Best Broccoli Salad Bacon

This broccoli salad has become my potluck signature dish, earning requests at every family gathering and neighborhood event. The perfect balance of crunchy broccoli, savory bacon, and sweet cranberries creates a salad that even veggie-skeptics devour eagerly.

I first made this recipe when tasked with bringing a side dish to a summer barbecue where I barely knew anyone. The bowl came home completely empty with three people asking for the recipe. Now it's my go-to contribution for any shared meal.

Ingredients

• Fresh broccoli florets: Provides the perfect crunchy foundation and vibrant color. Look for deep green heads with tight florets for best flavor.
• Crispy bacon: Adds savory depth and irresistible flavor. Use thick-cut bacon for more substantial bacon pieces.
• Red onion: Provides a sharp contrast to the sweeter elements. Choose firm onions with bright purple skin.
• Dried cranberries: Add sweet-tart chewiness. Look for plump cranberries without added oils.
• Sliced almonds: Contribute essential crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the dressing. Full-fat versions deliver the best texture.
• Sugar: Balances the vinegar in the dressing. Can adjust to taste based on preference.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and tang. Use unfiltered for more depth of flavor.
• Fresh ground pepper: Heightens all other flavors. Freshly ground has significantly more impact than pre-ground.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the dressing:

Whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and pepper until completely smooth. The dressing should have a pourable consistency that will coat the broccoli pieces. Take time to ensure the sugar fully dissolves for even distribution of sweetness.

Chop and combine:

Finely chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces that are easy to eat but still substantial enough to hold their shape. Combine with chopped bacon, red onion, cranberries, and almonds in a large mixing bowl. Ensure even distribution of ingredients throughout the mixture.

Dress and chill:

Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss thoroughly until every piece is coated. The dressing may initially seem thick, but as it chills, it will penetrate the broccoli slightly. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Final toss:

Right before serving, give the salad another thorough toss to redistribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom of the bowl. This ensures every bite has the perfect balance of creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables.

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The humble broccoli transforms completely in this recipe. My grandmother always insisted that fresh black pepper was the secret ingredient that tied everything together. She would grind it directly over the bowl, counting exactly 12 turns of her wooden pepper mill before declaring it perfect.

Make It Your Own

This salad welcomes customization based on what you have available. Sunflower seeds can replace almonds for a school-friendly nut-free version. Diced apples add extra crunch and freshness in the fall. Shredded cheddar cheese introduces another layer of flavor that works beautifully with the bacon. The base recipe provides a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.

Time-Saving Shortcuts

Pre-cut broccoli florets from the produce section save considerable prep time. Pre-cooked bacon bits can substitute in a pinch, though the flavor won't be quite as robust. The dressing can be prepared up to three days ahead and stored separately until ready to assemble. Even with these shortcuts, the salad maintains its delicious appeal while becoming even more weeknight-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, particularly chicken or pork. For a complete meal, serve alongside rotisserie chicken and crusty bread. At potlucks, it holds its own among traditional sides like potato salad and coleslaw. During holiday meals, it provides a welcome fresh counterpoint to heavier dishes. Its vibrant colors make it an attractive addition to any table.

The Blanching Debate

While this recipe uses raw broccoli for maximum nutrition and crunch, blanching remains a topic of friendly debate among broccoli salad enthusiasts. Blanching softens the texture slightly and brightens the color to a vibrant green. If choosing to blanch, immerse broccoli in boiling water for exactly 60 seconds, then plunge immediately into ice water. Pat thoroughly dry before proceeding with the recipe to avoid diluting the dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different nut instead of almonds?

Yes, you can substitute almonds with walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for a different texture and flavor.

→ How do I tenderize the broccoli without cooking it?

To slightly soften the broccoli, blanch it by boiling for 1-2 minutes, then rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process.

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator, but toss it again before serving for best results.

→ Is it possible to make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, you can make it dairy-free by ensuring the mayonnaise is dairy-free and checking that no other ingredients contain dairy.

→ What can I use as a sweetener alternative to sugar?

You can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia to sweeten the dressing.