Welcome to a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your salad game!
Today, we’re diving into the world of vibrant greens and savory delights with our spotlight on creamy broccoli salad with bacon.
This dish isn’t just your average salad; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more with every bite.
Whether you’re a salad aficionado or just looking to jazz up your meal rotation, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
So, grab your apron, and let’s embark on this delicious adventure together!
Creamy Broccoli Salad With Bacon Recipe
Creamy broccoli salad with bacon is a unique and irresistible twist on the classic broccoli salad.
It combines crisp broccoli florets, crispy bacon pieces, and a creamy dressing for a mouth-watering combination of flavors.
This dish is perfect for those who want to incorporate more greens into their diet but don’t want to sacrifice taste.
Have you ever tried this food?
If not, now is the perfect opportunity to give it a try!
First of all, we need to explore some ingredients needed to finish the creamy broccoli salad with bacon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the salad:
– 2 medium heads of broccoli: rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which provide a satisfying crunch and a burst of green goodness in every bite.
– Diced and crispy streaky bacon: adds a savory punch to this salad.
– Dried cranberries: sweet, tart and chewy. This ingredient offers a burst of fruity flavor to the salad.
– Small slices of slivered almonds (sunflower seeds or toasted pine nuts alternatively)
– Finely chopped red onion: adds a subtle yet distinct bite to the salad. Its crisp texture and mild flavor provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy dressing and streaky bacon.
For the dressing:
– Mayonnaise: use a whole egg mayonnaise for best results. Mayonnaise is creamy and tangy, serving as the base for the dressing, lending a rich and velvety texture to the salad.
– Apple cider vinegar: bright and acidic, adding a refreshing tang to the dressing. Its sweetness and fruity notes complement the other ingredients, balancing out the richness of mayonnaise and bacon.
– Caster sugar: able to dissolve easily when mixed, famous for the name “superfine sugar”
– Pepper and salt to taste: bring out the flavors of the other ingredients, enhancing their natural taste and creating a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and savory notes.
A Step-by-step Instruction On Creamy Broccoli Salad With Bacon
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your creamy broccoli salad with bacon.
Follow it to make the best creamy broccoli salad with bacon recipe:
Step 1: Prepare The Broccoli
Wash your broccoli heads thoroughly and dice them into finely chopped pieces, roughly measuring between 0.5 to 1 centimeter.
Step 2: Prepare Other Ingredients
While the broccoli is prepared, gently toast the slivered almonds in a dry frying pan over low heat on the stovetop.
Stir frequently until they are lightly toasted. Transfer them to the bowl with the broccoli.
Next, fry the diced bacon over medium-high heat until it turns crispy.
Once done, place the bacon on a paper towel to absorb excess fat before adding it to the bowl with the broccoli.
Finally, add the dried cranberries and diced red onion to the bowl, completing the ensemble of flavors and textures.
Step 3: Make The Dressing
Combine all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar.
Stir or shake until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Then, pour the dressing evenly over the salad mixture in the bowl.
Using a spoon or tongs, gently toss the salad until the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly, ensuring they are well combined.
Step 4: Assemble and Garnish
Sprinkle the reserved extra almonds, bacon, and cranberries over the top of the salad for an added decorative touch.
This step adds visual appeal to the dish and provides a delightful surprise of extra crunch and flavor with each bite.
What to Serve with Your Salad?
This creamy broccoli salad is quite the head-turner on its own, but it’s always better when paired with the right company, or in this case, the right dishes.
Let’s see if we can combine what with this dish to enhance the taste!
1. Main Course Pairings
– Grilled Chicken: Serve the salad alongside juicy grilled chicken breasts or thighs for a satisfying and balanced meal.
– Steak: Pair the salad with a perfectly cooked steak, such as ribeye or sirloin, for a hearty and indulgent dinner.
– Grilled Salmon: The creamy texture of the salad pairs beautifully with grilled or baked salmon filets, adding a burst of freshness to each bite.
– Roasted Vegetables: Accompany the salad with a medley of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, for a colorful and nutritious feast.
2. Side Dish Options
– Sandwiches: Serve the salad as a refreshing side dish alongside sandwiches, wraps, or paninis for a well-rounded lunch or light dinner.
– Soup: Serve the salad alongside a bowl of soup, such as tomato basil or butternut squash, for a comforting and nourishing meal on a chilly day.
3. Lighter Meal Options
– Wrap Filling: Use the salad as a filling for wraps or lettuce wraps for a lighter meal option that is perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.
– Stuffed Pita Pockets: Stuff the salad into pita pockets along with some grilled chicken or falafel for a portable and satisfying meal on the go.
With these serving suggestions, you can enjoy your creamy broccoli salad with bacon in a variety of ways, whether as a main course, side dish, or contribution to a gathering.
Tips For Perfecting Your Creamy Broccoli Salad With Bacon
To ensure your creamy broccoli salad is nothing short of perfection, here are some tips to keep in mind.
1. Taste as you go when making the dressing. Adjustments to the seasoning can be made based on personal preference.
2. To make this salad even more decadent, try adding some crumbled blue cheese or chopped pecans for extra flavor and texture.
3. For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise in the dressing.
4. Make sure to chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
FAQs About Creamy Broccoli Salad With Bacon Recipe
1. Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad tastes better when made in advance as it allows the flavors to develop.
Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
2. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
While fresh broccoli is preferred for this recipe, you can use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand.
Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using.
3. How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Just keep in mind that the broccoli may soften slightly the longer it sits in the dressing.
4. Can I use something else for the dressing instead of mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt is a popular alternative that still provides a creamy texture.
Sour cream can also work but may impart a tangy flavor.
Conclusion
Overall, this creamy broccoli salad with bacon is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary adventure that delights the senses with every bite.
From the crispiness of the bacon to the crunch of the broccoli and the sweetness of the cranberries, each ingredient comes together harmoniously to create a symphony of flavors and textures.
Whether enjoyed as a side dish, a main course, or a contribution to a gathering, this salad is sure to leave a lasting impression.
So, gather your ingredients, whip up a batch, and savor the deliciousness of this simple yet satisfying dish.
Creamy Broccoli Salad With Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 medium heads of broccoli
- 400g diced and streaky bacon
- 100g dried cranberries
- 100g sunflower or slivered almonds
- ½ finely diced red onion
- 230g whole egg mayonnaise
- 3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons caster sugar
- pepper and salt to taste
Instructions
- Chop the broccoli heads into small pieces. Then, set aside in a large bowl.
- Gently toast the slivered almonds in a dry frying pan over low heat on the stovetop. Stir frequently until they are lightly toasted. Transfer them to the bowl with the broccoli.
- Fry the diced bacon over medium-high heat until it turns crispy. Place the bacon on a paper towel to absorb excess fat. Add it to the bowl with the broccoli.
- Add the dried cranberries and diced red onion to the bowl, completing the ensemble of flavors and textures.
- Combine all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Stir or shake until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Sprinkle the reserved extra almonds, bacon, and cranberries over the top of the salad for an added decorative touch.