Serve this wonderfully creamy Broccoli And Cheese Salad With Bacon at your next outdoor gathering!
Broccoli, cheese, and bacon—they just need to be together, don’t they? I usually enjoy this delicious trio in hearty quiches and soups. Nothing is better on a cold day than slicing into a rustic quiche or ladling a generous serving of broccoli and cheese soup into a bowl and then crowning it with bacon. When the weather warms up, however, I like to make something that’s just as comforting and delicious, but with a lighter twist. This broccoli and cheese salad with bacon basically has it all.
This recipe reminds me of relaxing Sunday lunches with friends and family when your (insert favorite relative here) would pick up a bunch of cold sides from the grocery store. Except, I like to think that this recipe is a notch or two above anything you’d find at the deli. For one, it will taste so much fresher coming from your kitchen. You’ll get a delectable balance of salty, savory, and creamy, coupled with the crunch from the broccoli and bacon. Every time I make it, everyone begs me for the recipe. So for the sake of efficiency, here it is!
Is This Broccoli And Cheese Salad With Bacon Healthy?
For one thing, I use light mayo, and you could always swap the pork bacon with turkey bacon and use a light cheese. The star ingredient, broccoli, is a superfood filled with vitamins and fiber. This delicious salad shouldn’t wreak too much havoc on your caloric intake, as long as you consume it in moderation.
White Wine Vinegar: Subtle But Essential
This recipe only calls for two tablespoons of white wine vinegar, but boy oh boy, you would definitely notice if it was missing. White wine vinegar’s tangy acidity both enhances and balances the creaminess of the mayo and cheese. Its sharp bitterness further complements the bacon and broccoli, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The vinegar also helps preserve the crunchy texture of the broccoli and elevates the general freshness of the dish. All this to say, white wine vinegar is a key ingredient you don’t want to skip. The way it balances textures and flavors is what makes the salad a refreshing choice for your next summer Sunday lunch.
Can I Prep This Ahead?
You can easily make this ahead of time. It will store nicely in the fridge for about 4 days. Just be sure to use an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
Broccoli salad with bacon and cheese goes beautifully with deli sandwiches, burgers, or any other backyard favorite. It’s made for picnics, lazy days on the beach, and Sunday lunches. Personally, I love eating it with a Healthy Egg Salad Grilled Cheese Sandwich or this Superfood Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich With Honey Mustard. You can always count on this salad to complement something more substantial, like Keto Steak With Garlic Butter Mushrooms, Air-Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs, or Cajun Grilled Cod.
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets bite-sized
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup light mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized broccoli florets, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and finely chopped red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, and granulated sugar to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until all the ingredients are well coated. Adjust the amount of dressing to your preference.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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