BROCCOLI-ARUGULA SALAD WITH BACON
I almost always have the ingredients for this simple salad in my refrigerator, but I often forget to throw them all together. Broccoli and cucumber are both such “snacky” vegetables in my mind—I never do much more with them than cut them up and munch on them with a side of Ranch Dressing (here), but they are so good for adding texture and flavor to salads. Add a little red onion and some bacon, and you’ve got lunch. SERVES 4
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: None
2 cups (480 ml) arugula, washed and well drained
½ cup broccoli florets
½ cucumber, quartered and sliced
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
3 to 4 tablespoons (60 ml) apple cider vinaigrette (see here)
2 or 3 slices cooked bacon, cut widthwise into strips
In a large bowl, toss to combine the arugula, broccoli, cucumber, and red onion with the vinaigrette. Top with the bacon strips, and serve.
VARIATION 1 BROCCOLI-SPINACH SALAD WITH PECANS AND APPLES: Add ¼ cup toasted pecans and half a diced green apple to the salad.
VARIATION 2 BROCCOLI-SPINACH SALAD WITH BACON: Swap out the arugula for spinach if you’re in the mood for a less peppery salad. (You can also skip the bacon if you want only veggies.)
More Recipes You'll Love
Broccoli-arugula salad with bacon is a peppery, crunchy, smoky little number that comes together in one bowl. Raw broccoli florets, cool cucumber, and sharp red onion get tossed in apple cider vinaigrette, then topped with strips of crisp bacon at the very end. It's bright, fast, and the perfect foil for anything grilled.
Pro Tips
- Cut the broccoli into small, thin florets — big raw chunks fight with the delicate arugula and make the salad hard to eat.
- Dress the salad just before serving so the arugula stays perky; dressed too early, it wilts into the vinaigrette.
- Cut the cooked bacon widthwise into strips and scatter it on top at the last second so every bite gets a smoky crunch.
- The spinach variation is great for anyone who finds arugula too peppery — same method, gentler greens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I meal-prep this salad?
Prep the vegetables and cook the bacon ahead, but dress and top right before eating. It's a 2-minute assembly once the components are ready.
What is apple cider vinaigrette?
A simple emulsion of apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and mustard — the tangy, slightly sweet dressing that pairs so well with bacon and broccoli.
Is this salad Paleo?
Yes — all vegetables, bacon, and vinaigrette. Choose sugar-free bacon and it's fully compliant, even Whole30-friendly.
Can I make it a main dish?
Add a sliced grilled chicken breast or a couple of soft-boiled eggs and it becomes a full, satisfying meal.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, toss to combine the arugula, broccoli, cucumber, and red onion with the vinaigrette.
- Top with the bacon strips, and serve. VARIATION 1 BROCCOLI-SPINACH SALAD WITH PECANS AND APPLES: Add ¼ cup toasted pecans and half a diced green apple to the salad. VARIATION 2 BROCCOLI-SPINACH SALAD WITH BACON: Swap out the arugula for spinach if you’re in the mood for a less peppery salad. (You can also skip the bacon if you want only veggies.)
