Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe

why make this recipe

Broccoli Salad with Bacon is not just a dish; it’s a complete experience. This salad combines the freshness of broccoli with the savory crunch of bacon, sweet dried cranberries, and creamy dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or as a side dish for family dinners. The mix of flavors and textures makes it enjoyable for everyone, from kids to adults. Plus, it’s easy to make, and you can prepare it ahead of time!

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how to make Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Ingredients:

• 10-11 strips bacon (cooked)
• 2 heads broccoli (about 1 and 1/2 pounds or 5-6 cups)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds (roasted and salted)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/3 cup chopped red onion (or more to taste)
• 1 & 1/4 cups Miracle Whip OR mayonnaise
• 1 lemon (zested)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 & 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Start by cooking the bacon. Baking it in the oven is the easiest way to avoid splatters. Cook 10-11 strips of bacon until it reaches your desired crispness, then set them aside on paper towels to cool. Once cool, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

2. While the bacon is cooking, mix the dressing in a large bowl. Combine 1 and 1/4 cups of Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, the zest of one lemon, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 and 1/4 teaspoons of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of dry mustard, and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Whisk the dressing ingredients together until well combined.

3. Prepare the broccoli by chopping it using a chef’s knife. Aim for small florets so that you don’t have enormous bites of broccoli. If you prefer, you can also chop the stems and add them to the salad.

4. In the bowl with the dressing, add the chopped broccoli, 1 cup of dried cranberries, 1/3 cup of sunflower seeds, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/3 cup of chopped red onion. Add most of the cooked bacon, saving some to sprinkle on top later.

5. Stir all the ingredients together until they are well mixed. This salad can be served either at room temperature or chilled. If you decide to chill it, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.

6. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator. This salad will last for about 5 days.

how to serve Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Serve this salad as a side dish for grilled meats, at picnics, or even as a light lunch. It looks great on a table, especially with the reserved bacon sprinkled on top just before serving to maintain that crispy texture. People will love how colorful and fresh it looks!

how to store Broccoli Salad with Bacon

To store leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 5 days. Just give it a little stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

tips to make Broccoli Salad with Bacon

• To make the salad even more flavorful, consider adding other ingredients like chopped green apples or bell peppers for extra crunch.
• If you want a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead of Miracle Whip or mayonnaise.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of bacon, cranberries, or cheese according to your taste preferences.

variation (if any)

You can modify this salad by adding other ingredients like chopped almonds, walnuts, or even different types of cheese. Swap out the dried cranberries for raisins or switch the sunflower seeds for pumpkin seeds. The flexibility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your liking!

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

2. Is it okay to use fresh broccoli?
   Absolutely! Fresh broccoli is great. Just make sure to wash it thoroughly and chop it into small pieces.

3. Can I use a different type of dressing?
   Yes! If you prefer a different flavor, feel free to use your favorite salad dressing instead of the suggested dressing.

4. How can I make it vegetarian?
   Simply leave out the bacon and consider adding some roasted chickpeas or extra cheese for added protein.

5. Can I freeze this salad?
   It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the veggies and dressing may change once thawed.

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