With tender-crisp roasted broccoli, thick, crispy bacon, and buttery, asiago bagel croutons tossed in a quick Caesar dressing, this Bacon and Roasted Broccoli Caesar salad is a great way to transform classic charred broccoli into a side dish that everyone is sure to rave over.
As I started writing this recipe today, I noticed that my “1 year ago today” reminder from Google photos is of my favorite Easy Roasted Broccoli – a classic recipe that we have at least once a week. So it seems only fitting that this recipe would feature a similar char-roasted broccoli, this time tossed with a simple, lemony Caesar dressing.
I don’t know about you, but I am a sucker for roasted broccoli! Roasting any veggies brings out the natural flavors and caramelizes the natural sugars adding a light sweetness, but there is something about the way that the heat of the oven begins to char the florets just slightly while leaving the stems perfectly tender-crisp. It is perfection!
I frequently have leftover roasted broccoli in the fridge, and more often than not, it gets tossed into my quick lunch salads, especially near the middle of the week when I am running low on fresh veggies and really need to hit up the grocery store. But this is how I discovered just how amazing char-roasted broccoli is mixed into salads (especially with a tangy Caesar dressing or vinaigrette). So of course, when we were having a couple of friends over and I wanted a simple side dish that I could make ahead, this Bacon & Roasted Broccoli Caesar Salad with Asiago Bagel Croutons came to mind.
Can I Make This Bacon & Roasted Broccoli Caesar Salad Ahead?
Yes, absolutely! That is (in my opinion) one of the things that makes this Bacon & Roasted Broccoli Caesar Salad so perfect. You can prep all of the ingredients ahead of time, and then just toss it together when ready to serve.
There are just a couple of things that you will want to keep in mind if you are making this roasted broccoli salad ahead of time:
- Keep it separated: Nobody likes a soggy crouton or mushy bacon, so if you make this in advance, make sure to keep the croutons and bacon in separate sealed containers just before serving. You can toss the broccoli with the dressing if you will be serving in a couple of hours, but if you are making a day ahead, you may want to keep the dressing separate too. When you are ready to serve, just toss everything together and enjoy!
- Serve at Room Temp: You can eat this salad warm immediately after making or chilled out of the fridge, either way it will be delicious. My favorite is at about room temperature, so if making ahead, you might want to let the broccoli, bacon, and croutons sit out about 15 minutes before serving.
Looking for More Unique & Healthy Salad Recipes?
From charred broccoli to Brussels sprouts or roasted sweet potatoes, I love mixing my salads up with unexpected, healthy ingredients. Not only do they add a boost of extra nutrients, they help make salads more filling and substantial.
Some of my favorites include:
- Walnut and Roasted Broccoli Salad – Another recipe that combines charred broccoli with arugula, walnuts, and parmesan for a quick and flavorful side dish.
- Charred Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon, Apples, Blue Cheese, and Balsamic – With roasted Brussels sprouts, bacon, blue cheese, and apples, this warm salad brings unexpected flavors and texture.
- Grilled Corn & Zucchini Salad – A perfect salad to celebrate the bounty of summer produce, this salad features grilled corn and zucchini tossed in a light, lemony vinaigrette.
- Roasted Sweet Potato, Quinoa, and Arugula Salad with Maple Ginger Vinaigrette – With protein packed quinoa, tender roasted sweet potatoes, crunchy pecans, salty feta, and peppery arugula in a sweet and spicy maple ginger vinaigrette, this salad will fill you up and leave you satisfied.
What is your favorite veggie to add to your salads? Let me know in the comments down below.
Bacon & Roasted Broccoli Caesar Salad with Bagel Croutons
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs broccoli
- ¼ lb thick cut bacon (about 4 thick strips)
- ½ c parmesan cheese (shredded)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ asiago cheese bagel (can substitute everything or onion bagel)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
Easy Caesar Dressing
- Juice of 1 lemon (3 – 4 tablespoons)
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic (grated or very finely minced)
- 1 tsp anchovy paste
- ¼ c extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°
- Toss broccoli with 1 tbsp oil and lemon zest, season lightly with salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet, and bake 15 minutes (stirring about ½ way through)
- Meanwhile, cut bacon into abut ½ inch chunks, and cook in medium skillet until crispy. Remove bacon from skillet, reserving about 1 tbsp of grease in skillet.
- Cut or tear bagel into about ½ cubes, add to skillet with reserved grease and 2 tbsp butter. Cook about 5 – 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently, until crisp. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make dressing by whisking first 5 dressing ingredients, stream in olive oil, whisking until combined. Add grated parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve, toss roasted broccoli, shredded parmesan, bacon, and bagel croutons with dressing. Serve warm or room temp.