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Crunchy Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing Made Easy

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A quick and easy broccoli salad featuring crispy bacon, crunchy sunflower seeds, sharp cheddar, and a sweet, tangy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for gatherings or a satisfying weeknight side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 480g), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup sunflower seeds (about 70g), lightly toasted
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 100g)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120ml), ideally full-fat
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30ml)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (15ml)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (15g)
  • 2 teaspoons poppy seeds (about 4g)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water and drain well. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel to avoid watering down the salad. Chop into bite-sized pieces if needed.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until crisp, turning occasionally (about 8-10 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then crumble once cool enough to handle.
  3. Toast the sunflower seeds in the same skillet or a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
  4. Finely dice the red onion.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, sugar, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, toss together broccoli, bacon, toasted sunflower seeds, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  8. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and enhance the crunch.

Notes

Dry broccoli thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Blot cooked bacon to remove excess grease for crispiness. Toast sunflower seeds gently to avoid bitterness. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor and crunch. Bacon can be oven-baked as an alternative cooking method. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Add dried cranberries or chopped apples for a fruity twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, poppy seed dressing, crunchy salad, easy salad recipe, potluck salad, summer salad

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/crunchy-broccoli-bacon-salad-recipe-with-sweet-poppy-seed-dressing-made-easy/