Description
Crisp broccoli salad dazzles with a tangy mayo dressing, crunchy bacon bits, and sharp cheddar cheese. Zesty flavors and textural contrasts make you crave each refreshing bite of this simple summer side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.13 pounds (513 grams) broccoli florets, finely chopped into bite-size pieces
- 8 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped
Salad Mix-Ins:
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1.12 tablespoons (16.8 grams) granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Craft a silky dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth and sugar completely dissolves, creating a tangy-sweet base.
- Finely chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces in a large mixing bowl, ensuring uniform texture and easy eating.
- Add crispy bacon pieces, diced red onion, sweetened dried cranberries, and sliced almonds to the broccoli, creating a complex flavor and textural landscape.
- Drizzle prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated and flavor-saturated.
- Refrigerate the salad for 1-2 hours, allowing ingredients to marinate and flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute ingredients and reinvigorate the dressing, ensuring a consistent and delicious experience in every bite.
Notes
- Prep Broccoli Carefully chop broccoli into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even dressing coverage and optimal texture.
- Bacon Crispiness Select high-quality bacon and cook until extra crispy for maximum crunch and flavor enhancement.
- Dietary Modifications Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, and use turkey bacon for a healthier alternative that maintains the salad’s savory profile.
- Make-Ahead Strategy Prepare salad components separately and combine just before serving to prevent soggy texture and maintain ingredient freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg