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Fresh Spring Broccoli Salad with Crispy Bacon

Fresh Spring Broccoli Salad - featured image
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A vibrant and crunchy broccoli salad topped with crispy bacon bits and a luscious honey mustard dressing, perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 6 slices cooked thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds (optional)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ⅓ cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets under cold water, then pat dry. Cut into small, bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Set aside.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook 6 slices of thick-cut bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In the same skillet (wipe clean if needed), toast ¼ cup sunflower seeds over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and let cool.
  4. Thinly slice ½ a small red onion. If raw onion is too strong, rinse slices under cold water for a minute and drain well.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together ⅓ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, crispy bacon pieces, sliced red onion, toasted sunflower seeds, shredded cheddar cheese, and raisins or dried cranberries. Pour the dressing over the top.
  7. Toss gently but thoroughly so the dressing coats each bite. The salad should glisten with a light sheen of dressing; not soggy or swimming in sauce.
  8. Optional: Chill the salad in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and for the dressing to soak in slightly.

Notes

Do not overcook the bacon to avoid bitterness and limp texture. Dry broccoli thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Adjust honey and mustard in dressing to taste. Toast sunflower seeds for extra crunch. Salad can be served immediately or chilled for better flavor melding. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and re-toss before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, crispy bacon, honey mustard dressing, spring salad, easy salad, summer salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/fresh-spring-broccoli-salad-with-crispy-bacon-5-best-honey-mustard-dressing-recipes/