Description
A crunchy broccoli salad with smoky bacon, sweet raisins, sharp cheddar, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized)
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds (optional)
- For the dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble. Set aside.
- Wash and dry broccoli florets thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, toss broccoli, bacon, cheddar, red onion, raisins, and sunflower seeds if using.
- Pour dressing over salad and fold gently to coat evenly without crushing broccoli.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to blend flavors and set dressing.
Notes
- Make sure broccoli is dry to avoid watery salad.
- Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for crispiness.
- Chill salad to improve flavor and texture.
- Keep dressing separate until serving if preparing in advance.
- Adjust salt cautiously due to bacon’s saltiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook assembly, skillet frying for bacon
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, crunchy salad, creamy dressing, easy salad, potluck recipe