Paleo Bacon Broccoli Salad

Paleo Bacon Broccoli Salad: A Summer Staple

There are certain dishes that just scream summer. You know what I mean—the ones that show up at every backyard cookout, picnic, and potluck, disappearing faster than you can say “pass the serving spoon.” This Paleo Bacon Broccoli Salad is one of those dishes.

It’s fresh, crunchy, creamy, and just the right amount of smoky-sweet, thanks to crispy bacon and chewy raisins (or cranberries, if you prefer). Even my pickiest non-broccoli-eater goes back for seconds. It’s that good.

And let’s be honest: anything that pairs well with smoked or grilled meats is a winner in my book.

More summer sides:

• Honey-Sweetened Apple Slaw
• Best Paleo Classic Potato Salad
• Coconut Oil Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Maple Glazed Kale with Red Onion
• Home-Canned Green Beans
• Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Cornbread

Let’s Talk Ingredients

This is one of those salads where the flavors do all the work.  Here’s everything you need to make this Paleo Bacon Broccoli Salad:

• Broccoli florets – chopped small for the perfect bite-sized crunch.
• Red onion – finely diced for a little sharpness.
• Raisins or dried cranberries – for that touch of sweetness.
• Bacon – cooked and chopped. (Crispy is best! Here’s my favorite method for perfect mess-free bacon.)
• Roasted sunflower seeds – because a little extra crunch never hurt anyone. (Learn to soak and roast your nuts and seeds for better digestion and nutrition.)
• Mayo – homemade is amazing, but if you’re going store-bought, I recommend this brand or this one.
• Lemon juice – freshly squeezed for a bright, zesty kick.
• Onion powder & garlic powder – because what dressing doesn’t love these two?
• Dried chives & dried parsley – bringing in a touch of earthy herb flavor.  (Try drying your own herbs; it’s super-easy!)
• Ground black pepper & unrefined sea salt* – to balance everything out. 

Once you have all these ready to go, you’re just minutes away from the perfect summer side dish!

*Shop here and use code KEEPITREAL at checkout to save 15% on my favorite brand of unrefined sea salt.

Want to try growing your own broccoli?  Get my best tips here: How to Grow Organic Pest-Free Broccoli.

How to Put It All Together

Making this Paleo Bacon Broccoli Salad is as easy as it gets. Here’s how:

1. Start by tossing your broccoli florets, red onion, bacon, raisins (or cranberries), and sunflower seeds into a big mixing bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together your mayo, lemon juice, and seasonings until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat everything evenly.
4. The magic happens when you let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. Trust me—it makes all the difference.

That’s it! Serve it up alongside your favorite smoked or grilled meats, bring it to your next potluck, or just enjoy a big bowl all to yourself.  Basically, every bite is a little party for your taste buds.

Summer salads don’t get much better than this! Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear what you think.

Paleo Bacon Broccoli Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Kathleen | Roots & Boots
• Yield: 8-10 servings

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

A fresh, crunchy, creamy Paleo Bacon Broccoli Salad perfect for summer! Sweet, smoky, and packed with flavor—sure to be a crowd favorite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad

• 6 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
• 
2/3 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1/3 cup roasted sunflower seeds

Dressing

• 3/4 cup mayo (homemade is amazing but for store bought try this brand or this one)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried chives
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• unrefined sea salt, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine broccoli, onion, bacon, raisins and sunflower seeds in a large bowl.
2. Combine dressing ingredients in a separate bowl.
3. Pour dressing over broccoli mixture and toss to combine.
4. For best results, plan to chill this broccoli salad for an hour prior to serving.

---

Notes

Shop here and use code KEEPITREAL at checkout to save 15% on my favorite brand of unrefined sea salt.