Description
This Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe with Bacon and Creamy Dressing is a vibrant and delicious side dish that combines crisp broccoli florets, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a luscious creamy dressing with a perfect balance of tang and sweetness. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or quick meals, it offers a delightful crunch and rich flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, bite-sized
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crisp and crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and cut fresh broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Dry them thoroughly to ensure the dressing sticks well and to prevent sogginess.
- Cook and Crumble the Bacon: Fry bacon strips over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces once cooled, preserving the smoky crunch.
- Mix the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy, achieving a balanced tangy and sweet flavor.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the broccoli florets, red onion slices, shredded cheddar cheese, and sunflower seeds or almonds. Pour the dressing over and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Add Bacon and Chill: Fold in the crumbled bacon just before serving or chilling to keep its crunch. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp broccoli for the best texture; avoid limp or old florets.
- Cook bacon slowly to achieve even crispness and richer flavor.
- Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor absorption and freshness.
- Adjust honey in the dressing to suit your desired level of sweetness.
- Add bacon just before serving to maintain its crunchiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, creamy dressing salad, easy broccoli salad, side dish, gluten free salad