Description
Crisp and zesty broccoli salad brings summer picnic memories to life with crunchy bacon bits and tangy dressing. Cool flavors merge perfectly, inviting you to savor each refreshing bite of this classic side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup red onion
- 1/2 cup carrots
Protein and Dairy:
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry broccoli florets, red onion, and carrots to ensure crisp texture and prevent watery salad.
- Chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces, thinly slice red onion, and grate or julienne carrots for uniform size and easy eating.
- Cook bacon bits until crispy and golden, then drain on paper towels to remove excess grease and maintain crunchiness.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine prepared broccoli, red onion, and carrots to create a vibrant vegetable base.
- Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a separate small bowl to create a creamy, tangy dressing.
- Add sunflower seeds and crispy bacon bits to the vegetable mixture, providing textural contrast and nutty, smoky flavors.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure even coating without bruising delicate vegetables.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the salad, allowing it to slightly melt and integrate with the other ingredients.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and dressing to slightly marinate the vegetables.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch option, perfect for summer gatherings or quick meals.
Notes
- Ensure broccoli and vegetables are completely dry to prevent a soggy salad texture that can dilute the dressing’s flavor.
- Cut broccoli into uniform small pieces so every bite includes a perfect mix of ingredients and dressing.
- Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich dressing that reduces calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
- Swap bacon with roasted chickpeas or coconut bacon for vegetarian guests, maintaining the crunchy and smoky flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg