This Easy Broccoli Salad mixes fresh broccoli with crispy bacon, sweet raisins, and a creamy dressing. It’s a tasty dish that can be served as a side or a fun snack!
Who doesn’t love the combo of crunchy and creamy? I always sneak a little extra bacon in mine—it’s hard to resist! 😂 It’s so quick to whip up; you’ll want to make this salad all the time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is the star of this salad! If green isn’t available, try using cauliflower florets instead for a similar crunch.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice salty flavor. Turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon can be great alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Red Onion: The red onion gives a mild, sharp taste. If you prefer something sweeter, consider using green onions or sweet Vidalia onions instead.
Dried Cranberries: These provide sweetness and color. Feel free to swap with raisins, chopped apples, or even cherry halves if you want a different twist!
Sunflower Seeds: They add crunch and healthy fats. You can replace them with pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts for a similar texture.
How Do I Make the Dressing Creamy and Flavorful?
Getting the dressing just right is essential to tie everything together. Here’s how to make it creamy and delicious:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the honey if you like it sweeter or tangier.
Mixing the dressing well helps blend the flavors before pouring it over the salad. Let it sit for a bit in the fridge, as this will enhance the flavor. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Easy Broccoli Salad with Crunchy Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 heads)
- 6 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 10 minutes of active preparation time and should chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes before it’s ready to eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Begin by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. This helps keep it crispy! Once the bacon has cooled down, crumble it into small pieces.
2. Prepare the Broccoli Salad Mix:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, finely chopped red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and the crumbled bacon. This mix will give you plenty of crunch and flavor in every bite!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix it until it’s smooth and well combined. This dressing is what brings all the ingredients together, so make sure to taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss everything together well so that all the ingredients are nicely coated. If you like a little extra flavor, feel free to sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top at this stage.
5. Chill Before Serving:
To allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This step makes a world of difference!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once chilled, give the salad another light toss and serve it cold. You’ll love the combination of crunchiness from the bacon, the sweetness from the cranberries, and the vibrant freshness from the broccoli. Enjoy your delicious and easy broccoli salad!
FAQ: Easy Broccoli Salad with Crunchy Bacon
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is recommended for its crisp texture and vibrant flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can use frozen broccoli. Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before mixing.
How Can I Make This Recipe Low-Carb?
To make this broccoli salad low-carb, simply omit the dried cranberries and honey. You can replace them with chopped bell peppers or diced cucumbers for added freshness without the sugar.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make this salad a day in advance. Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and try to add the bacon just before serving for extra crunch!
How Do I Store Leftover Broccoli Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the broccoli may soften a bit. For optimal texture, try to consume it within the first couple of days!
