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Crispy Broccoli Bacon Crunch Salad Recipe with Easy Sweet Vinaigrette Dressing

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A fresh and crunchy salad combining crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, toasted almonds, and a sweet vinaigrette for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Quick and easy to prepare, this salad is great for lunches, dinners, and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 480g), chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup toasted almonds, slivered or chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup shelled sunflower seeds (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place 6 thick-cut bacon slices in a cold skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble into bite-sized pieces. Save a little bacon fat to drizzle on your salad for extra flavor if desired.
  2. Toast the almonds: In the same skillet (wipe if needed), toast 1/2 cup slivered almonds over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden. Remove and let cool.
  3. Prep the broccoli and onion: Chop fresh broccoli into small florets (about 4 cups / 480g) and finely dice 1/4 cup red onion. Place both into a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add the crunchy and sweet elements: Toss in 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (if using).
  5. Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons honey, 1/2 cup olive oil, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until fully combined and slightly thickened.
  6. Combine the salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the broccoli mixture and toss well to coat everything evenly.
  7. Add cheese, bacon, and almonds: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, crumbled bacon, and toasted almonds over the salad. Mix gently to incorporate without breaking up the broccoli.
  8. Chill or serve immediately: The salad can be served right away for maximum crunch or chilled for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld a bit.

Notes

For softer broccoli, blanch florets in boiling water for 30 seconds then rinse in ice water before tossing. Save some bacon fat to drizzle on salad for extra flavor. Toast almonds separately to enhance nuttiness. Keep dressing separate if making ahead to maintain broccoli crunch. Vegetarian and dairy-free options available by omitting bacon and cheddar or substituting with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, sweet vinaigrette, crunchy salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, quick salad, potluck salad

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/crispy-broccoli-bacon-crunch-salad-recipe-with-easy-sweet-vinaigrette-dressing/