This Easy Broccoli Salad is a fresh mix of crunchy broccoli, sweet raisins, and crispy bacon that make your taste buds dance! It’s perfect for a quick side dish or a fun picnic treat.
Honestly, that bacon adds such a tasty crunch that I can’t resist sneaking a piece before serving. 😄 Just toss everything together and enjoy the colorful goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are the star here! If you can’t find fresh, frozen broccoli works too; just be sure to thaw and drain it well first. I prefer using vibrant green broccoli for color and taste.
Bacon: I use crispy bacon for that perfect crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon can replace regular bacon, though the flavor will differ a bit.
Grapes: Red seedless grapes add a sweet pop. If you prefer, you can use diced apples or sliced strawberries instead for a fruity twist!
Sunflower Seeds: They give a nice crunch, but pecans or walnuts can be great alternatives if you want something different or have a nut allergy.
How Do I Get My Bacon Extra Crispy?
Crispy bacon makes all the difference in this salad. To achieve that perfect crunch:
- Cook bacon in a cold skillet; this helps it render fat slowly and evenly.
- Use medium heat to prevent burning while allowing it to crisp up nicely.
- Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels for extra crispness before adding it to your salad.
These steps ensure your bacon is irresistible. Just be careful not to nibble all of it before the salad is done! Enjoy mixing this crunchy, fresh salad.
Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe With Crunchy Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 8 strips bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy broccoli salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and needs at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge. The chilling step helps all the flavors come together nicely. So, it’s quick to make but requires a little patience before you dive into it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broccoli:
Start by washing the fresh broccoli and chopping it into bite-sized florets. Place the chopped broccoli in a large salad bowl to get ready for mixing all the yummy ingredients!
2. Cook the Bacon:
Next, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove it from the pan and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease. Let it cool a bit, then crumble it into small bits.
3. Mix Everything Together:
In that same large salad bowl with broccoli, add the crumbled bacon, halved grapes, finely chopped red onion, sunflower seeds, and raisins. Mix it all gently to combine the ingredients evenly without breaking the broccoli too much.
4. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This tasty dressing will tie all the flavors together beautifully!
5. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss everything gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Don’t be shy—this is where all the flavors meld together!
6. Chill Before Serving:
Cover your salad and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend and the broccoli to soften slightly while still retaining some crunch.
7. Toss and Serve:
Before you serve, give the salad a final toss to ensure everything is mixed well. Enjoy your crunchy, sweet, and tangy broccoli bacon salad as a delicious side dish or snack!
This easy broccoli salad combines fresh and crisp broccoli with sweet grapes and raisins, the crunch from sunflower seeds, and the irresistible savory flavor of crunchy bacon all brought together with a lightly sweet creamy dressing. Enjoy every colorful bite!
FAQ for Easy Broccoli Salad With Crunchy Bacon
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Bacon?
Yes, using pre-cooked bacon can save time! Just chop it into pieces and add it to the salad. If you want extra crunch, consider reheating it briefly in a skillet before adding.
How Do I Store Leftover Broccoli Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The broccoli will soften over time, but the flavors will continue to meld deliciously!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just toss it in the dressing the day you’re serving it to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Dressing?
If you prefer a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream works well instead of mayonnaise. You can also try an avocado-based dressing for a creamy and healthy twist.
