Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you unsatisfied and craving more? Get ready to transform your taste buds with the most mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing salad that will have everyone begging for your recipe! This Broccoli Bacon and Cheese Salad is not just a side dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines the crispy goodness of bacon, the sharp tang of cheddar cheese, and the fresh crunch of broccoli in a creamy, irresistible combination that will make you forget you're even eating a salad!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Wash the fresh broccoli florets thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh broccoli florets, crumbled cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by mixing the mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture in the large bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the dressing into the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Once everything is well mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a final stir to redistribute the dressing. Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual bowls.
- Garnish with additional bacon or cheese if desired, and serve chilled. Enjoy your Broccoli Bacon and Cheese Salad!
Tips
- Bacon Brilliance: For maximum flavor, use thick-cut bacon and cook it until it's perfectly crisp. Let it cool completely before crumbling to maintain that satisfying crunch.
- Broccoli Prep Perfection: Cut your broccoli florets into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even coating and easy eating. Fresh, crisp broccoli is key to this salad's success!
- Chill Factor: Don't skip the refrigeration step! Letting the salad sit for at least 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld and intensify, taking this dish from good to absolutely incredible.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add some extras like sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra flavor kick.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad actually gets better after a few hours in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or potluck gatherings.
- Dressing Tip: For a lighter version, you can substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt without sacrificing too much creaminess.Pro Tip: Always taste and adjust seasoning just before serving to ensure the perfect balance of flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
