Broccoli Salad Recipe | Quick & Easy Side Dish | Love With Recipes
This Broccoli Salad recipe is the perfect side dish for any occasion. With its fresh crunch from the broccoli, a burst of sweetness from raisins, and a savory finish from crispy bacon, it’s a balanced, flavorful dish that takes no time at all to prepare. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables without compromising on taste! Whether youโre hosting a BBQ, planning a family dinner, or simply craving something light and satisfying, this easy-to-make broccoli salad will quickly become your new go-to.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bacon | 10 slices |
| Fresh Broccoli | 1 large crown |
| Red Onion | 1/4 medium |
| Raisins | 1/2 cup |
| White Vinegar | 3 tablespoons |
| White Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 417 kcal |
| Total Fat | 30.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 35.9 mg |
| Sodium | 628.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 30.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g |
| Sugars | 15.9 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the bacon: Start by cooking the bacon until it becomes crispy. You can do this either in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven for a more hands-off approach. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.
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Crumble the bacon: Once the bacon has cooled enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces and set it aside. This will be added at the end to provide a delicious crunchy topping.
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Chop the broccoli: While the bacon is cooking, take the fresh broccoli and cut it into bite-sized florets. Place the florets in a large mixing bowl. The broccoli should be fresh and crisp, providing a nice crunch to the salad.
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Prepare the red onion and raisins: Peel and thinly slice the red onion, then add it to the bowl with the broccoli. Next, measure out the raisins and add them as well. These ingredients bring a bit of sweetness and tang to balance the savory elements of the salad.
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Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, white sugar, and mayonnaise. This combination will create a creamy and tangy dressing that coats the broccoli, raisins, and onion beautifully. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and the dressing is smooth.
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Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the dressing coats every piece of broccoli, onion, and raisin.
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Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least two hours. This step allows the flavors to meld together and the broccoli to absorb the dressing. If youโre short on time, chilling for as little as 30 minutes will still provide great flavor, but longer refrigeration yields better results.
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Add the bacon: Just before serving, toss in the crumbled bacon. This will ensure the bacon remains crisp and doesnโt get soggy from the dressing. Give the salad one final gentle toss to mix everything together.
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Serve and enjoy: Your broccoli salad is ready to be served! This dish is perfect for a side at any meal and can easily be prepared ahead of time for gatherings. Itโs refreshing, crunchy, and full of flavor with a great balance of sweet and savory.
Tips for Success
- Make it ahead: Broccoli salad tastes even better when made in advance, as the flavors have more time to develop. Make it the night before a picnic or party for a stress-free dish that will impress.
- Add more protein: To turn this salad into a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, turkey, or even a handful of nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds.
- Customize it: Feel free to experiment with other ingredients. Try adding some shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness, or swap the raisins for dried cranberries for a different twist.
Recipe Summary
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
This broccoli salad is a fast, easy, and crowd-pleasing dish. Itโs the perfect side to complement your BBQ favorites, or even as a light and healthy lunch. Make it today and experience the delicious, creamy texture and satisfying crunch that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Keywords
Broccoli salad, easy side dish, quick broccoli salad, healthy vegetable salad, bacon salad, creamy salad, summer salad, picnic salad, side dish under 30 minutes, easy vegetable recipes
