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Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Bacon

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A refreshing and satisfying broccoli salad featuring crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, and a sweet tangy dressing. Perfect as a side or light lunch with a delightful crunch and balanced flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds, toasted (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Heat skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of bacon and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally until crisp but not burnt. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Crumble into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
  2. Prepare the broccoli: Rinse 4 cups broccoli florets under cold water and pat dry. Optional: blanch florets in boiling salted water for 1 minute, then shock in ice water immediately. Drain well.
  3. Toast the seeds or nuts: In the same skillet (after removing most bacon fat), toast 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  4. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, toasted seeds or nuts, and 1/4 cup dried cranberries. Pour dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  6. Chill and serve: Cover salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and broccoli to soak up dressing without losing crunch.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad to avoid sogginess. Blanching broccoli is optional but recommended for a tender-crisp texture. Toast nuts or seeds in bacon pan for added smoky flavor. Chill salad at least 30 minutes before serving. Add bacon and nuts fresh if storing leftovers to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, crunchy salad, sweet dressing, easy side dish, healthy salad, quick salad

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/crunchy-broccoli-salad-with-bacon-recipe-easy-sweet-dressing-guide/