The Ultimate Easy Bacon Cashew Broccoli Salad Recipe: Your Go-To Summer Side Dish
This easy and light bacon cashew broccoli salad is truly the best, overflowing with incredibly fresh and vibrant flavors you’re destined to adore! Experience a delightful crunch complemented by a hint of sweetness in this hearty and healthy salad. It brings together the rich, nutty goodness of cashews, the crisp, fresh taste of broccoli, the subtle sweetness of raisins (or Craisins!), and the irresistible savory crunch of bacon. All these fantastic ingredients are generously tossed in a subtly sweet and tangy homemade dressing, coming together effortlessly in mere minutes. It’s the perfect easy side dish for any meal, or substantial enough to be enjoyed as a light and satisfying main course all on its own!
If you’ve been searching for a recipe that’s refreshingly light, incredibly healthy, effortlessly easy to prepare, and absolutely perfect for the summer season, then this bacon cashew broccoli salad recipe is precisely what you need. It’s wonderfully versatile – equally enjoyable as a vibrant dish on its own or as a spectacular pairing with your favorite main course. This simple broccoli and cashew salad bursts with an amazing spectrum of flavors, making it ideal not only for those long, warmer days but also serving as a fantastic and colorful side dish during holiday gatherings when you want something fresh amidst heavier fare.
A true crowd-pleaser and a classic addition to any spread, this salad is perfect for outdoor BBQs, casual weeknight dinners, quick and satisfying lunches, and so much more. Its super versatile nature and ease of preparation make it a go-to choice, especially on summer days when you prefer to keep your cooking minimal and stress-free. The exquisite sweet and salty flavors derived from the savory bacon, sweet dried fruits, and a perfectly balanced dressing create an unforgettable taste profile that truly makes this vegetable salad recipe stand out. Who could resist a raw broccoli salad brimming with an ideal amount of crunch and an incredible depth of flavor?
Why You’re Going to Love This Broccoli Salad
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe truly lives up to its “easy” title, making it absolutely perfect for those times when you’re craving something delicious without dedicating hours in the kitchen. When you need to whip up a standout salad for your next potluck, family dinner, or quick lunch, this simple broccoli salad is an absolute lifesaver. It comes together in less than 30 minutes from start to finish, requiring minimal cooking (just the bacon!) and simple assembly. It’s the ideal dish for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests arrive, allowing you to spend more time enjoying and less time preparing.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with nourishing cashews, crisp fresh broccoli, and naturally sweet raisins (or tart cranberries!), this colorful and flavorful salad is loaded with healthy ingredients you can genuinely feel good about consuming. Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins and fiber, while cashews provide healthy fats and protein, adding a satisfying richness. This gluten-free and nutrient-dense salad recipe is an excellent wholesome option when you’re looking to maintain a healthy diet without compromising on incredibly delicious taste. It’s a smart choice that offers both flavor and essential nutrients.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Whether served as a delightful side dish or a refreshing appetizer, this bacon cashew broccoli salad is perfectly suited for any social gathering. Its vibrant appearance, appealing textures, and irresistible flavor profile make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re enjoying it poolside, at a casual backyard barbecue, or as part of an elaborate picnic spread. The harmonious blend of crunchy, sweet, and savory elements ensures that everyone will love this easy-to-make salad, making it a reliable hit for all your entertaining needs.
Essential Broccoli Salad Ingredients
Crafting the perfect bacon cashew broccoli salad begins with selecting the freshest, highest quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating its signature taste and texture:
Broccoli: The cornerstone of this refreshing salad is fresh, vibrant, and crunchy broccoli. For optimal texture and flavor, I wholeheartedly recommend using only fresh broccoli florets for this recipe. Avoid frozen broccoli as it tends to become soft and watery when thawed, losing the desired crispness essential for a raw broccoli salad. Aim for tender-crisp florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces to ensure they absorb the dressing well and integrate perfectly with other ingredients.
Onions: You’ll need a small bunch of fresh green onions (scallions) to add a mild, zesty, and subtly pungent flavor that perfectly complements the other elements. Their delicate oniony bite is a fantastic addition, providing a fresh contrast without overpowering the salad. Slice them thinly, using both the white and green parts for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
Raisins or Craisins: These dried fruits are crucial for introducing a delightful burst of sweetness and a pleasant chewiness that balances the savory and crunchy components. While Craisins (dried cranberries) offer a tangy sweetness, any variety of raisins (such as dark, golden, or even dried cherries) will work beautifully, adding a lovely fruity dimension to this savory recipe. They provide an unexpected pop of flavor and a touch of color.
Nuts (Cashews): For that incredible nutty crunch, cashews are a fantastic choice. Depending on your preference, you can use either salted or unsalted cashews. I personally opt for whole cashews, but cashew pieces work just as well and can be more economical. For an enhanced flavor, consider lightly toasting the cashews in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant; this brings out their inherent sweetness and intensifies their nutty notes. You could also experiment with other nuts like pecans or almonds for a different twist.
Bacon: Crispy, savory bacon is what truly elevates this salad from good to extraordinary. Its smoky, salty flavor and irresistible crunch are essential for balancing the sweetness of the dressing and dried fruits. Ensure the bacon is cooked until perfectly crisp, then crumbled into small pieces. This not only adds a burst of flavor in every bite but also contributes significantly to the salad’s appealing texture.
Homemade Broccoli Salad Dressing Ingredients
The creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet dressing is the secret sauce that ties all the vibrant flavors and textures of this broccoli salad together. It’s incredibly simple to make, yet profoundly impactful:
Mayonnaise: This forms the rich and creamy base for our dressing. You can use your favorite brand of store-bought mayonnaise, or for an extra touch of freshness and flavor, consider making your own homemade mayonnaise. The quality of your mayonnaise will significantly impact the overall taste and texture of the dressing, so choose wisely!
Sugar: Regular granulated cane sugar is key to imparting the dressing with its characteristic subtle sweetness. This sweetness is vital for balancing the tang of the apple cider vinegar and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the salad, creating that irresistible sweet and savory harmony. Adjust the amount to your personal preference, starting with a little and adding more if desired.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Just a little bit of apple cider vinegar works wonders in this dressing! It introduces a bright, tangy, and slightly fruity acidity that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and adds an incredible zing. This tangy effect is what truly brightens the dressing and, by extension, the entire salad, making every bite incredibly refreshing and utterly worth it. Don’t skip this ingredient, as it provides that essential acidic lift.
How to Make This Delicious Broccoli Salad
This bacon cashew broccoli salad recipe is famously easy and wonderfully stress-free, making it the perfect choice when you’re short on time but still want to create something delicious. The steps are straightforward, ensuring a delightful result every time! For the complete measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located below.
Step 1: Combine the Salad Base
Begin by placing your freshly chopped broccoli florets into a large mixing bowl. Ensure the broccoli is cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces for consistent texture throughout the salad. Next, add the thinly sliced green onions, the crunchy cashews, and your choice of dried cranberries (Craisins) or raisins to the bowl. Once all these vibrant ingredients are in the bowl, gently toss them together until they are well combined and evenly distributed. This initial toss ensures that every component is ready to be coated by the delicious dressing.
After adding all the dry ingredients, give them a good, thorough toss together. This ensures a uniform mixture before the dressing is added, so you get a bit of everything in each bite!
Step 2: Prepare and Add the Sweet Dressing
In a separate small bowl, it’s time to prepare the signature sweet and tangy dressing. Combine the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved and the dressing is smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no grainy sugar particles left, as this will affect the texture. Once the dressing is perfectly mixed, pour it evenly over the prepared salad mixture in the large bowl. This creamy coating will bind all the ingredients together and infuse them with irresistible flavor.
Next, pour the freshly prepared dressing over the tossed salad ingredients. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently fold and toss the salad, ensuring every piece of broccoli, every cashew, and every raisin is thoroughly coated in the luscious, creamy dressing. This step is crucial for distributing the flavors evenly throughout the dish.
Step 3: Add Bacon and Serve
Finally, add the star ingredient – the perfectly cooked and crumbled bacon – to the salad. Gently mix everything until the crispy bacon pieces are fully incorporated. Adding the bacon last helps preserve its desirable crunch. While this salad can be served immediately at room temperature for maximum crunch, many find that chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more refreshing. For best results, allow it to chill slightly before serving.
Finally, present your vibrant and flavorful Bacon Cashew Broccoli Salad immediately to enjoy its fresh textures and perfectly balanced taste. Enjoy!
LOVE IT? PIN IT!
Don’t let this scrumptious raw broccoli salad disappear from your radar! Make sure you save this yummy recipe so you can easily find it the next time you’re craving something fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Take a moment to Pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you move on – it’s the perfect way to keep it handy for future meal planning and entertaining!
Helpful Tips for Making Broccoli Salad with Cashews
- Storage Suggestions: To keep your salad fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For best crunch, if making ahead, consider adding the bacon and cashews just before serving. This prevents them from becoming soggy from the dressing.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with your choice of sweetener for the dressing. While granulated sugar is traditional, you could use honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute if you prefer. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired level of sweetness, always tasting as you go.
- Make it Vegetarian: To transform this delightful broccoli salad into a vegetarian-friendly dish, simply omit the bacon. The salad will still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying, with the cashews providing plenty of healthy fats and a great crunch. You could also add toasted sunflower seeds for extra protein and crunch in place of bacon.
- Blanching Broccoli (Optional): While this recipe traditionally uses raw broccoli for maximum crunch, if you prefer a slightly softer texture or want to ensure easier digestion, you can briefly blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking and preserve their vibrant color. Pat them thoroughly dry before adding to the salad.
- Ingredient Variations: Don’t hesitate to customize! Add shredded carrots for extra color and sweetness, finely diced red onion for a sharper bite, or a handful of cheese like sharp cheddar or feta for a savory twist. Different dried fruits, such as dried cherries or apricots, can also be swapped for raisins/Craisins.
- Make Ahead Option: This salad is fantastic for making ahead. You can prepare the broccoli, onions, cashews, and dried fruit, and also mix the dressing separately. Store both components in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine them 1-2 hours before serving, adding the bacon at the very last minute for optimal crunch. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Best Summer Salads to Refresh Your Palate
I don’t know about you, but I simply adore a good salad, and in the summertime, my appreciation for them skyrockets! There’s something undeniably perfect about a cold, crisp salad on a hot summer day. When the temperatures rise, sometimes my appetite for heavy meals wanes, and a light, refreshing salad like this bacon cashew broccoli salad becomes the ideal solution. It’s not just about lightness; it’s about vibrant flavors and textures that awaken the senses and provide satisfying nourishment.
This particular broccoli cranberry cashew salad truly has so much going for it. It’s incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic main dish when you’re looking for something substantial yet refreshing, and an absolutely stellar side for all your summer barbecues, potlucks, and picnics. It hits all the right notes for a balanced and delicious meal.
With plenty of savory protein from the crispy bacon and healthy fats and protein from the cashews, you get your essential greens with the fresh, vitamin-rich broccoli, and a delightful touch of natural sweetness and antioxidants from the dried cranberries (or raisins). It’s a complete package – satisfying, flavorful, and incredibly good for you, making it a healthy indulgence that everyone will love.
Other Great Summer Salads You’ll Adore
My culinary collection boasts an abundance of incredible salad recipes, catering to every taste and occasion. You can find anything imaginable, from crisp lettuce salads and hearty vegetable salads to refreshing fruit salads and comforting pasta salads. Each recipe is designed to bring flavor and joy to your table. The next time you’re heading to a potluck, hosting a gathering, or simply need some fresh inspiration for a fantastic salad recipe, consider exploring some of my other favorites – in addition to this sensational bacon cashew broccoli salad, of course!
My Top Summer Salad Recipes:
- Tomato Cracker Salad – Pictured Above: This Southern-inspired salad offers a delightful combination of juicy tomatoes and crisp crackers, creating a unique texture and flavor experience. It’s a nostalgic dish that’s surprisingly refreshing.
- Pea Salad with Cauliflower: A creamy and surprisingly satisfying salad, blending the sweetness of peas with the mild crunch of cauliflower, all in a luscious dressing. It’s a wonderful alternative to traditional potato salad.
- PF Changs Lettuce Wrap Salad: Enjoy the flavors of your favorite restaurant dish in a light and healthy salad format. This recipe captures the essence of those beloved lettuce wraps in an easy-to-eat bowl.
- Picnic Potato Salad: A classic comfort food, perfect for any outdoor event. My recipe ensures a creamy, flavorful potato salad that’s always a hit at picnics and barbecues.
- Summer Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Poppyseed Dressing: A vibrant and sweet medley of seasonal fruits, brightened by a zesty honey-lime poppyseed dressing. It’s the ultimate refreshing dessert or side for a hot day.
- Mom’s Macaroni Salad: This is the quintessential macaroni salad, just like Mom used to make. Creamy, tangy, and packed with simple, comforting flavors that evoke childhood memories.
- Little King Hoagie Salad: Imagine all the deliciousness of a hoagie sandwich transformed into a refreshing salad! This recipe is loaded with savory meats, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing, making it a hearty meal.
- Sauerkraut Salad: A unique and surprisingly addictive salad that brings a tangy, crisp, and robust flavor profile. It’s a fantastic side dish for those who love bold tastes and a bit of a kick.
- Snicker Apple Salad: A dessert salad that’s always a crowd-pleaser! Sweet apples, crunchy Snickers bars, and a creamy dressing combine to create a fun and indulgent treat that kids and adults adore.
- Peg’s Salad – Italian Raw Veggie Salad: A fresh and vibrant Italian-inspired raw vegetable salad, bursting with garden-fresh flavors and a zesty vinaigrette. It’s simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful.
Let’s grab the full recipe details, shall we? 
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Print Recipe
Bacon Cashew Broccoli Salad
Equipment
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Zyliss Comfort Utility Knife
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 8 slices bacon cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 3 bunches fresh broccoli chopped into bite-sized florets (approximately 8 cups of florets)
- 6 green onions thinly sliced (both white and green parts)
- 1 cup Craisins or any preferred variety of dried raisins or cranberries work beautifully
- 1 cup cashews whole or pieces, salted or unsalted, lightly toasted for extra flavor if desired
For the Sweet and Tangy Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise your favorite brand or homemade
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
- 1 1/2-2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar for that essential tangy kick, adjust to taste
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped fresh broccoli florets, sliced green onions, your chosen dried fruits (Craisins or raisins), and the crunchy cashews. Toss all these ingredients gently but thoroughly to ensure an even distribution.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, granulated sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Continue mixing until the sugar is completely dissolved and the dressing is smooth and creamy.
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Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the broccoli salad mixture. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated in the luscious dressing. Finally, add the crispy, crumbled bacon to the salad and toss once more to combine. Serve immediately at room temperature for optimal crunch, or chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on August 23, 2016. It was thoughtfully updated to enhance user experience, improve clarity, and refresh the content, then re-shared on June 4, 2021.
This is truly the BEST recipe for Broccoli Salad! A delicious raw broccoli salad filled with smoked bacon, tangy Craisins, and crunchy cashews, all covered in a sweet homemade dressing. The perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures makes it an unforgettable side dish or light meal.
My wonderful sister-in-law, Sue, who is also celebrated for that incredibly popular taco salad that many of you rave about, introduced me to this super yummy Bacon Cashew Broccoli Salad. She prepared it when we had the pleasure of visiting them at their beautiful lake home in Tablerock one memorable summer. From the very first bite, I was completely captivated and instantly fell in love with its unique combination of flavors and textures. I quickly scooped some into a bowl (before I could possibly devour it all myself!) and managed to snap a picture, knowing I had to share this gem with everyone.
