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Crispy Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Salad Recipe with Easy Honey Mustard Dressing

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A crunchy and flavorful salad combining fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy-sweet honey mustard dressing. Perfect as a quick side dish or crowd-pleasing potluck favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, roughly chopped
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (full-fat or light)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook bacon slices for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until crispy but not burnt. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Rinse broccoli and pat dry thoroughly. Chop into small, bite-sized florets.
  3. Finely dice half a small red onion.
  4. Toast sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring often. Remove and cool.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar, diced onion, toasted sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries or raisins.
  7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
  8. Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Notes

Do not overcook bacon to avoid burnt flavor; drain well to keep bacon crispy without grease. Pat broccoli dry thoroughly to maintain crunch. Toss salad with dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess. Dressing can be adjusted for sweetness or tang by varying honey and vinegar amounts. For dairy-free or nut-free versions, swap cheddar and sunflower seeds accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, cheddar salad, honey mustard dressing, crunchy salad, easy side dish, potluck salad

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/crispy-broccoli-bacon-cheddar-salad-recipe-with-easy-honey-mustard-dressing/