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Irresistible Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe with Easy Sweet Dressing

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A crunchy broccoli salad combined with crispy bacon and a sweet, tangy dressing that balances savory and sweet flavors perfectly. This easy-to-make salad is a crowd-pleaser ideal for gatherings or quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds, toasted (optional but recommended)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place 6 slices of bacon in a cold skillet and turn the heat to medium. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally until crisp but not burnt. Remove and drain on paper towels. Once cool, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Rinse 4 cups of broccoli florets under cold water and pat dry. Chop into small, fork-friendly pieces about 1-inch chunks.
  3. In the same skillet, toast 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  4. Finely chop 1/4 cup red onion. If raw onion feels too sharp, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain before adding.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 to 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness or tang as desired.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, bacon crumbles, toasted seeds, diced onion, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly until everything is coated.
  7. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry. Serve chilled.

Notes

Start bacon in a cold pan and cook slowly for best crispness. Dry broccoli thoroughly to help dressing stick. Toast seeds carefully to avoid burning. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. For dairy-free, omit cheddar or use plant-based cheese. For gluten-free, verify bacon and mayo labels.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli bacon salad, sweet dressing, easy salad, crowd-pleaser, potluck salad, crunchy salad, bacon salad

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/irresistible-broccoli-bacon-salad-recipe-with-easy-sweet-dressing/