Broccoli Salad Recipe with Bacon: A Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish
Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that will impress your guests? Look no further than this broccoli salad recipe with bacon! This recipe is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or any other gathering. It's also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies! The creamy dressing, crunchy bacon, and fresh broccoli florets create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This broccoli salad recipe is surprisingly simple, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry!
- 1 large head of broccoli: Choose a head that’s firm and bright green for the best flavor and texture. We'll be chopping this into bite-sized pieces.
- 6 slices bacon: Crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the creamy dressing. Cook it until it's perfectly crisp!
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: This is the base of our creamy dressing. Choose your favorite brand!
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Adds a nice pungent bite to balance the richness of the mayonnaise and bacon.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: These provide a burst of sweetness and tartness.
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds: These add a delightful crunch and healthy fats. Feel free to substitute with other nuts or seeds like pepitas or slivered almonds.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: This adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to enhance the flavors. You can adjust this to your taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These essential seasonings will help bring all the flavors together.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious broccoli salad:
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Steam or blanch the broccoli until it's tender-crisp but not mushy. Immediately plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking process and retain its vibrant green color. Then, drain it thoroughly.
- Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Remove it from the pan and crumble it into small pieces. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease (optional, for extra flavor in the dressing).
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red onion, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. If using, stir in 2 tablespoons of reserved bacon grease for extra flavor.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked broccoli, cranberries, and sunflower seeds to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the broccoli is evenly coated.
- Add the Bacon: Stir in the crumbled bacon.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This salad tastes even better the next day!
Tips and Variations:
- Add some protein: Grilled chicken or chickpeas would be delicious additions to this salad.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or vegetables.
- Make it ahead: This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight.
This broccoli salad with bacon is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its vibrant colors and delicious flavors will make it a staple at your next gathering. Enjoy!
