Crisp Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Bacondijon Vinaigrette
Table of Contents
Crisp & Crunchy Broccoli Salad: Your New BBQ Staple
Fancy a broccoli salad recipe that’ll knock your socks off? Ever wonder how to spice up your summer salads? Honestly, I’ve been making this version for years, and it's always a winner.
This broccoli salad with bacon is not your grandma's broccoli salad recipe easy .
This crunchy broccoli salad is a vibrant dish combining fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, red onion, and sunflower seeds. The secret? A tangy bacon Dijon vinaigrette.
Originating as a classic American side dish, this version skips the mayo for a lighter, brighter taste. It's easy, taking only 1 hour with 20 minutes prep, and yields 6-8 servings.
Why This Best Broccoli Salad Recipe ?
This salad is packed with goodness. Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. It's the perfect picnic salad recipe or side for your next BBQ, especially if you are looking for summer salad recipes .
What makes it special? That homemade Dijon vinaigrette salad dressing and the irresistible bacon crunch.
What You'll Need for This Easy Broccoli Salad
Ready to get started? Here is what you'll need:
1 large head of broccoli (about 500g/1.1lbs), cut into small florets
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
6 slices bacon (about 150g/5oz), cooked until crispy and crumbled
1/2 cup (75g) sunflower seeds
1/2 cup (50g) dried cranberries or raisins
For the Bacon Dijon Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons reserved bacon fat (from cooking the bacon) - optional, but adds great flavour!
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
From Garden Party to Gourmet: Let's Get Cooking!
So, there you have it. An intro that hopefully has you drooling and ready to grab your chopping board. This broccoli salad with cranberries is a game changer.
Trust me, once you try this, you'll never go back to boring salads again. Now, let's dive into the nitty gritty of how to make this masterpiece.
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk about what you'll need to make this best broccoli salad recipe a reality! Honestly, it's pretty straightforward. You probably have a lot of this stuff already.
I remember the first time I made this. I was so worried about getting everything just right! But trust me, it's super forgiving.
Main Ingredients
Get ready for some crunchy broccoli salad goodness!
- Broccoli: 1 large head (about 500g/1.1lbs ), cut into small florets. Fresh is key here. Look for tight, dark green florets with no yellowing. That's how you know it's good!
- Red Onion: 1/2 , thinly sliced. Adds a nice little bite.
- Bacon: 6 slices (around 150g/5oz ), cooked until crispy and crumbled. Use a good quality bacon. The better the bacon, the better the salad, right?
- Sunflower Seeds: 1/2 cup ( 75g ). For that extra crunch.
- Dried Cranberries: 1/2 cup ( 50g ). These bring a touch of sweetness. You could use raisins too if you like.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ).
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons. A must for the dressing.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons.
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ).
- Reserved Bacon Fat: 2 tablespoons (optional). Seriously, don't skip this if you can!
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Seasoning Notes
This Dijon vinaigrette salad dressing is what makes it sing.
It’s all about balancing flavors. The sweetness of the honey, the tang of the vinegar, and that lovely bacon-y saltiness.
If you don’t have Dijon, a regular yellow mustard will do in a pinch, but it won’t be quite the same.
For a broccoli salad with cranberries , make sure you choose the right ones, as this is essential for the final product.
Spice combinations are easy - Salt and Pepper are always the best friends! For aromatics the Dijon and the bacon will go a long way!.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple!. For this easy broccoli salad , you'll want:
- Large mixing bowl. To toss everything together.
- Small bowl or jar. For mixing the dressing.
- Frying pan or skillet. For cooking the bacon.
- Whisk or fork. For the dressing.
- Chopping board and a sharp knife. Pretty obvious, right?
No fancy gadgets needed! If you don't have a whisk, a fork works just fine. A Crunchy broccoli salad needs a nice toss, but nothing complicated, honestly.
You can make Broccoli Salad Recipe Easy even with the most basic equipment.
Crisp & Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Bacon Dijon Vinaigrette
Honestly, who doesn't love a good salad? Especially during summer. This isn't just any salad; it's the best broccoli salad recipe I've ever made.
And trust me, I've tried a few! We're talking crunchy, flavourful, and utterly addictive. This easy broccoli salad is bound to be a crowd pleaser at your next BBQ, like when your neighbors compliment and ask for your recipe.
Prep Like a Pro: The Broccoli Salad Recipe Easy Way
First things first, let's get our mise en place sorted. That's just a fancy way of saying "get everything ready.
" Chop your 500g broccoli into small florets. Thinly slice that half red onion the thinner, the better, trust me.
Cook 6 slices of bacon until they're crispy. Don't overcook them, we want that perfect crunch. Crumble them once they've cooled down.
Grab your 75g sunflower seeds and 50g dried cranberries . Organisation is key for this summer salad recipes !
The step-by-step: From Broccoli to Bliss
Ready to make this crunchy broccoli salad ? Here's how:
- Cook your 6 slices of bacon . Medium heat is your friend.
- Make the dressing. Whisk 60ml apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons honey, 60ml olive oil and 2 tablespoons bacon fat (optional) together. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, mix the broccoli florets, red onion, bacon, sunflower seeds, and cranberries .
- Pour the dressing over. Toss gently.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving. This lets all those flavours get to know each other.
Pro Tips and Tricks for a Top-Tier Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Want to take your broccoli salad with bacon to the next level? Here's how:
- Don't skip the bacon fat in the dressing! Seriously, it adds such a smoky depth. The dijon vinaigrette salad becomes ten times better.
- Avoid overdressing the salad . Start with less, add more if needed. No one likes a soggy salad.
- You can make this ahead of time. It's even better the next day because the flavours meld together. Perfect for picnic salad recipes .
This broccoli salad recipe is more than just a side dish. It's a flavour explosion, a textural delight, and honestly, it's super easy to make.
Give it a go, and let me know what you think! This easy broccoli salad is destined to become a firm favourite.
Recipe Notes for a Cracking Broccoli Salad
Right, let's get down to the nitty gritty of this crunchy broccoli salad . This isn't just any broccoli salad recipe easy to whip up.
I am going to tell you how to make a really good one. Honestly, even I surprised myself.
Serving Suggestions: Getting Your Broccoli Salad on the Plate
Forget limp lettuce! This best broccoli salad recipe looks amazing. Plating wise, pile it high in a nice bowl.
Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or salmon. It cuts through the richness. A glass of lemonade or iced tea is a winner too.
I think it's perfect with picnic salad recipes. It will look great!.
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Broccoli Salad Fresh
This easy broccoli salad actually gets better with time. The flavors blend beautifully.
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing isn't really recommended, though. It tends to get a bit soggy.
I tried once. Don't reheat it either. You want that crunchy broccoli salad , right?
Variations: Broccoli Salad Your Way
Fancy a change? For a dietary swap, ditch the bacon for a vegetarian version. Roasted chickpeas give you that lovely crunch instead. How cool is that?.
If you are not into sunflower seeds, swap them for toasted almonds. A broccoli salad with cranberries is awesome during winter with seasonal ingredient swaps. Yum!
Nutrition Basics: Broccoli Salad Health Boost
Okay, so it’s not all about bacon. It is a dijon vinaigrette salad so that counts right? One serving is about 350 calories, 15g protein.
You also get 5g of fibre and other nutrients. Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, don't forget.
I have had some broccoli salad with bacon that was delicious!
Right, that's it from me for now! Enjoy your Broccoli Salad Recipe . Hope you have some sun to enjoy it in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make broccoli salad ahead of time? Will it get soggy?
Absolutely! In fact, this Crisp & Crunchy Broccoli Salad is often better the next day. The flavours really meld together nicely. To prevent it from getting soggy, dress it right before you plan to serve it.
Or, if you're dressing it in advance, you can add a little bit more of the sunflower seeds and/or crumbled bacon to add more texture to it!
I'm not a fan of bacon. What can I substitute in this broccoli salad recipe?
No worries, bacon isn't everyone's cup of tea! For a vegetarian option, try roasted chickpeas for a similar salty, crunchy texture. You could also add some smoked tofu, cut into small pieces and pan-fried until crispy.
Alternatively, just omit it altogether the broccoli salad will still be delicious with the other ingredients and the bacon Dijon vinaigrette!
My broccoli salad is too bitter. How can I fix it?
Sometimes broccoli can have a slightly bitter taste. Blanching the broccoli florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately plunging them into ice water, can help reduce the bitterness. The bacon Dijon vinaigrette, with its sweetness from the honey or maple syrup, also helps to balance the flavours.
Make sure you have the correct ratio of dressing to broccoli.
How long does broccoli salad last in the fridge?
Broccoli salad will generally last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the texture of the broccoli may soften slightly over time. It's best to consume it sooner rather than later for the best flavour and crunch, mind you!
Can I add cheese to this broccoli salad? What kind would work best?
Cheese, gromit! Of course, you can add cheese! Cheddar cheese is a real winner, complimenting the bacon Dijon vinaigrette very well. Feta cheese also works really nicely, it adds a nice salty and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the salad.
Consider about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese to give it that little extra something.
Crisp Crunchy Broccoli Salad With Bacondijon Vin
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |