Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe

Ah, my dear friend, welcome to this peaceful corner of the kitchen where we will create something nourishing together. Today, we are making a delightful Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe, a dish that warms not just the body, but the heart as well. Picture bright green broccoli florets, rich in vitamins and minerals, mingling with crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds. This is more than just a salad; it’s a soothing embrace that celebrates the beauty of wholesome ingredients.

As we embark on this culinary journey, allow the nourishing qualities of each ingredient to guide you. With every slice and every stir, you are creating a meal not just for the tummy but for the soul. Let us begin, shall we?

Why This Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe Brings Comfort and Nourishment

This Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe is a symphony of flavors and textures, bringing comfort to any table. Broccoli, a vibrant green in the garden, is rich in antioxidants and supports our immune system. Paired with the savory goodness of bacon, each bite is a reminder of life’s simple pleasures.

Cranberries add a touch of sweetness and are known for their healing properties, making them a lovely complement to the savory notes of the bacon. The creamy dressing envelops each ingredient in a gentle hug, uniting them into a delicious experience.

As we prepare this dish, we invite balance and mindfulness into our kitchens. Every step we take is intentional and every ingredient carefully chosen to nourish both body and soul. Let’s stir up some joy together!

Step By Step How to Prepare Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe

Start by making the bacon. I highly recommend baking it in the oven. It’s so much easier and leaves your kitchen splatter-free. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out 10-11 strips of bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake your bacon for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispness. Once done, carefully remove it from the oven and let it rest on paper towels to cool. As it cools, you can chop it into bite-sized pieces, the sound of scissors cutting through crispy bacon a satisfying echo in your kitchen.

While the bacon cooks, we will create the dressing. In a large bowl, add 1 and 1/4 cups of Miracle Whip or mayonnaise. Choose the one that comforts your heart best. Then, zest one lemon to capture its bright aroma, followed by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, and 1/4 cup of sugar.

Stir in 1 and 1/4 teaspoons of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of dry mustard, and a gentle 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Remember, my dear, that the cayenne adds a touch of flavor without overwhelming heat. Don’t shy away from it. Whisk all these ingredients together, creating a velvety dressing that feels like a warm hug.

Next, let’s turn our attention to the broccoli. With a chef’s knife, chop the broccoli. I prefer really small florets to create a harmonious balance in each bite. If you like, save the tender stems. Chop them up and add them to the bowl, too. Don’t waste any flavor!

Now, it’s time for the main gathering. Add the freshly chopped broccoli into the bowl with your lovely dressing. Follow this with 1 cup of dried cranberries, which will bring a sweet pop to each bite. Sprinkle in 1/3 cup of roasted and salted sunflower seeds, and then add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for that comforting creaminess.

Lastly, fold in most of your crispy bacon, saving some to sprinkle on top at the very end. There’s something delightful about a little crunch on top, isn’t there?

Stir everything together, allowing the salad to become one. This beautiful creation can be served at room temperature or chilled. If you choose to chill it, remember to let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes before serving—it will make each flavor come alive.

Should there be any loving leftovers, feel free to store them covered in the fridge. This salad will keep nicely for about five days, although I doubt it will last that long!

Wholesome Ingredients You’ll Need

Now, dear friend, let me guide you through the list of ingredients that will help us create this nurturing dish:

• 10-11 strips of bacon (cooked to your taste)
• 2 heads of broccoli (about 1 and 1/2 pounds or 5-6 cups)
• 1 cup of dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup of roasted and salted sunflower seeds
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup of chopped red onion (or more to taste)
• 1 and 1/4 cups of Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
• The zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 1 and 1/4 teaspoons of kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of dry mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

Take a moment to appreciate the colors and scents of these ingredients. Each one brings its own special energy to our bowl of goodness.

How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe with Intention

When it comes to serving our lovely Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe, intention is key. Think of the gathering family, friends, or simply yourself enjoying a moment of peace. Place the salad in a beautiful bowl, perhaps something that has sentimental value or brings joy to your heart.

Sprinkle the reserved bacon on top as a final flourish, or you might even choose to decorate it with some extra sunflower seeds or cranberries for a pop of color. As you serve the salad, take a moment to share the love that went into making it.

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or can be enjoyed as a standalone dish. Picture everyone savoring each bite, feeling nourished by the wholesome ingredients and the time spent together.

How to Store Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe the Right Way

To keep the magic alive, ensure you store any leftovers in a well-sealed container in the fridge. This salad will maintain its delightful flavor for about five days. When the time comes to enjoy it again, simply remove it from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. This little reminder brings all the flavors back to life.

If you anticipate having leftovers, consider mixing the dressing separately and adding it to the salad closer to serving time. This practice can keep it fresher and avoid any sogginess.

Discover More Nourishing Recipes

Head over to our Recipe Trends page and uncover a world of fresh, plant-forward ideas that fit right into your daily routine. From vibrant seasonal flavors to calming, wholesome dishes, each recipe is designed to spark inspiration and bring a sense of balance to your kitchen. Find comfort, joy, and connection in every meal while exploring what’s trending right now.

Mama Lila’s Helpful Tips

1. Bacon Bliss: Bacon can be a bit of a mess if cooked in a pan. Baking it not only cuts down on splatter but also catches those glorious drippings that can be saved for other delightful recipes.
2. Broccoli Love: Don’t shy away from using the stems! They have a delicious, tender crunch and are nutritious as well. Simply chop them finely and include them in your salad.
3. A Touch of Sweetness: Adjust your sweetener based on your flavor preference. If you enjoy a sweeter profile, consider adding a touch more sugar or perhaps a drizzle of honey.
4. Mindful Mixing: As you mix, focus on the textures. Feel the crunch of the sunflower seeds and the softness of the cranberries. Be present in the flavors that emerge.

Peaceful Variations to Explore

1. Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free variation, feel free to omit the sunflower seeds or substitute them with pumpkin seeds for a crunchy alternative.
2. Dairy-Free Delight: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, swap out the cheddar cheese with a nondairy cheese or simply skip it altogether. The salad will still be wonderfully delicious.
3. Herbal Infusion: Add fresh herbs like dill or cilantro for an additional bright flavor. These fragrant greens introduce a lovely freshness to each mouthful.
4. Zesty Twist: Consider adding diced apples or pears for extra sweetness and crunch. Chopped nuts can also enhance the texture, making each bite even more delightful.

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

A delightful Broccoli Salad with Bacon dish that combines the crunch of fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and creamy dressing for a nourishing experience.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Salad

• 10-11 strips strips of bacon Cooked to your taste
• 1.5 pounds broccoli (2 heads, about 5-6 cups) Chop into small florets
• 1 cup dried cranberries Adds sweetness
• 1/3 cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds For crunch
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese For creaminess
• 1/3 cup chopped red onion Optional, to taste

For the Dressing

• 1.25 cups Miracle Whip or mayonnaise Choose based on preference
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice Freshly squeezed
• 1 lemon the zest of 1 lemon For aroma
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1.25 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adds a touch of flavor

Method

 

Cooking the Bacon

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out 10-11 strips of bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake your bacon for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispness.
3. Remove from the oven and let it rest on paper towels to cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

Making the Dressing

1. In a large bowl, combine Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper.
2. Whisk all these ingredients together until well combined.

Preparing the Salad

1. Chop the broccoli into small florets, including the tender stems if desired.
2. In the bowl with the dressing, add the chopped broccoli, dried cranberries, roasted sunflower seeds, and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Fold in most of the crispy bacon, saving some for topping. Mix everything together.

Serving

1. Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled. If chilling, let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes before serving.
2. Sprinkle reserved bacon on top before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 750mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10g

Notes

Store leftovers in a well-sealed container in the fridge for about five days. For fresher salad, mix the dressing separately when ready to serve.

Tried this recipe?

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Common Questions About Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe

As we come to the end of this gentle culinary journey, remember that food has a special way of bringing us together. Each ingredient in this Broccoli Salad with Bacon Recipe tells a story of nourishment and comfort, inviting you to savor every bite with gratitude. May your kitchen always be filled with warmth, love, and the scents of nurturing food. Happy cooking, dear friend!