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.

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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.