Introduction
Get ready to dive into the tastiest Broccoli Salad that’s ever graced your plate! This delightful dish is a symphony of crisp, savory, and creamy flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Let’s get cooking!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- For the Salad:
- 2 heads of fresh broccoli (not frozen)
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 pound bacon
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, grated (grate it yourself for the best texture!)
- For the Dressing:
- 2 1/2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sugar
Preparation Time
- Prep Time 15 minutes
- Cook Time 10 minutes
- Total Time 25 minutes
- Yield 6 servings
Instructions
1. First things first, cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces, fry until perfectly crispy, then let them drain on paper towels.
2. Chop the broccoli florets into bite-size pieces and toss them into a big bowl with the crispy bacon, chopped onions, and freshly grated cheddar cheese.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the vinegar, sugar, and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. Pour this dreamy dressing over the broccoli mixture and give it a good toss to coat everything evenly.
4. Cover your creation and chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to wow your taste buds with its deliciousness!
Pro Tip: For slightly softer broccoli, just steam it in the microwave for 2 minutes with a splash of water at the bottom. Bonus: This salad is scrumptious even if you skip the cheese!
Nutritional Information
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 400mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Conclusion
Enjoy every crunchy, cheesy, bacon-y bite!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces. In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until it is perfectly crispy. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
Step 2: Chop the Broccoli and Combine Ingredients
Chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, crispy bacon, chopped red onion, and freshly grated cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Salad and Dressing
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Chill until you are ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Notes
Pro Tip
For slightly softer broccoli, steam it in the microwave for 2 minutes with a splash of water at the bottom. This also enhances the color and texture.
Cheese Option
Feel free to skip the cheese if desired; the salad is still delicious without it.
Cook techniques
Frying Bacon
Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces and fry in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease.
Chopping Broccoli
Slice the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Ensure that the stems are also cut down for a uniform texture in the salad.
Grating Cheese
Use a box grater or food processor to grate the cheddar cheese. Grate it fresh for optimum flavor and texture in your salad.
Mixing the Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine vinegar, sugar, and mayonnaise. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Tossing the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, crispy bacon, chopped red onion, and grated cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to ensure even coating.
Chilling the Salad
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill the salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Steaming Broccoli (Optional)
For a slightly softer texture, steam fresh broccoli in the microwave for 2 minutes with a splash of water before mixing it into the salad.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli?
For the best texture and freshness, it’s recommended to use fresh broccoli rather than frozen.
What can I substitute for bacon?
You can substitute bacon with cooked and crumbled turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version.
Is there a dairy-free option for the dressing?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative along with a sweetener of your choice in place of the sugar.
How long can I store the salad?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
Enjoy every crunchy, cheesy, bacon-y bite!
