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If you’re searching for a vibrant, crunchy, and utterly delicious dish to brighten up your meal rotation, this Broccoli Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect balance of fresh broccoli florets, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and a creamy yet tangy dressing that brings everything together beautifully. Each bite bursts with texture and flavor, making it an irresistible side or even a light main dish that your family and friends will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients is key to creating this memorable broccoli salad. Each component plays an essential role, from the crispness of the broccoli to the zesty kick in the dressing and the savory pop of bacon. Here’s what you’ll need to make this Broccoli Salad Recipe truly shine:
- Red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy acidity that brightens the dressing perfectly.
- Sugar: Balances the tartness with a touch of sweetness.
- Ground pepper: Provides a subtle spicy warmth throughout the salad.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors for a well-rounded taste.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base that coats every ingredient beautifully.
- Lemon juice: Injects fresh citrus notes for extra zing.
- Broccoli (2 heads, chopped): The star of the dish offering crunch and vibrant green color.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, melty richness to the mix.
- Crumbled bacon (8 slices): Adds a smoky, savory crunch that elevates the salad.
- Chopped red onion: Gives a mild sweetness and crisp texture contrast.
How to Make Broccoli Salad Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by combining your red wine vinegar, sugar, ground pepper, salt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a large oversized mixing bowl. Whip these ingredients together for about one minute until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This dressing forms the luscious base that holds your entire salad together.
Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients
Next, add the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped red onion directly into the bowl with your dressing. Stir everything thoroughly, making sure each piece is nicely coated with the dressing. This step ensures that every bite delivers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
Step 3: Serve
Once mixed, use a spatula to transfer the salad into a serving bowl. You can enjoy it immediately for a fresh, crisp taste or chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and intensify beautifully.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair and flavor, consider topping your broccoli salad with a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds to add an unexpected crunch that complements the bacon perfectly. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can also add a burst of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or steak, making it a great companion for hearty meals. It’s also fantastic alongside classic summer picnic fare like burgers, hot dogs, or pulled pork sandwiches, providing a crisp, tangy counterpoint to rich, smoky dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving this salad in individual glass jars or small bowls for a charming presentation. Another fun idea is to pile the salad on top of baked potatoes or stuff it into pita pockets for a fresh, nutritious lunch option that’s as visually delightful as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover broccoli salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, but be aware that the broccoli will soften slightly the longer it sits, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later for optimum crunch.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing due to its fresh broccoli and creamy dressing, which can separate and become watery once thawed. For best results, prepare and enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days of making it.
Reheating
Because this dish is a cold salad, it’s best served chilled or at room temperature. Reheating would compromise the texture and freshness, so simply let the salad sit out for a few minutes if it’s too cold from the fridge before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?
Fresh broccoli is ideal for this Broccoli Salad Recipe because it provides the best crunch and color. Frozen broccoli tends to be softer and releases more water, which can make the salad soggy.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to shredded cheddar cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute shredded dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether for a lighter, vegan-friendly version of the salad. Nutritional yeast can also add a savory, cheesy flavor without dairy.
How can I make this salad less creamy?
If you prefer a lighter dressing, reduce the amount of mayonnaise and add a bit more lemon juice or vinegar to keep the dressing tangy but less heavy.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes! Feel free to toss in extra veggies like cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, or diced cucumbers to add variety and color while maintaining the salad’s delightful crunch.
What’s the best way to crisp up the bacon?
For perfectly crispy bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches your desired crispness or bake it on a foil-lined baking sheet at 400°F (204°C) for about 15 minutes. Drain on paper towels before crumbling into the salad.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Salad Recipe is truly a gem to have in your culinary arsenal. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with bold flavors, and perfect for any occasion — from casual family dinners to festive holiday gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with its fresh and comforting charm just like I have.
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Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Broccoli Salad Recipe features a crunchy and creamy combination of fresh broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and red onion tossed in a tangy homemade dressing made with red wine vinegar, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) red wine vinegar
- 1/8 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup (149 g) mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salad Ingredients
- 2 heads chopped broccoli
- 1 1/2 cup (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup (80 g) chopped red onion
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a large oversized mixing bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, sugar, ground pepper, salt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Whip together for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: To the same bowl, add the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped red onion. Stir everything together thoroughly until all the salad ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Using a spatula, transfer the salad into a serving bowl. It can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- For best results, chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Use fresh broccoli florets and chop them into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
- Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet dressing.
