Are you looking for a quick and easy side dish that's both healthy and incredibly flavorful? Then look no further! This broccoli salad with bacon and raisins is the perfect addition to any barbecue, potluck, or weeknight dinner. It's surprisingly simple to make, packed with nutrients, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Forget boring salads – this one's bursting with delicious textures and tastes!
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prepare the Broccoli: Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly and steam or blanch them until they're tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking; you want them to retain a slight crunch. Immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain their vibrant green color. Drain well.
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Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and crumble it into small pieces. Reserve a tablespoon or two of the bacon grease – it adds incredible flavor to the dressing!
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Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and a tablespoon or two of the reserved bacon grease (optional, but highly recommended).
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Combine Everything: In a large bowl, gently combine the steamed broccoli, crumbled bacon, raisins, and red onion.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
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Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best taste! Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad:
- Don't overcook the broccoli: Overcooked broccoli will be mushy and unappetizing. Aim for tender-crisp florets.
- Use good quality bacon: The bacon is a key ingredient, so choose a brand you enjoy.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of sugar. Conversely, add a little more if you like it sweeter.
- Add some crunch: Toasted sunflower seeds or chopped pecans would make a delightful addition to this recipe.
- Make it ahead: This salad is even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time.
Variations:
- Cranberry Broccoli Salad: Substitute dried cranberries for the raisins.
- Cheesy Broccoli Salad: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Spicy Broccoli Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 3-5g
This easy broccoli salad is a perfect example of delicious and healthy homemade cooking. It's a versatile side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a simple weeknight dinner. The combination of crunchy broccoli, salty bacon, sweet raisins, and a tangy dressing is simply irresistible! Enjoy!