Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe
This Easy Broccoli Salad is a delightful mix of fresh, raw broccoli with a creamy dressing that has a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. The bacon adds crunch and smokiness, while the raisins bring a pop of sweetness. It’s a great side dish for any meal or a crowd-pleasing addition to potlucks!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head of broccoli)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins (you can also use dried cranberries for a tart twist)
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional, for extra crunch)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (for the dressing)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
- Wash and dry the broccoli thoroughly. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. You can peel and slice the stems if you want to use them too, as they’re great for adding extra texture and flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (about 6-8 minutes). Remove the bacon from the pan, and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is smooth. Taste the dressing and add a pinch of salt and pepper to season it to your liking.
Step 4: Combine the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, add the broccoli florets, chopped red onion, raisins, and sunflower seeds (if using). Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently until well-coated.
Step 5: Add the Bacon
- Finally, sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the salad. Give it one last gentle toss to combine.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This step isn’t mandatory, but it really enhances the flavor.
- Serve chilled, and enjoy this easy broccoli salad as a side dish to your main meal or as a light, refreshing lunch.
Why You’ll Love Easy Broccoli Salad:
- Quick and Easy: This salad takes just about 15 minutes to prepare and is a great way to make a flavorful side dish without a lot of effort.
- Crunchy and Creamy: The fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch, and the creamy dressing balances it perfectly. The bacon and raisins provide a delicious mix of sweet and savory.
- Customizable: You can swap out the raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries, or add nuts for even more crunch. If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Make-Ahead: This salad can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 2 days, making it a perfect dish for meal prep or to bring to a party.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The dressing may make the broccoli a little softer, but the flavor will still be delicious!
- Freezing: This salad is not suitable for freezing as the texture of the broccoli and other ingredients will change after thawing.