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Crispy Bacon Cheddar Broccoli Salad Recipe with Easy Honey Mustard Dressing

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A quick and easy salad combining crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh broccoli with a creamy honey mustard dressing. Perfect for gatherings or a satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 350 grams)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 120 grams)
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)
  • 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a cold skillet and heat over medium. Cook until crispy and browned, about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare the broccoli: Rinse and dry about 4 cups of broccoli florets. Trim into small, bite-sized pieces. Optionally blanch by dropping in boiling water for 1 minute, then shocking in ice water, or use raw for maximum crispness.
  3. Dice the onion: Finely chop 1/4 cup red onion. To mellow the bite, soak diced onion in cold water for 5 minutes and drain.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, crispy bacon pieces, shredded cheddar, diced red onion, sunflower seeds, and raisins or dried cranberries. Pour the honey mustard dressing over the top.
  6. Toss and chill: Gently toss until all ingredients are coated with dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  7. Final taste check: Stir the salad before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or add extra mustard or honey if desired.

Notes

Save a tablespoon of bacon grease for cooking other dishes if desired. For softer broccoli, blanch briefly. Dressing consistency can be adjusted with water or more mayo/mustard. Salad holds well refrigerated for up to 2 days but avoid freezing. Chilling enhances flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon salad, broccoli salad, cheddar salad, honey mustard dressing, quick salad, easy salad, side dish, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/crispy-bacon-cheddar-broccoli-salad-recipe-with-easy-honey-mustard-dressing/