Description
The Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries is a savory-sweet side dish that combines fresh broccoli florets with a variety of ingredients, such as crispy bacon, dried cranberries, red onions, sunflower seeds (or chopped nuts), and shredded cheddar cheese. All of these elements are then tossed in a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sweetness from honey or sugar.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
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4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
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1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (about 6-8 slices)
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1/2 cup dried cranberries
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1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/2 cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Broccoli:
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Begin by washing the fresh broccoli thoroughly. Cut the broccoli into small florets and, if desired, peel and dice the stems.
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To blanch the broccoli, bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets and cook for 1-2 minutes until the broccoli is bright green but still crisp.
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Immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice bath (a bowl of ice and water) to halt the cooking process and preserve its color and texture.
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Drain the broccoli and pat it dry with a towel. Set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon.
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Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease. Let it cool before chopping it into small pieces.
3. Make the Dressing:
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In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey (or sugar) until smooth.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the sweetness as needed. If you like a tangier dressing, feel free to add a little more vinegar.
4. Combine the Salad:
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In a large bowl, combine the blanched broccoli florets, chopped bacon, dried cranberries, red onion, sunflower seeds, and shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
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Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently to combine everything evenly.
5. Chill and Serve:
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Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
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You can serve this salad chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Notes
For extra crunch, toss in some toasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds. This salad tastes even better after chilling for an hour, allowing the flavors to meld. Great as a side dish for picnics, barbecues, or holiday gatherings!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries