Introduction
Craving a crunchy, flavorful side dish that’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering? Bodacious Broccoli Salad is the perfect choice! This vibrant salad combines crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, sharp Cheddar cheese, and tangy red onion, all tossed in a creamy, slightly sweet mayonnaise dressing with a zesty kick from red wine vinegar and lemon juice. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, or as a refreshing side for any meal, this salad is easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors. Curious about how to create this crowd-pleasing dish? Let’s dive into this simple recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!
Overview: Why Bodacious Broccoli Salad Is Special
Bodacious Broccoli Salad is a classic, hearty salad that balances crunchy, creamy, and savory elements in every bite. The fresh broccoli provides a crisp base, while bacon adds smoky richness, Cheddar cheese brings a sharp tang, and the dressing ties it all together with a perfect blend of creaminess, sweetness, and acidity. This recipe is quick to assemble, make-ahead friendly, and serves a large group, making it ideal for entertaining or meal prep. Its bold flavors and satisfying texture make it a standout side dish for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings.
- Time Requirement:
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cooking (bacon): 10 minutes
- Chilling (optional): 1–2 hours for best flavor
- Total: About 25 minutes (or 1 hour 25 minutes–2 hours 25 minutes with chilling)
- Difficulty Level: Easy. Involves basic cooking, chopping, and mixing, suitable for beginners.
- Why It’s Special: This recipe serves 12, offers a creamy, tangy flavor with smoky bacon, and is a versatile side dish. It’s budget-friendly, great for any season, and perfect for potlucks.
Essential Ingredients
This broccoli salad comes together with ingredients that create a crunchy, flavorful dish. Here’s what you need and why each matters:
- Bacon (8 slices): Adds smoky, savory richness and a crispy texture.
- Fresh Broccoli (2 heads, chopped): Provides the crisp, green base and wholesome crunch.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): Contributes tangy, bold flavor and creamy texture.
- Red Onion (½ large, chopped): Adds sharp, savory depth and a bit of color.
- Mayonnaise (⅔ cup): Forms the creamy, rich base of the dressing.
- Red Wine Vinegar (¼ cup): Brings tangy acidity to balance the richness.
- White Sugar (⅛ cup): Adds a touch of sweetness to complement the vinegar.
- Ground Black Pepper (2 tsp, or to taste): Provides a spicy, bold kick.
- Salt (1 tsp, or to taste): Enhances all flavors.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tsp): Adds a bright, citrusy note to lift the dressing.
Substitutions and Variations
- Bacon: Swap for turkey bacon, pancetta, or omit for vegetarian (add ½ cup toasted nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds for crunch).
- Broccoli: Use broccoli crowns or include some cauliflower for variety.
- Cheddar Cheese: Replace with Gouda, Monterey Jack, or vegan cheese for dairy-free.
- Red Onion: Substitute with green onions, shallots, or 1 tsp onion powder for a milder flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or vegan mayo for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Swap for apple cider vinegar or white vinegar for a different tang.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure bacon and mayonnaise are gluten-free.
- Add-Ins: Mix in ½ cup dried cranberries, raisins, chopped apples, or sunflower seeds for extra sweetness or crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create Bodacious Broccoli Salad that’s crunchy, creamy, and packed with flavor:
- Cook the Bacon:
- Place 8 slices of bacon in a large, deep skillet and cook over medium-high heat until crisp and evenly browned, about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.
- Once cool enough to handle, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- Prepare the Salad Base:
- Chop 2 heads of fresh broccoli into small, bite-sized florets (discard tough stems or save for another use).
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, crumbled bacon, 1 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, and ½ large red onion (chopped).
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together ⅔ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup red wine vinegar, ⅛ cup white sugar, 2 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp fresh lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture in the large salad bowl.
- Toss well until the broccoli, bacon, cheese, and onion are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate until ready to serve, ideally for 1–2 hours to allow flavors to meld (optional but recommended for best taste).
- Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Cooking Tips
- Crisp Bacon: Cook bacon until fully crisp for the best texture; drain well to avoid greasiness in the salad.
- Broccoli Prep: Chop broccoli into small, uniform pieces (about ½-inch) for easy eating and even coating; rinse and dry thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.
- Smooth Dressing: Whisk the dressing thoroughly to emulsify the mayonnaise and vinegar for a creamy, cohesive coating.
- Chilling Time: Chill for at least 1 hour for optimal flavor; the dressing softens the broccoli slightly while keeping it crisp.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste after tossing and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed to balance flavors.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Bodacious Broccoli Salad
This broccoli salad is all about creating a crunchy, creamy dish with bold, savory flavors. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Salad Base Prep:
- Chop broccoli and onion finely to ensure every bite has a mix of flavors and textures.
- Crumble bacon into small pieces for even distribution and a smoky pop in each spoonful.
- Dressing Application:
- Pour dressing gradually and toss gently to coat without breaking the broccoli florets.
- Use a large bowl to allow ample space for mixing without spilling.
- Presentation Tips:
- Serve in a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the green broccoli, orange cheese, and red onion flecks.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or a pinch of black pepper for a polished look.
- Pair with grilled meats, sandwiches, or quiche for a hearty, balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dish: Serve with barbecue chicken, pork ribs, or burgers for a classic cookout.
- Main Pairing: Pair with grilled salmon, turkey sandwiches, or a frittata for a light lunch.
- Potluck: Double the recipe and serve in a large bowl; it holds up well for hours when chilled.
- Salads: Complement with a fruit salad or coleslaw for a variety of textures at gatherings.
- Drinks: Enjoy with iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine like Chardonnay for a refreshing match.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This broccoli salad is perfect for prep-ahead and stores well:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing; add a touch of mayonnaise if it dries out.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as mayonnaise and broccoli can become watery or lose texture when frozen.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the salad up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld. Cook bacon and chop vegetables up to 1 day ahead; assemble just before chilling to keep broccoli crisp.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled for the best texture; let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving to soften slightly if refrigerated overnight.
Recipe Variations
- Sweet Broccoli Salad: Add ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness.
- Nutty Broccoli Salad: Mix in ⅓ cup toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pecans for added crunch.
- Light Broccoli Salad: Use half Greek yogurt, half mayonnaise, and reduce to ½ cup total.
- Vegetarian Broccoli Salad: Omit bacon and add ½ cup toasted nuts or seeds for texture.
- Gluten-Free Version: Naturally gluten-free; ensure bacon and mayonnaise are gluten-free.
Nutritional Information
- Per Serving (1 of 12):
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Note: Values are approximate and depend on specific brands and ingredient amounts.
Conclusion
Bodacious Broccoli Salad is the ultimate crunchy, creamy side dish, offering crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, tangy cheese, and a zesty dressing in every delicious bite. With its easy preparation, bold flavors, and make-ahead convenience, it’s a must-try for picnics, barbecues, or family dinners. This recipe is so versatile and crowd-pleasing, you’ll want to make it a regular in your menu rotation. So cook that bacon, toss that salad, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s pure bodacious bliss!
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Bodacious Broccoli Salad
Description
Craving a crunchy, flavorful side dish that’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering? Bodacious Broccoli Salad is the perfect choice! This vibrant salad combines crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, sharp Cheddar cheese, and tangy red onion, all tossed in a creamy, slightly sweet mayonnaise dressing with a zesty kick from red wine vinegar and lemon juice. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, or as a refreshing side for any meal, this salad is easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients
This broccoli salad comes together with ingredients that create a crunchy, flavorful dish. Here’s what you need and why each matters:
-
Bacon (8 slices): Adds smoky, savory richness and a crispy texture.
-
Fresh Broccoli (2 heads, chopped): Provides the crisp, green base and wholesome crunch.
-
Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): Contributes tangy, bold flavor and creamy texture.
-
Red Onion (½ large, chopped): Adds sharp, savory depth and a bit of color.
-
Mayonnaise (⅔ cup): Forms the creamy, rich base of the dressing.
-
Red Wine Vinegar (¼ cup): Brings tangy acidity to balance the richness.
-
White Sugar (⅛ cup): Adds a touch of sweetness to complement the vinegar.
-
Ground Black Pepper (2 tsp, or to taste): Provides a spicy, bold kick.
-
Salt (1 tsp, or to taste): Enhances all flavors.
-
Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tsp): Adds a bright, citrusy note to lift the dressing.
Substitutions and Variations
-
Bacon: Swap for turkey bacon, pancetta, or omit for vegetarian (add ½ cup toasted nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds for crunch).
-
Broccoli: Use broccoli crowns or include some cauliflower for variety.
-
Cheddar Cheese: Replace with Gouda, Monterey Jack, or vegan cheese for dairy-free.
-
Red Onion: Substitute with green onions, shallots, or 1 tsp onion powder for a milder flavor.
-
Mayonnaise: Use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or vegan mayo for a lighter or dairy-free option.
-
Red Wine Vinegar: Swap for apple cider vinegar or white vinegar for a different tang.
-
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure bacon and mayonnaise are gluten-free.
-
Add-Ins: Mix in ½ cup dried cranberries, raisins, chopped apples, or sunflower seeds for extra sweetness or crunch.
Instructions
-
Cook the Bacon:
-
Place 8 slices of bacon in a large, deep skillet and cook over medium-high heat until crisp and evenly browned, about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally.
-
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.
-
Once cool enough to handle, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
-
-
Prepare the Salad Base:
-
Chop 2 heads of fresh broccoli into small, bite-sized florets (discard tough stems or save for another use).
-
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, crumbled bacon, 1 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, and ½ large red onion (chopped).
-
-
Make the Dressing:
-
In a small bowl, whisk together ⅔ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup red wine vinegar, ⅛ cup white sugar, 2 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp fresh lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
-
-
Assemble the Salad:
-
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture in the large salad bowl.
-
Toss well until the broccoli, bacon, cheese, and onion are evenly coated with the dressing.
-
-
Chill and Serve:
-
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate until ready to serve, ideally for 1–2 hours to allow flavors to meld (optional but recommended for best taste).
-
Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.
-
Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
-
Cooking Tips
-
Crisp Bacon: Cook bacon until fully crisp for the best texture; drain well to avoid greasiness in the salad.
-
Broccoli Prep: Chop broccoli into small, uniform pieces (about ½-inch) for easy eating and even coating; rinse and dry thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.
-
Smooth Dressing: Whisk the dressing thoroughly to emulsify the mayonnaise and vinegar for a creamy, cohesive coating.
-
Chilling Time: Chill for at least 1 hour for optimal flavor; the dressing softens the broccoli slightly while keeping it crisp.
-
Adjust Seasoning: Taste after tossing and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed to balance flavors.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Fresh broccoli is best for crunch, but if using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly; blanch briefly (1 minute) and cool to maintain texture.
Q: Is the salad very sweet?
A: The salad has mild sweetness from ⅛ cup sugar, balanced by vinegar and lemon. Reduce sugar to 1 tbsp or omit for a less sweet result.
Q: Why is my salad watery?
A: Wateriness can result from wet broccoli or long storage. Rinse and dry broccoli well before chopping, and serve within 3 days.
Q: Can I make this without bacon?
A: Yes! Omit bacon for a vegetarian version; add toasted nuts or seeds for crunch and flavor.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. See storage tips above for details.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes! Use vegan mayonnaise, omit bacon (add nuts or seeds), and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast; ensure all ingredients are vegan-friendly.