Broccoli Cheese Salad ~ Fresh and easy salad with broccoli, mushrooms, red onion, cheese, and bacon in a creamy cucumber dressing.
When I was in college, I went with friends to an Italian deli. I don’t remember anything I ate there but their broccoli salad. Because it was horrible. Before that day, I had never tried broccoli salad, and not sure why I ever tried it again, because it was that bad. Tasted like vinegary tin.Sometime later I was a potluck and saw a bowl of broccoli salad. I was encouraged to give it a try, as it was a personal favorite of the person urging me to try it. It wasn’t bad. I actually enjoyed it. It was one you can pick up at your supermarket deli. It got my wheels turning and I knew I could easily make something like it. Now, broccoli salad is one of my favorite things, eating it almost everywhere it is offered.
I’ve given it the name broccoli cheese because I do put a hearty amount of cheese in it. But then maybe I should title it ‘broccoli bacon cheese’ because I’m not shy with the bacon either. This is one of my favorite things to make and bring to any potluck. It’s easy to make, feels fancy, and tastes great.
Ingredients
- 2 large broccoli tops; chopped-about 12 oz
- 1/2 red onion , chopped
- 8 oz cheddar cheese , cubed
- 8-12 slices bacon , cooked & crumbled
- 4 oz sliced mushrooms
- 3/4-1 cup creamy cucumber dressing
- Salt/Pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large bowl, toss all the dry ingredients together.
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Add the dressing, starting with a half a cup first and add more to get the desired wetness.
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Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve or chill and serve later.
Recipe Notes
I used Kroger brand Creamy Cucumber Dressing to make this salad. I called the hotline and confirmed that the dressing is gluten free. Depending on which dressing you use to make this salad will determine if this dish is gluten free or not for you.
17 Comments
Selma @ Selma's Table
June 14, 2014 at 2:09 pmHi Michelle! Just followed your link on Spoonful of Foodies! This salad looks so pretty – what a gorgeous composition of colour and textures!
Michelle
June 14, 2014 at 5:10 pmSelma, thanks for dropping by. I love visitors. 🙂 This is one of my favorite go-to dishes to make for any summer gathering.
Lisa @ Snappy Gourmet
January 31, 2015 at 9:58 amLove how easy this looks to make! Great side dish!
Michelle
January 31, 2015 at 12:54 pmThank you Lisa, it is my go-to salad. So good.
Sharon (Nut Free Wok)
January 31, 2015 at 4:59 pmMichelle, I love your tasty salads and gorgeous photography and keep coming back for more! xo
Michelle
January 31, 2015 at 6:40 pmThank you so much Sharon….I feel the same about all your creations.
Cate | Chez CateyLou
January 31, 2015 at 6:46 pmWhat a gorgeous salad! And what a delicious way to eat broccoli – adding cheese and bacon is the perfect thing for a broccoli salad!
Michelle
January 31, 2015 at 10:54 pmCheese and bacon are the perfect things for ANYTHING. LOL Thank you so much Cate.
Aggie
February 26, 2015 at 4:23 amI love a good broccoli salad, yours looks delicious! That cucumber dressing sounds perfect for it!
Michelle
February 26, 2015 at 9:03 amThank you Aggie! I love this salad, it’s really my go-to for parties and gatherings.
Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats
February 26, 2015 at 6:19 amI love broccoli salads! In fact I have a head of broccoli in the fridge…..
Michelle
February 26, 2015 at 9:03 amNice….it’s so good. My favorite, really.
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes
February 26, 2015 at 11:50 amI don’t even like broccoli and you made me want to eat this!! Looks amazing….
Michelle
February 26, 2015 at 10:06 pmWell that’s a compliment! Thank you Ashley.
Stephanie Stuart
April 3, 2015 at 11:18 pmYum a cucumber dressing and then bacon and mushrooms! I’M IN LOVE! I know my little ones would love this salad, I’m totally making it! Thanks!
Michelle
April 3, 2015 at 11:29 pmThank you Stephanie, this is a family favorite.
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