Ready in: 25 minutes · Serves: 6 · Technique: Tossing · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
This creamy broccoli bacon cheddar salad is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines fresh ingredients for a flavorful holiday side.
As the leaves turn and the air turns crisp here in New York City, the holiday season brings a lot of excitement and anticipation. One of my favorite go-to recipes during this time is a creamy broccoli bacon cheddar salad. It perfectly blends crunchiness and creaminess, making it an addictive dish that's sure to impress your family and friends during holiday gatherings.
A Perfect Make-Ahead Side Dish
This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for festive occasions.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making it a standout side dish for any occasion.
- It features fresh ingredients like vibrant broccoli and crispy bacon, ensuring a nutritious yet tasty experience.
- The creamy dressing combines mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for a rich yet lighter alternative.
- Preparation is quick and straightforward, perfect for busy holiday gatherings or family meals.
- Leftovers can be easily stored, retaining flavor and crunch for days!
Ingredients
Gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients to create your salad masterpiece:
Salad Components
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Salad (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to whip up a delicious and creamy broccoli salad:
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by washing the broccoli florets thoroughly under cool running water. Chop the florets into bite-sized pieces, enjoying the bright green color and crunch that will add vibrancy to your salad!
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease and enjoy the savory aroma!
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy, creating a rich dressing that will beautifully coat the broccoli.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, diced red onion, and sunflower seeds. Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is well-coated. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Serve
Serve your salad chilled for the best flavor. The mix of crunchy broccoli, creamy dressing, and salty bacon creates a delightful experience that's visually stunning!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli just until tender but still bright green-cooking it too long makes it mushy and dull in flavor.
- Skimping on Seasoning: Don't forget to taste for seasoning! The balance of salt, pepper, and the tanginess from the vinegar is crucial.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Allow the salad to chill and rest for at least 10 minutes before serving; this helps the flavors develop.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Feel free to add other ingredients like grape tomatoes or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- If you want a creamier dressing, you can adjust the mayo and yogurt ratio based on your preference.
- This salad pairs incredibly well with roast turkey or glazed ham-think of it as your go-to side at the upcoming holiday feasts!
Variations
- Substitute cooked chicken for bacon for a lighter option.
- Replace sharp cheddar with feta cheese for a tangy twist.
- Add dried cranberries or raisins for a hint of sweetness.
How to Serve
- Serve the salad chilled for the best flavor and texture.
- Pair it with roast turkey or glazed ham for a festive meal.
- Garnish with additional sunflower seeds for added crunch just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the salad a few hours in advance to allow flavors to meld.
- Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold; no reheating required.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the broccoli and dressing will be affected.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While testing this recipe, I realized how a simple salad can easily steal the spotlight at any holiday table. Balancing textures and flavors, particularly with the crunch of broccoli and the salty bacon, can elevate your festive gatherings!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 6 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 8g protein · 8g carbs · 22g fat
Recipe by:
Creamy Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by washing the broccoli florets thoroughly under cool running water. Chop the florets into bite-sized pieces.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, add the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, diced red onion, and sunflower seeds. Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and gently toss until well-coated. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve your salad chilled for the best flavor.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?
It's best to use fresh broccoli for optimal crunch and flavor. Frozen broccoli may become mushy and lose its vibrant color.
2. How can I make this salad healthier?
You can reduce the amount of mayonnaise and replace it with more Greek yogurt, or use a light version of both. Adding more vegetables like spinach or kale can also boost the nutritional value.
3. How long does the salad last in the refrigerator?
The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it's best to add the sunflower seeds just before serving to keep them crunchy.
4. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the salad a few hours in advance. Just remember to refrigerate it and add the sunflower seeds right before serving for the best texture.
5. What can I substitute for the bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the bacon with smoked tempeh or omit it entirely. You can also use chickpeas for added protein and texture.
