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Crunchy Bacon Broccoli Salad with Cheddar and Pecans

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Broccoli Salad Recipe

This delicious and easy-to-make Broccoli Salad recipe from lovewithrecipes.com combines fresh broccoli with crunchy pecans, crispy bacon, creamy cheddar cheese, and a sweet and tangy dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a healthy yet satisfying addition to your meal. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cook time of 10 minutes, this recipe is ideal for those who are short on time but still want a delicious and nutritious dish to serve.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Category: Side dish
  • Keywords: < 30 Mins, Easy

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Fresh broccoli 3-4 cups
Sweet onion 1/2 onion
Cheddar cheese, shredded 1 cup
Pecans (chopped) 1/2 cup
Bacon (cooked and crumbled) 6 slices
Mayonnaise 1/2 cup
Sugar 2 tablespoons
Apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 368.5 kcal
Total Fat 29.9 g
Saturated Fat 9 g
Cholesterol 40.3 mg
Sodium 477.5 mg
Total Carbohydrate 17.5 g
Dietary Fiber 3.6 g
Sugars 7.6 g
Protein 10.3 g

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broccoli:
    Start by washing the fresh broccoli thoroughly. Cut the florets into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Make sure to remove the tough stems so you are left with the tender parts of the florets.

  2. Add the Flavorful Ingredients:
    To the bowl of broccoli, add the chopped sweet onion, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped pecans, and crumbled bacon. The combination of these ingredients brings a delightful mix of textures and flavors to your salad.

  3. Make the Dressing:
    In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. The sugar adds a subtle sweetness, while the apple cider vinegar provides a tangy kick, balancing out the richness of the mayonnaise.

  4. Toss and Combine:
    Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss everything together gently until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to break up the broccoli too much as you toss it.

  5. Chill and Serve:
    While you can serve the salad immediately, it’s best to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step also helps to cool the bacon and make the salad even more refreshing.


Serving Suggestions

This Broccoli Salad is a great addition to any meal, whether you’re enjoying a casual family dinner or preparing a spread for a holiday feast. Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or even as a topping for a salad bar. It’s the perfect complement to a variety of main dishes and a sure crowd-pleaser.


Tips & Variations

  • For a lighter version: You can swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to reduce the calorie content and add a creamy texture with a bit more protein.
  • Add more crunch: If you want extra crunch, try adding sunflower seeds or roasted almonds along with the pecans.
  • Make it sweeter: For a sweeter twist, substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup in the dressing for a different flavor profile.
  • Make ahead: This salad keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, so you can make it ahead of time for a busy week ahead.

Reviews

With an overall rating of 5 stars and 6 reviews, this Broccoli Salad has quickly become a favorite for those who appreciate a well-balanced, simple, yet flavor-packed dish.


This Broccoli Salad recipe is a fantastic, easy-to-make dish that combines the freshness of broccoli with the savory flavor of bacon, the sweetness of a tangy dressing, and the crunchiness of pecans, making it a must-try side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic or a family gathering, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

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