and satisfying. Follow these steps for a perfect bowl every time:

  1. Prep the broccoli: Wash thoroughly and chop into bite-sized florets. If using pre-chopped broccoli, give it a quick rinse and pat dry.
  2. Cook the bacon: Fry until crispy, then crumble or chop into small bits. You can also use store-bought bacon bits for convenience.
  3. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra tang. Stir until smooth.
  4. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, diced red onion, and sunflower seeds or almonds.
  5. Toss with dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until everything is evenly coated. Make sure the broccoli is well dressed for maximum flavor.
  6. Chill before serving: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up.

Optional: Add dried cranberries, cherry tomatoes, or cauliflower for extra color and taste. Repeat ingredient names only when needed for clarity.

Tip: For best results, serve chilled and garnish with a sprinkle of extra cheese or seeds just before serving. This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.

Variations & Substitutions

This salad is endlessly adaptable. Here are some ways to tweak it:

  • Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add roasted chickpeas, smoked tofu, or crunchy nuts for protein and texture.
  • Dairy-free: Use vegan ranch and dairy-free shredded cheese. Many plant-based options taste just as creamy and satisfying.
  • Low-carb: Omit dried cranberries and cherry tomatoes. Choose a sugar-free ranch dressing to keep carbs in check.
  • Add protein: Make it a full meal by tossing in grilled chicken strips, hard-boiled eggs, or marinated tofu cubes.
  • Flavor twist: Brighten the dressing with a splash of apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice. This adds acidity and depth to the creamy base.

You can also swap cheddar for feta or pepper jack, or use a broccoli-cauliflower blend for more variety. The key is balancing creamy, crunchy, and tangy elements to suit your preferences.

Creamy broccoli ranch salad with bacon, cheddar, and sunflower seeds in a white bowl.

Creamy Broccoli Ranch Salad Recipe | Crunchy Side Dish with Bacon & Cheddar

This Creamy Broccoli Ranch Salad is a fresh, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or easy weeknight dinners. Crisp broccoli florets are tossed with shredded cheddar, crispy bacon, red onion, and sunflower seeds, all coated in a creamy homemade ranch dressing. It’s crunchy, savory, and just the right amount of tangy—an irresistible way to enjoy your greens. Make it ahead for even better flavor and texture!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl (for dressing)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Skillet (if cooking bacon)
  • Airtight container (for storage)

Ingredients
  

Core:

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • ½ cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds or sliced almonds (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped cauliflower
  • ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream (for tang)

Instructions
 

  • Prep broccoli: Wash and chop into bite-sized florets.
  • Cook bacon: Fry until crispy, then crumble. Let cool.
  • Mix dressing: In a small bowl, stir ranch with yogurt or sour cream if using.
  • Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, add broccoli, cheese, bacon, onion, and seeds.
  • Toss with dressing: Pour dressing over salad and mix until evenly coated.
  • Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use pre-chopped broccoli or broccoli slaw to save time.
  • For vegetarian version, skip bacon and add roasted chickpeas or nuts.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for brightness.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add crunchy toppings just before serving.
  • Avoid freezing—texture will suffer.
Keyword bacon salad, Broccoli salad, creamy salad, potluck side, ranch salad, summer salad