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Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Bacon Delight

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A quick and easy crunchy broccoli salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh broccoli, and a tangy creamy dressing, perfect for summer sides and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook 6 slices of bacon until crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare the broccoli: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 4 cups of broccoli florets and blanch for 1 minute. Immediately drain and plunge into a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Chop the onion: Finely dice 1/4 cup of red onion. If desired, soak diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness, then drain.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or acidity as preferred.
  5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine blanched broccoli, crumbled bacon, diced onion, 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries. Pour dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.
  6. Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

Do not discard bacon fat; save it for cooking other dishes. Pat broccoli dry thoroughly after blanching to avoid sogginess. Crisp bacon properly over medium heat to avoid bitterness. Toss salad gently to keep broccoli florets intact. Salad tastes best after chilling for at least 30 minutes and keeps well for up to 2 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, summer side dish, crunchy salad, easy salad recipe, picnic salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/crunchy-broccoli-salad-with-bacon-delight-easy-recipe-for-perfect-summer-sides/