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Classic Broccoli Salad Recipe The Church Ladies Swear By Easy Homemade Version

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A beloved classic broccoli salad featuring fresh broccoli, bacon, sunflower seeds, raisins, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 450g), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, crisped and crumbled
  • ½ cup sunflower seeds
  • ½ cup raisins (optional but recommended)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 100g)
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise (180ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30ml)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 5 cups (about 450g) of broccoli florets under cold water. Pat dry thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Chop into bite-sized pieces, including some tender stems for texture. This should take about 5 minutes.
  2. Finely dice ¼ cup red onion. Cook 6 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp (about 8 minutes), then drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
  3. In a dry pan over medium heat, toast ½ cup sunflower seeds for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ¾ cup mayonnaise (180ml), 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30ml), 1 tablespoon honey (15ml), and 1 teaspoon sugar if using. Add salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be smooth and balanced—sweet, tangy, and creamy.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, toss together broccoli, onion, bacon, sunflower seeds, raisins (½ cup), and shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup). Pour the dressing over and mix gently but thoroughly.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld and broccoli soak up the dressing without losing its crunch.

Notes

Dry broccoli thoroughly after washing to avoid soggy salad. Crisp bacon slowly over medium heat for best texture. Toast sunflower seeds for extra flavor but optional. Chill salad at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor. If salad seems dry after refrigeration, add extra mayo or a splash of apple cider vinegar. Variations include vegetarian (skip bacon, add pumpkin seeds), low-carb (skip raisins, add nuts), dairy-free (omit or substitute cheese), and fruit additions like strawberries or apples.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, classic broccoli salad, church potluck salad, bacon broccoli salad, creamy broccoli salad, easy broccoli salad, summer salad, picnic salad

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/classic-broccoli-salad-recipe-the-church-ladies-swear-by-easy-homemade-version/