Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins

Ingredients Needed for Broccoli Salad

• Fresh broccoli florets create the perfect crunchy base for the salad. Cut them into bite sized pieces so they are easier to eat and coated evenly with the dressing.
• Cooked bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor and a crispy texture. Make sure it is cooled before mixing it into the salad.
• Sunflower seeds provide a satisfying crunch and a slightly nutty flavor that complements the broccoli.
• Raisins or add just the right amount of sweetness. Dried cranberries can also be used if you prefer a tart flavor. Used reduced sugar dried cranberries if following WW.
• Red onion gives the salad a little bite and fresh flavor. Dice it finely so it blends well with the other ingredients.
• Mayonnaise creates the creamy base for the dressing. On WW do ½ greek yogurt and ½ light mayonnaise.
• Apple cider vinegar adds a slight tang that balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
• Granulated sugar sweetens the dressing and helps create the classic broccoli salad flavor. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
• Salt and black pepper season the dressing and enhance all of the flavors.

How to Make Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Start by washing and thoroughly drying the broccoli. Cut it into small bite sized florets and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Cook the bacon until crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel lined plate to cool. Once cooled, crumble or chop it into small pieces.

Add the bacon, sunflower seeds, raisins, and diced red onion to the bowl with the broccoli.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Storage

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to blend together while keeping the broccoli crisp.

Give the salad one final stir before serving.

Pro Tips for Broccoli Salad

• Use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for the best crunchy texture.
• Cut the florets into smaller pieces so every bite has a little bit of everything.
• Cook the bacon until it is extra crispy so it stays crunchy in the salad.
• Allow the bacon to cool completely before adding it to prevent it from softening.
• If you prefer a less sweet dressing, reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
• For extra flavor, add shredded cheddar cheese or chopped pecans.
• Prepare the salad several hours ahead of time since the flavors improve as it chills.
• Store leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Stir the salad before serving since the dressing may settle slightly during storage.
• If making the salad more than a day ahead, you can store the dressing separately and combine everything a few hours before serving for maximum freshness.
• This salad is not recommended for freezing because the mayonnaise based dressing can separate and the broccoli will lose its crisp texture after thawing.

Serving Suggestions

Broccoli Salad with Bacon pairs well with grilled burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken, ribs, steak, or barbecue brisket. It also makes an excellent side dish for sandwiches, wraps, and deli style lunches.

Serve it alongside baked beans, pasta salad, potato salad, fresh fruit, corn on the cob, or deviled eggs for the perfect picnic or cookout spread. It is also a great addition to holiday meals, especially Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving.