Description
Summer’s favorite “easy broccoli salad” blends crisp vegetables with tangy dressing for a refreshing side dish. Crunchy florets and sweet surprises create a delightful medley you’ll crave at every picnic and potluck.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) red onion, finely chopped
Garnishes and Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sunflower seeds or sliced almonds (optional)
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) dried cranberries or raisins
Instructions
- Finely chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform texture for even distribution.
- Slice red onion into delicate, thin rings to provide a sharp, crisp counterpoint to the broccoli’s robust flavor.
- Render bacon until perfectly crisp, then crumble into small, crunchy fragments that will add smoky depth to the salad.
- Grate cheese into light, airy shreds that will melt subtly throughout the mixture.
- Sprinkle seeds or chopped nuts across the salad for an unexpected textural crunch and nutty undertone.
- Scatter dried cranberries to introduce a sweet-tart dimension that complements the savory elements.
- Craft the dressing by vigorously whisking mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth and glossy.
- Season dressing with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper to heighten the overall flavor profile.
- Drizzle dressing over the broccoli mixture, gently folding to ensure each ingredient is luxuriously coated.
- Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop a more complex taste.
Notes
- Customize the salad by swapping bacon for crispy chickpeas or tempeh to make it vegetarian-friendly.
- Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo to reduce calories and accommodate dietary preferences.
- Toast the sunflower seeds or almonds beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the salad.
- Make the salad ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg