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Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar

creamy broccoli salad with bacon and cheddar - featured image
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A crunchy and creamy broccoli salad featuring smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy dressing, perfect for cozy gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 480 grams)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 100 grams)
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped pecans (about 30 grams, optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120 ml), plain full-fat
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (15 ml)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for about 10 minutes until crisp but not burnt. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Wash and dry broccoli florets thoroughly. Cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
  3. Finely dice the red onion. If sensitive to onion sharpness, soak diced onion in cold water for 5 minutes and drain well.
  4. In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, shredded cheddar, chopped bacon, diced onion, and sunflower seeds or pecans if using.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  7. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and broccoli stay crisp.
  8. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature, optionally garnished with extra bacon bits and cheese.

Notes

Do not overcook bacon to avoid bitterness. Keep broccoli raw for crunch. Dressing tastes better after resting. Adjust salt carefully due to salty bacon and cheddar. Can prepare bacon and chop ingredients a day ahead and assemble before serving. Variations include vegetarian options by omitting bacon and adding nuts or roasted chickpeas, and low-carb sweetener substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, cheddar cheese, creamy dressing, potluck recipe, easy salad, cozy gatherings

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/creamy-broccoli-salad-with-bacon-and-cheddar-easy-recipe-for-cozy-gatherings/