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Easy Crunchy Dump Broccoli Bacon Salad

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A quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing salad combining crispy bacon, fresh broccoli, sweet raisins, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 300g)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 60g)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat, flipping occasionally until crispy (about 8-10 minutes). Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare the broccoli: Wash and chop broccoli into bite-sized florets, about 4 cups or 300 grams. Pat dry to avoid soggy salad. Optionally blanch for 1 minute and plunge into ice water for softer bite.
  3. Chop the onion: Finely dice 1/4 cup of red onion. To mellow sharpness, soak chopped onion in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain well.
  4. Toast the nuts: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped pecans for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden, stirring often.
  5. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, chopped onion, raisins, and toasted nuts.
  7. Toss with dressing: Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly without overdressing.
  8. Chill and serve: Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Stir gently before plating.

Notes

Start bacon in a cold pan to render fat slowly and crisp evenly. Dry broccoli well to avoid watery salad. Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly for best texture. Keep bacon separate if making ahead to maintain crunch. Can substitute mayo with Greek yogurt or dairy-free mayo for lighter option. Nuts can be replaced with pumpkin seeds for allergies.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, potluck salad, crunchy salad, easy salad recipe, creamy dressing, quick salad

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/easy-crunchy-dump-broccoli-bacon-salad-recipe-for-perfect-potlucks/