Classic Broccoli Salad

This Classic Broccoli Salad is a fresh, nutritious, and incredibly versatile dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. It’s full of bright, crispy broccoli, savory bacon, sweet raisins, and tangy dressing. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, bringing a side to a potluck, or simply craving a healthy salad, this one will surely be a hit. The best part? It’s easy to make, customizable, and can be prepared ahead of time.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium head of broccoli), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice, like mozzarella or gouda)
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (or chopped walnuts/almonds for added crunch)
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional for a touch of sweetness)
• 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits or 4-5 slices of bacon, crumbled (optional for a smoky flavor)
• 1 medium apple, diced (optional, for extra crunch and sweetness)

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or use Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar for a milder flavor)
• 2 tablespoons honey or granulated sugar (adjust according to your preference for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for a little tanginess)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

• Wash and Chop: Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly. Remove the tough outer stems and chop the florets into bite-sized pieces. If you enjoy the stalks, peel off the tough outer layer and slice them into thin, bite-sized pieces to add to the salad. If you’re looking for a smoother texture, you can blanch the broccoli by dipping it into boiling water for 1-2 minutes and then immediately placing it in an ice bath to preserve the vibrant green color. However, fresh raw broccoli provides the best crunch for this salad.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon (Optional)

• Crisp the Bacon: If you’re adding bacon, cook the slices in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Once done, place the bacon on a paper towel to remove excess grease, then crumble it into small pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

• Whisk Together: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt if using), apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking by adding more honey or vinegar. The dressing should be smooth and creamy, with a balanced flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Salad

• Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, red onion, shredded cheese, sunflower seeds (or nuts), raisins (or cranberries), crumbled bacon (if using), and diced apple (if you want a little extra sweetness and crunch). Toss everything together gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Add the Dressing

• Toss Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to coat all the ingredients. Make sure the dressing is evenly distributed across the broccoli and other ingredients. The dressing should add a creamy texture without overpowering the freshness of the broccoli.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

• Let it Rest: While you can serve the salad immediately, it’s best to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also gives time for the broccoli to absorb some of the dressing and for the salad to become even more delicious.
• Final Touch: Before serving, give the salad a final toss. If desired, sprinkle a few more sunflower seeds, bacon bits, or raisins on top for extra crunch and flavor.

Additional Tips and Variations:

1. Make it Vegan:
   • Substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative (like vegan mayo) and skip the bacon. You can replace the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative if desired.
2. Extra Veggies:
   • Add more crunch with sliced carrots, bell peppers, or even cucumber. These vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture, making the salad even more colorful and nutritious.
3. Grilled Chicken:
   • For a more filling meal, top the salad with grilled chicken breast slices for added protein. This turns the salad into a complete meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.
4. Spicy Kick:
   • If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing to spice things up. It pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the mayo and the sweetness of the raisins.
5. Make Ahead:
   • This salad can be made a day ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better after sitting in the fridge overnight as the flavors have more time to develop. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and give it a good toss before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this classic broccoli salad as a side dish for your favorite BBQ or picnic. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, burgers, or even a fresh grilled veggie platter.
• It can also serve as a light lunch on its own or as part of a buffet-style meal for parties and gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Salad:

1. Balanced Flavors: It strikes the perfect balance between creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory. The broccoli provides crunch and nutrition, while the bacon and cheese add richness and flavor.
2. Nutritious: Full of antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins from the fresh vegetables, this salad is not only tasty but also good for you.
3. Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients to fit your dietary preferences or what you have available at home.
4. Make Ahead: It’s a convenient dish that can be prepped in advance, saving you time on busy days or when entertaining guests.