Broccoli Salad with Crunchy Bacon and Cheddar Cheese
Broccoli Salad
A fresh, crispy broccoli salad with bacon, cheddar, and a tangy dressing — perfect for picnics and parties.
There's something truly satisfying about a broccoli salad that combines crunch, freshness, and rich flavors in every bite. This recipe brings together tender-crisp broccoli, crispy bacon bits, and sharp cheddar cheese, all coated in a tangy, slightly sweet dressing that ties everything together beautifully.
It's the perfect side dish for summer barbecues, potlucks, or just a quick, wholesome treat to enjoy any day of the week. The mix of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will ask for again and again.
Nutrition (per serving)
Directions
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1
Cook the bacon until crispy, then let it drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.
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2
Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and plunge into ice water to keep their bright color and crunch. Drain well.
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3
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
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4
Add the cooled broccoli, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and sliced red onions to the bowl. Toss gently to combine and coat evenly.
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5
Sprinkle sliced almonds on top just before serving for added crunch.
Ingredients
- fresh broccoli florets:4 cups
- bacon:6 slices
- sharp cheddar cheese:1 cup
- red onion:1/2 small
- mayonnaise:1/2 cup
- apple cider vinegar:1 tbsp
- honey:1 tsp
- salt:1/2 tsp
- black pepper:1/4 tsp
- sliced almonds:1/4 cup
Tips & Notes
- You can prepare the broccoli and bacon ahead of time to save time, but add the almonds just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Feel free to customize with other mix-ins like dried cranberries or sunflower seeds for extra flavor.
