Best Broccoli Salad: A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite
This Best Broccoli Salad has become a staple at potlucks and family gatherings, often making a return year after year. The combination of fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and a tangy, creamy dressing creates a delicious and satisfying dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or something to prepare ahead of time, this salad is perfect, as it can be made the day before and chilled in the refrigerator. With the delightful crunch of sunflower seeds, sweetness from raisins, and the savory bacon, it’s an irresistible salad that will steal the show at any event.
Recipe Overview:
- Cook Time: 1 hour (chill time)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Pork, Vegetable, Brunch, Beginner Cook
- Serving Size: Approximately 10-12 servings
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Keywords: Vegetable, Meat, Brunch, Beginner Cook, Easy
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli florets | 1 bunch |
| Raisins | 1/2 cup |
| Sunflower seeds | 1 cup |
| Red onion | 1 small |
| Bacon | 1 pound |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 582 kcal |
| Fat Content | 44.7 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 10.8 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 46.2 mg |
| Sodium Content | 709.5 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 36.5 g |
| Fiber Content | 4 g |
| Sugar Content | 21.9 g |
| Protein Content | 13 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Salad:
- Start by washing and cutting the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Place the florets in a large mixing bowl.
- Finely chop the red onion and add it to the bowl with the broccoli.
- Add the raisins and sunflower seeds to the salad mix, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
-
Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Once cooked, remove it from the pan and allow it to drain on paper towels.
- Once the bacon has cooled slightly, crumble it into small pieces and add it to the salad mixture.
-
Make the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until all ingredients are coated evenly with the creamy dressing.
-
Chill and Serve:
- Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together (you can also make it a day ahead for even better results).
- When ready to serve, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- Make-Ahead: This salad is perfect for preparing ahead of time. In fact, making it the day before helps the flavors to develop even more, and it holds up well in the fridge.
- Bacon Substitution: If you prefer, you can swap out the bacon for a vegetarian option, such as crispy fried tempeh or smoked tofu, for a plant-based twist.
- Additions: For extra flavor, you can toss in some crumbled feta or sharp cheddar cheese to give the salad an even more decadent taste.
This Best Broccoli Salad is not only incredibly easy to make but also one that everyone remembers and requests again. The balance of crunchy, sweet, and savory elements makes it an all-time favorite, and it’s sure to be a hit at your next event or family gathering. Don’t forget to chill it for the best flavor and texture—perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish at your next dinner party!
