Description
This refreshing and crunchy Broccoli Salad combines fresh broccoli florets with savory bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy, slightly sweet dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar or honey. Perfect as a flavorful side dish or a light lunch, it’s easy to prepare and best served chilled to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds (optional)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, and sunflower seeds or chopped almonds if using. This forms the base of your salad with a nice balance of textures and flavors.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar or honey together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined, providing a tangy and slightly sweet dressing for the salad.
- Dress the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure that every piece of broccoli and other ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences and toss gently once more to distribute the seasoning evenly throughout the salad.
- Chill to blend flavors: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to marry and deepens the taste of the salad before serving.
Notes
- For a nuttier crunch, substitute sunflower seeds with chopped almonds or walnuts.
- Use honey instead of sugar for natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile.
- Make sure the bacon is fully cooked and crisp for the best texture.
- Salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated; stir gently before serving.
- To lighten it up, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt as a healthier option.
