For a nutritious and delicious side dish, this Broccoli Salad with Bacon is perfect. This delightful blend of crunchy textures and savory flavors comes together in just 15 minutes. Our step-by-step guide will help you create a salad that's not only packed with nutrients but also full of flavor. We'll be using fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, and a handful of other ingredients to provide a satisfying texture contrast that's sure to please.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a perfect combination of fresh broccoli and smoky bacon combined in a delicious salad that is both easy to make and satisfying to eat.
This dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you're craving something scrumptious. You are going to love the harmonious blend of flavors and textures, from the crispy freshness of broccoli to the chewy goodness of bacon, all complemented by a creamy dressing that is simply irresistible.
Whether you want to impress your in-laws or add some variety to your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Broccoli: If you're looking to switch things up, cauliflower makes a great alternative with a similar texture.
- Bacon: Use any type of bacon you like. For that smoky flavor with a healthier twist, turkey bacon is our go-to. Vegetarians fear not—tempeh bacon can stand in beautifully here, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy that savory goodness.
- Red Onion: If red onion isn't your thing, try scallions or shallots for a milder taste.
- Grated Cheddar: Our salad calls for grated cheddar, but feel free to use whatever kind of cheese you like. Omit or use vegan cheese to make this dairy-free.
- Dried Cranberries: Substitute raisins or chopped dried apricots for a different kind of sweet surprise.
Dressing
- Greek Yogurt: Non-dairy Greek yogurt works just as well for those avoiding dairy, keeping the dressing lusciously thick.
- Mayonnaise (or Veganaise): Adds richness and depth; Veganaise is a fantastic vegan alternative that doesn't skimp on flavor. (We aren't vegan and use it regularly just for taste.)
- Red Wine Vinegar: This provides a lovely tang that brightens up the salad. Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute if you're looking for a slightly sweeter edge.
- Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. Feel free to use your favorite sweetener here, be it honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative like Stevia.
- Sea Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adjust according to your taste preferences. In my kitchen, we love Pink Himalayan salt.
For Topping:
- Sliced Almonds: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Swap out for chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds if almonds aren't your cup of tea.
Tips and Tricks
- Embrace the Crunch: Freshness is key when it comes to broccoli. For that perfect crunch, choose bright green, firm broccoli heads. If you have time, soak the florets in ice water for a few minutes before draining. This little trick revives the broccoli, making it even crisper.
- Bacon Makes Everything Better: We all know bacon is a crowd-pleaser, but cooking it to just the right level of crispiness makes all the difference. My go-to method? Lay the strips on a baking sheet and cook them in the oven. It's less messy and gives you perfectly crispy bacon every time.
- A Little Prep Goes a Long Way: Chopping the red onion finely is a small step that has a big impact on the overall texture and blend of flavors in the salad. No one likes a big chunk of onion in their bite!
- Cheese, Please: While the recipe calls for grated cheddar, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A sharp aged cheddar adds depth, while a milder cheese like mozzarella can lighten the overall flavor profile.
- Dress to Impress: When it comes to the dressing, getting the balance right is crucial. Taste as you go, adjusting the acidity with a bit more red wine vinegar or adding sweetness with your choice of sweetener. And remember, the dressing will intensify in flavor as it sits, so making it ahead of time can really enhance your salad.
- Let It Marinate: If time allows, let the salad sit in the fridge for an hour or two before serving. This lets the flavors meld together and the broccoli to soften slightly, making every bite even more delicious.
Variations
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Pine Nuts: Omit the almonds and substitute an equal amount of pine nuts. Toast the pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat for 7 to 10 minutes.
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Mozzarella Cheese: Omit the cheddar cheese and use three ounces of cubed fresh mozzarella cheese.
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Sunflower Seeds: Reduce the almonds to ¼ cup and add ¼ cup salted sunflower seeds.
More Broccoli Recipes to Try
- Enjoy Roasted Broccoli Pasta - a comforting blend of pasta and roasted broccoli with Parmesan cheese.
- Broccoli Slaw Salad is a refreshing and crunchy salad that's perfect for picnics and BBQs.
- You will love Blackstone Broccoli - it is smoky, charred broccoli cooked on a Blackstone griddle.
- Savor Garlic Roasted Broccoli - a simple yet delicious dish that combines roasted broccoli with garlic.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Cheese
Ingredients
- 12 ounces broccoli chopped
- 8 ounces bacon cooked and crumbled; or tempeh bacon
- ½ red onion chopped fine
- 3 ounces grated cheddar or Daiya shreds
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
Dressing
- ⅓ cup Greek yogurt dairy or non-dairy
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or veganaise
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar or other sweetener
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Topping
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine broccoli, bacon, onion, cheese, and cranberries in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Add dressing to the large bowl and toss to combine.
- Top with almonds and serve.
Shannon Graham
Now this right here s m y kind of salad.