Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon – Delight in the refreshing crunch. And the savory sweetness of our Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon. This mouth-watering dish. Combines fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing for a side. That steals the show at any gathering. Packed with nutrients and flavors. It includes bacon, broccoli, red onion, raisins, and almonds. And a tangy homemade dressing.
The first time I made this salad. It was for a small family barbecue. Eager to try something new yet substantial. I chose ingredients. That I knew would be a hit. As I mixed the vibrant colors of the broccoli and red onion. With the glistening bacon and raisins. I could already tell. It would be a crowd-pleaser. Sure enough. From the first bite. My husband. Complimented the blend of textures. And my child. Couldn’t get enough of the bacon-infused bites. It’s been a family favorite. Ever since!
What makes this Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon truly special?
This Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a culinary delight. Boasting a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Enhanced by the satisfying crunch of almonds. It’s incredibly versatile. Making it an ideal choice for various occasions. From picnics. To dinner parties. Additionally, its quick and easy preparation. Requiring only 25 minutes. Ensures you can enjoy a delicious, gourmet-quality side dish. Without spending hours in the kitchen.
What You Need To Make This Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe?
Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon. For extra crunch. And a richer flavor.
Broccoli: Choose fresh broccoli with tight, green florets. For the best texture and flavor.
Red Onion: Thin slices give a mild flavor. While thicker slices add a sharper taste.
Raisins: These add a nice sweetness. Swap with dried cranberries. For a tart flavor twist.
Almonds: Toast them lightly. To enhance their nutty flavor. And crunch.
Dressing: The creamy dressing. Binds the salad beautifully. For a lighter version. Consider using less sugar. Or substituting part of the mayo with yogurt.
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Steps To Make Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon:
Step 1: First, gather all your ingredients. To have them ready. Start by cooking your bacon. In a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Until it’s evenly browned. Which should take about 7 to 10 minutes. Once done. Drain, cool, and crumble it. In a large bowl, toss the crumbled bacon with the broccoli, onion, raisins, and almonds. Mix them well.
Step 2: For the dressing. Simply whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar. Until smooth and creamy. Pour this over your salad ingredients. Stir to coat everything evenly. For the best flavor. Let the salad chill before serving. Giving the flavors time to meld beautifully.
Tip:
For an extra flavor boost. And to keep the broccoli vibrant and crisp. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water. For about 1 minute. Before shocking them in ice-cold water. This step. Enhances the green color. Making your salad visually appealing. And slightly softens the florets. Making them the perfect texture. To absorb the dressing. And meld beautifully. With the other ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad can be prepared a day in advance. And stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop more fully. Making it even more delicious the next day.
What are some variations I can try with this salad?
Feel free to swap out raisins. For dried cranberries. Or use sunflower seeds. Instead of almonds. For a different kind of crunch. Adding shredded cheese like sharp cheddar. Can also give it an extra savory element.
Is there a way to make this salad healthier?
Absolutely! Consider using low-fat mayonnaise. Or a yogurt-based dressing. You can also reduce the sugar. Or use a natural sweetener like honey to taste.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Ingredients
- ½ lb bacon
- 2 heads fresh broccoli cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 small red onion sliced into bite-size pieces
- ¾ c raisins
- ¾ c sliced almonds
- 1 c mayonnaise
- ½ c white sugar
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients.
- Cook Bacon: Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat. Until evenly browned. About 7-10 minutes. Once done, let it cool. Then crumble it.
- Mix Salad: In a large bowl. Combine the crumbled bacon, bite-sized broccoli, sliced onion, raisins, and almonds.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar. Until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. And stir well to coat everything.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for a bit before serving. To enhance the flavors.
- Enjoy your deliciously refreshing Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
