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Crispy Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Salad Recipe with Easy Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing

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A crunchy and flavorful broccoli salad featuring crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a sweet poppy seed dressing that balances savory and sweet perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 280 grams)
  • 6–8 bacon strips, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 100 grams)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or sliced almonds (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook 6-8 bacon slices until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. When cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Rinse and dry 4 cups (280 grams) of fresh broccoli florets. Cut into small, bite-sized pieces and pat dry thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
  3. Finely chop 1/4 cup red onion. If desired, soak diced onion in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry to mellow the bite.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, and sunflower seeds or sliced almonds if using. Pour dressing over the salad.
  6. Gently toss everything together until the broccoli is evenly coated with the dressing and ingredients are well distributed. Be careful not to crush the broccoli.
  7. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken slightly. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Dry broccoli thoroughly to keep it crispy. Cook bacon over medium heat for perfect crispiness. Whisk dressing well to avoid clumps. Chill salad before serving for best flavor and texture. Add nuts or seeds just before serving to maintain crunch. For vegetarian version, substitute bacon with roasted chickpeas or smoked tofu. For dairy-free, use dairy-free cheddar and plant-based mayo.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/crispy-broccoli-bacon-cheddar-salad-recipe-with-easy-sweet-poppy-seed-dressing/