Broccoli, Bacon, and Cheese Salad 🍴🥦🥓🧀
Description
This delectable Broccoli, Bacon, and Cheese Salad is a wonderful treat for any season, although it shines particularly bright in the summer. It’s a beloved favorite at family gatherings, church functions, and friendly get-togethers, making it an undeniable hit every time. The beauty of this salad lies not only in its taste but also in its versatility; you can easily transform it into a low-fat version by using reduced-fat cheese, low-fat mayonnaise, and even Splenda in place of sugar. This recipe, a gem discovered in the Pillsbury Simple Summer Recipes Cookbook around 1990, is bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. This is my first contribution to Love With Recipes, and I sincerely hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Ingredients
- 3 cups broccoli florets 🥦
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded 🧀
- 1/3 cup raisins 🍇
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped 🧅
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise 🥄
- 2 tablespoons sugar 🍬
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice 🍋
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 🥓
Nutritional Information (per 1/2 cup serving)
- Calories: 144.4 kcal
- Fat: 9.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.1 g
- Cholesterol: 14.9 mg
- Sodium: 198.4 mg
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Sugar: 7.1 g
- Protein: 3.4 g
Times
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 5 minutes | 25 minutes |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Set this dressing aside. 🍋🥄
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Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix together 3 cups of broccoli florets, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/3 cup of raisins, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. Toss until all ingredients are evenly distributed. 🥦🧀🍇🧅
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Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece is well-coated with the creamy dressing. 🍋🥄
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Incorporate the Bacon: Just before serving, sprinkle in the 8 slices of crumbled bacon. This ensures that the bacon stays crispy and adds a delightful crunch to the salad. 🥓
Serving Suggestions
This salad is best served chilled, making it a refreshing dish for hot days. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as chicken or steak, and can be a standout side dish at barbecues and potlucks. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a bowl of your favorite soup.
Variations and Tips
- Low-Fat Version: Swap out the full-fat cheese and mayonnaise for their low-fat counterparts. Use a sugar substitute like Splenda to reduce the calorie content further.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and add some toasted nuts, such as almonds or sunflower seeds, for an extra crunch and a boost of protein.
- Storage: If you plan to make this salad ahead of time, keep the bacon separate until just before serving to maintain its crispiness. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli, Bacon, and Cheese Salad is more than just a dish; it’s a delightful experience that brings people together. With its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, it promises to be a hit. Enjoy every bite of this scrumptious salad and share the love with your family and friends!
Bon appétit! 🍽️❤️
