Description
A delicious and crunchy broccoli salad featuring fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar. Perfect as a side dish for picnics, barbecues, or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 heads fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Dressing
- 2 1/2 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sugar
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces and fry in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, chopped red onions, and grated cheddar cheese. Toss gently to mix.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss well to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled for best taste.
- Optional Step: For those who prefer a softer broccoli texture, steam the broccoli florets in the microwave for 2 minutes before mixing with the other ingredients.
Notes
- Using fresh broccoli provides the best crunch and flavor, but lightly steaming it softens the texture if desired.
- Bacon can be substituted with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Adjust sugar in the dressing to taste for less sweetness.
