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Crispy Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar

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A fresh and crunchy broccoli salad featuring crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy creamy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings or easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 450g)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 100g)
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or toasted nuts (optional)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place 6 slices of bacon in a cold skillet, then turn heat to medium. Cook, turning occasionally, until crispy (about 8-10 minutes). Remove and drain on paper towels. Once cool, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Rinse 4 cups of broccoli florets and dry them well using a salad spinner or towels. Chop into small, uniform pieces.
  3. Finely dice 1 small red onion. For a milder taste, soak the chopped onion in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or acidity as preferred.
  5. In a large bowl, toss the broccoli, cooked bacon pieces, shredded sharp cheddar, chopped red onion, dried cranberries or raisins, and toasted sunflower seeds or nuts.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently stir to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
  7. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and keep broccoli crisp.

Notes

Dry broccoli thoroughly to keep salad crisp. Cook bacon starting in a cold pan for even crisping. Taste and adjust dressing sweetness and acidity. Shred cheddar fresh for best flavor. Toss salad gently and chill at least 30 minutes before serving. Store dressing separately if keeping salad longer than a day.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, cheddar cheese, summer salad, crispy salad, easy salad recipe, picnic salad, potluck dish

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/crispy-broccoli-salad-with-bacon-and-cheddar-easy-homemade-recipe-for-summer/