Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar

Name: Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 5 cup broccoli florets (chopped into small pieces); 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded); 1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped); 1/2 cup sunflower seeds; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled); 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoon white vinegar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar

90 min 6 servings Easy

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Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar

A delightful mix of raw broccoli, crispy bacon, red onion, sunflower seeds, and cranberries, all tossed in a creamy, sweet-tangy dressing.

Prep

20 min

Cook

10 min

Total

90 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Broccoli salad is a classic dish that combines the crisp freshness of raw broccoli with the smoky flavour of bacon, the sharpness of cheddar cheese, and the sweetness of dried cranberries. It's a perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or any casual gathering. The key to a great broccoli salad lies in the dressing. A creamy, sweet-tangy dressing binds all the ingredients together, enhancing their flavours while adding a luscious texture. This salad is not only flavourful but also visually appealing with its vibrant colours and textures.

Ingredients

Servings

Salad

Dressing

Instructions

Prepare the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to develop flavours.

Pro tip: For a lighter option, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Cook the bacon

Place bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble.

Pro tip: For less mess, oven-bake the bacon at 400°F (204°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Toast the sunflower seeds

In a small dry skillet, toast sunflower seeds over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

Pro tip: Be careful not to burn the seeds; remove from heat as soon as they start to brown.

Prepare the broccoli

Wash and chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Pat dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.

Pro tip: Smaller pieces ensure the dressing coats each floret thoroughly.

Combine salad ingredients

In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, toasted sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and crumbled bacon.

Pro tip: Mix gently to avoid breaking the broccoli florets.

Dress the salad

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Pro tip: Refrigerating allows the broccoli to soak up the dressing for a more robust flavour.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Chop the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces for better texture and flavour absorption.</li><li>Prepare the dressing at least an hour in advance to allow the flavours to meld.</li><li>Toast the sunflower seeds for enhanced nuttiness and crunch.</li><li>Use high-quality, sharp cheddar for a richer taste experience.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar can be prepared ahead of time, making it convenient for parties and gatherings. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Serve this salad chilled alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a larger buffet. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a delightful meal.