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Fresh Broccoli Raisin Bacon Salad Recipe with Easy Apple Cider Honey Dressing

broccoli raisin bacon salad - featured image
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A crunchy, sweet, and smoky broccoli salad featuring fresh broccoli florets, raisins, crispy bacon, and a tangy apple cider honey dressing. Perfect for quick meals or gatherings, this salad balances flavors and textures beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 480g)
  • ½ cup raisins (about 75g)
  • 6 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped (preferably thick-cut)
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced (about 40g)
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts (about 30g) – optional
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 115g)
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (about 45ml)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (about 42g)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (about 120ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (about 5g)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and fry 6 slices of thick-cut bacon until crisp, about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prep the broccoli and onion: Rinse 4 cups (480g) of fresh broccoli florets well, then chop into small, uniform pieces. Dice ¼ cup (40g) of red onion finely. If onion is too strong, soak diced pieces in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
  3. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons (45ml) apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons (42g) honey, ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon (5g) Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake well until smooth and emulsified.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add chopped broccoli, raisins, cooked bacon pieces, diced red onion, sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts if using, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
  5. Toss with dressing: Pour the apple cider honey dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly without smashing the broccoli.
  6. Chill and serve: Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to marry and the dressing to soften the broccoli slightly while keeping it crisp.

Notes

Do not overcook the bacon; crisp but not burnt is ideal. Chop broccoli uniformly for consistent texture. Adjust dressing sweetness or acidity to taste. Toast nuts for extra flavor if desired. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising broccoli. Store dressing separately if making ahead to keep salad crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, raisin salad, apple cider honey dressing, crunchy salad, easy salad recipe, quick salad, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/fresh-broccoli-raisin-bacon-salad-recipe-with-easy-apple-cider-honey-dressing/