Description
A vibrant and crunchy broccoli salad featuring fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfectly chilled for a refreshing side dish that’s easy to prepare and loved by all.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 heads fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sugar
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces and fry in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, and grated cheddar cheese, gently tossing to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat every ingredient evenly with the creamy dressing.
- Chill Before Serving: Place the salad in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to cool, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
- Optional Step – Soften Broccoli: If preferred, steam the broccoli florets in the microwave for 2 minutes prior to mixing with the other ingredients to soften their texture.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, cook bacon in the oven on a baking sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of frying.
- Adjust sugar in the dressing to taste for preferred level of sweetness.
- Can substitute mayonnaise with a lighter yogurt-based dressing for a lower-fat option.
- The salad tastes best when chilled for at least 1 hour but can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Adding sunflower seeds or sliced almonds on top can add a satisfying crunch.
