Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe With Crunchy Bacon

Category: Salads & Side dishes

This broccoli salad is fresh and crunchy, with crispy bacon adding a tasty touch! Tossed in a yummy dressing, it’s perfect as a side dish for any meal.

I love how the bacon makes me feel fancy, even when I’m just enjoying a simple salad. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up—you’ll want to make it again and again!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are essential for crunch and nutrition. You can substitute with cauliflower for a different texture or a mix of both for variety.

Bacon: Traditional bacon adds a lovely crunch. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try turkey bacon or even crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.

Dried Cranberries: These provide sweetness. If you prefer, raisins or chopped apples work well too. For a touch of tartness, pomegranate seeds are a fun choice!

Sunflower Seeds: They add crunch and healthy fats. You can swap these for pumpkin seeds or even nuts like almonds for a different flavor.

Mayonnaise: This is the creamy base for the dressing. You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option or a vegan mayo for a dairy-free version.

How Do You Cook Bacon Crispy Without Burning It?

Cooking bacon to that perfect crispness can be tricky, but here’s how you can do it easily.

  • Start with a cold skillet. Lay the bacon strips out flat without overlapping them.
  • Cook on medium heat, allowing the fat to render slowly. This helps the bacon become crispy without burning.
  • Turn the strips occasionally, about every 2-3 minutes, until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
  • Once cooked, transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease. Let it cool before crumbling.

Taking your time is the key to delicious, crispy bacon! Enjoy adding it to your salad for that perfect crunch.

Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe With Crunchy Bacon

Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe With Crunchy Bacon

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta or shredded cheddar cheese

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious broccoli salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 30 minutes of chilling time in the fridge. Total time is about 45 minutes from start to finish, giving the flavors a chance to mingle!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon:

Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it turns crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s crispy, remove the slices from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain off the grease. Let them cool, then crumble them into small pieces.

2. Prepare the Salad Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, finely chopped red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and the crumbled bacon. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle that in now, too. Mix it all gently so everything is nicely combined!

3. Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the delightful dressing for your salad.

4. Combine and Toss:

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated in that creamy goodness.

5. Chill the Salad:

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together and the salad will be even more delicious!

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Before serving, give the salad a quick stir to mix any settled dressing. Then, scoop some into bowls and enjoy your crisp, creamy, and flavorful broccoli salad with crunchy bacon!

Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe With Crunchy Bacon

FAQ for Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe With Crunchy Bacon

Can I Use Different Types of Broccoli?

Yes! While this recipe calls for fresh broccoli florets, you can substitute it with cauliflower or even a mix of both for added texture and flavor. Just make sure to chop them into similar-sized pieces for even mixing!

How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?

To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and consider adding roasted chickpeas or crispy tofu for that crunch factor. You can also try smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.

Can I Prepare This Salad the Night Before?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and give it a quick stir before serving. Note that the broccoli may soften slightly, but it will still taste great!

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits. Just remember to give it a good stir before diving back in!

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