Hey there! You know those dishes that just hit the spot every time? This bacon broccoli salad is one of those for my family! It's got the perfect combo of crunchy broccoli and delicious bacon that never fails to bring my kids, Alex and Sarah, running to the table. On crazy Madison Avenue evenings when dinner needs to be quick and satisfying, this salad always comes through. Speaking of family go-tos, you’ve got to check out these gluten-free lemon crinkle cookies next!
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Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy prep: Ready in just 10 minutes!
- Family-friendly: A surefire hit with the kids (and picky eaters!).
- Flavor-packed: Combines savory, sweet, and tangy all in one.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side or a light main course.
- Make-ahead magic: Perfect for busy schedules, just refrigerate, and serve.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
- ½ teaspoon superfine sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 heads broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 strips cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup chopped, dry roasted cashews
- ⅓ cup Zante currants
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Step-by-step instructions
Make the dressing
- Place all dressing ingredients into a small mixing bowl.
- Whisk until well combined.
Prepare the salad
- Place broccoli florets into a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli and fold together until fully combined.
Assemble
- Add bacon, cashews, currants, and green onions to the broccoli.
- Fold together until everything is well mixed.
- Season to taste, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Give the salad a good toss before serving.
Recipe tips & variations
- Tip: Use pre-cooked bacon to save time during your prep.
- Variations: Swap cashews with almonds or sunflower seeds if you prefer.
- Question: Ever wondered if blanching broccoli is necessary? I skip it—saves time and keeps it crunchy!
Storage & reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Shelf life: This salad stays fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Letting it sit in the fridge develops the flavors even more!
FAQs
Can I make bacon broccoli salad ahead of time without it getting soggy?
Absolutely! Simply prepare the salad, but keep the dressing separate. Mix before serving to retain crunchiness.
What can I use instead of cashews in broccoli salad?
You can substitute cashews with almonds, sunflower seeds, or even chopped walnuts—whatever you have on hand!
How long does broccoli salad with bacon last in the fridge?
It’s best consumed within 3 days, keeping it fresh in an airtight container.
Should I blanch the broccoli before making broccoli salad?
I say skip it! Raw broccoli gives it that awesome crunch, plus you save extra time!
Recipes you may like
- Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Creamy Mango Banana Smoothie for a Fresh Morning Boost
- Pineapple Green Smoothie
I hope you love this bacon broccoli salad as much as my family does! It's become a staple in our home, and I bet it'll be in yours too. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
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Bacon Broccoli Salad
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and family-friendly bacon broccoli salad packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
- ½ teaspoon superfine sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 heads broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 strips cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup chopped, dry roasted cashews
- ⅓ cup Zante currants
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Place all dressing ingredients into a small mixing bowl.
- Whisk until well combined.
- Place broccoli florets into a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli and fold together until fully combined.
- Add bacon, cashews, currants, and green onions to the broccoli.
- Fold together until everything is well mixed.
- Season to taste, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Give the salad a good toss before serving.
Notes
- Tip: Use pre-cooked bacon to save time during your prep.
- Variations: Swap cashews with almonds or sunflower seeds if you prefer.
- Question: Ever wondered if blanching broccoli is necessary? I skip it—saves time and keeps it crunchy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
