This Easy Broccoli Salad brings together fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese for a tasty treat! It’s the perfect crunchy side dish for any meal.
I always love to add a handful of nuts for an extra crunch! Making this salad is so simple that it feels like a fun little challenge in the kitchen every time. 🥦🥓
Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh is best for a hefty crunch. If you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli works too, just thaw and drain it well first.
Bacon: I love the smoky flavor of regular bacon, but turkey bacon or even veggie bacon can be a great substitute for a lighter version.
Cheese: Cheddar adds nice richness, but feel free to use mozzarella or a cheese blend if you’d like. Feta or blue cheese work well for a stronger flavor!
Dried Cranberries: These add sweetness, but raisins, chopped apples, or even a handful of grapes can also brighten up this salad.
Sunflower Seeds: They provide a nice crunch. Pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) are good alternatives!
How Do I Make Sure the Broccoli is Perfectly Crispy?
To keep the broccoli crisp, it’s important to blanch it quickly. This method keeps it vibrant and crunchy. Here’s how:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Submerge the broccoli florets for about 1-2 minutes.
- Immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Pat dry before using.
This way, your broccoli will have a beautiful color and maintain its crunch in the salad!
Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and requires at least 1 hour in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld. In no time, you’ll have a flavorful side dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broccoli:
Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly. Cut it into bite-sized florets and place them in a large mixing bowl. This ensures every piece is coated with the delicious dressing later!
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet or oven, cook the bacon until it’s crisp. Once cooked, drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease, then chop it into small pieces. This crunchy bacon will add great flavor to your salad!
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
Add the chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds to the bowl with broccoli. Gently mix all these tasty ingredients together.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. This dressing will bring all the flavors together deliciously.
5. Combine and Season:
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently toss everything together until it’s well-coated. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste for that extra flavor punch!
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, enjoy this refreshing salad chilled as a delicious side!
Enjoy your crisp, creamy, and flavorful broccoli salad with bacon and cheese!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture to keep your salad from getting soggy.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, as some ingredients might settle.
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt for Mayonnaise?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great alternative for a lighter dressing. Just keep in mind that it will slightly alter the flavor, giving it a tangier taste.
What Other Add-ins Can I Include?
Feel free to get creative! You can add chopped apples for sweetness, diced bell peppers for crunch, or even cooked quinoa for added nutrition. The options are endless!
