Broccoli Bacon Salad
Broccoli Bacon Salad is a terrific side dish option for hot summer dinners or potlucks. Make it ahead, chill it down, and it's ready when you want it and the leftovers are a great snack.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4½ cups Broccoli cut into small florets, ½-1"
- 5 slices Bacon, cut into ½" pieces cooked until crisp
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ⅓ cup roasted sunflower seeds
Salad Dressing
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise or yogurt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sugar or sugar alternative
- zest of 1 lemon
- zest of ½ orange
- 1-2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tbsp poppy seeds
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once water is boiling, fill a large bowl with cold water and 1 cup of ice cubes.
- Cook the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels.
- Add broccoli to the boiling water and blanch for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until bright green and barely softened. Drain broccoli and transfer to the bowl of ice water. Let sit until cold then drain and place on paper towels.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine dressing ingredients and whisk until smooth.
- Place all salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl and combine with dressing, folding in a little bit at a time, increasing to your liking.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Toss again before serving.