Jackie’s Irresistible Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins

Jackie’s Famous Broccoli Salad: A Family Favorite

Welcome to “Love With Recipes,” where we celebrate delicious, memorable dishes like this extraordinary broccoli salad. Originally a creation of my sister-in-law, this recipe has become a staple at our family gatherings. It’s a testament to how wonderfully broccoli can be transformed into a dish that even those who are not particularly fond of it will rave about. This delightful salad combines crisp broccoli with savory bacon, tangy red onion, and a creamy, slightly sweet dressing that melds beautifully into a flavor-packed side dish. Let’s dive into how you can make this crowd-pleaser that will soon become a beloved favorite in your home too.

Ingredients

• 1 head broccoli: Fresh and vibrant, cut into bite-sized florets.
• 1/2 red onion: Thinly sliced for a touch of sharpness and crunch.
• 8 strips of bacon: Cooked until crispy and crumbled into bits.
• 1 cup raisins: For a hint of natural sweetness.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the dressing.
• 1/2 cup Miracle Whip: Adds a slightly tangy flavor.
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Introduces a subtle acidity to balance the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• 1/2 cup sugar: Adjust according to your taste for sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: To season and bring out all the flavors.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours and 20 minutes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broccoli: Begin by washing the broccoli thoroughly. Cut it into bite-sized pieces, ensuring that each piece is uniform for even mixing and a pleasant texture.

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2. Slice the Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. The slices should be as thin as possible to integrate seamlessly into the salad.

3. Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until they are crispy. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet, let them cool, and then break them into small, bite-sized pieces.

4. Shred the Cheese: While the bacon is cooling, shred the cheddar cheese. This will add a creamy texture and a sharp flavor to the salad.

5. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the broccoli, red onion, crumbled bacon, raisins, and shredded cheddar cheese.

6. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Miracle Whip, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Mix until smooth and well-blended. Adjust the sugar according to your preference to balance the sweetness.

7. Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Stir gently to ensure that all the ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing. Add salt to taste, mixing again to distribute it throughout.

8. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours. For the best flavor, let it sit overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.

Serving Suggestion

Serve this refreshing salad chilled, straight from the refrigerator. It’s an excellent accompaniment to a variety of main dishes, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple family lunch. The combination of textures and flavors—crisp broccoli, crunchy bacon, sweet raisins, and tangy dressing—creates a delightful taste experience that is sure to impress.

Enjoy making and sharing this famous broccoli salad with your loved ones, and let the smiles and compliments roll in!