Description
Crisp broccoli salad dances with tangy bacon bits and creamy dressing, creating a perfect summer side dish. Crunchy vegetables and zesty flavors will make this recipe a quick favorite for picnics and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dried & Crunchy Additions:
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup red onion
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Transform crisp broccoli into delicate, uniform florets, ensuring each piece is approximately bite-sized for optimal texture and easy consumption.
- Incorporate vibrant red onion, tangy dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory crumbled bacon into the broccoli mixture.
- Create a creamy dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, golden honey, and seasoning with salt and pepper until silky smooth.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetable medley, gently folding to ensure each ingredient is evenly and thoroughly coated.
- Seal the salad and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to harmonize and intensify while chilling to approximately 40°F.
- Just before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and maintain the ingredients’ crisp texture.
- Present the broccoli salad cold, showcasing its vibrant colors and inviting blend of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Prep broccoli ahead of time by cutting florets small and uniform for even coating and better texture absorption.
- Swap bacon with crispy tempeh or coconut bacon bits for vegetarian version, maintaining crunch and smoky flavor profile.
- Use low-fat Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise to reduce calorie content without compromising creamy dressing taste.
- Toast sunflower seeds briefly in dry skillet for enhanced nutty flavor and extra aromatic dimension to the salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg