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Flavorful Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe with Easy Apple Cider Honey Mustard Dressing

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A crunchy and savory broccoli bacon salad tossed with a tangy-sweet apple cider honey mustard dressing, perfect for potlucks, quick dinners, or a fresh side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, washed and chopped
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • ½ medium red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sunflower seeds or chopped pecans, toasted
  • ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (unfiltered preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (raw honey recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or light-tasting avocado oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook until crisp, about 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally. Remove bacon onto paper towels to drain and cool. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces. (Optional: reserve some bacon fat to add to dressing for extra flavor.)
  2. Prep the broccoli: While bacon cooks, wash and chop broccoli into small florets (about 4 cups). Use a salad spinner to dry thoroughly if available. Finely dice ½ medium red onion.
  3. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard (if using). Slowly whisk in 3 tablespoons olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, toss broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, diced onion, shredded cheddar, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat evenly. Start with half the dressing if you prefer less.
  5. Chill before serving: Cover and refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Can be made up to 24 hours ahead.

Notes

Toast nuts in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes to enhance flavor and crunch. Ensure broccoli is dry before tossing with dressing to prevent sogginess. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to avoid burning. Salad tastes best after chilling at least 30 minutes. Dressing can be adjusted for sweetness or tang by varying honey and vinegar. Bacon fat can be added to dressing for extra flavor if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, apple cider dressing, honey mustard dressing, potluck salad, easy salad recipe, crunchy salad

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/flavorful-broccoli-bacon-salad-recipe-with-easy-apple-cider-honey-mustard-dressing/