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Crispy Crack Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar

crispy crack broccoli salad - featured image
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A crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet broccoli salad featuring crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, toasted almonds, and sunflower seeds tossed in a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for quick meals, potlucks, or as a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, toasted
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place 6 bacon strips in a cold skillet and turn heat to medium. Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Toast the nuts and seeds: Remove excess bacon fat from skillet, leaving about 1 teaspoon. Add 1/4 cup sliced almonds and 1/4 cup sunflower seeds. Toast over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat to cool.
  3. Prep the broccoli: Wash and dry 4 cups fresh broccoli florets thoroughly. Chop into bite-sized pieces if needed. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Chop the onion and shred the cheese: Finely dice 1 small red onion and shred 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese. Add both to the bowl with broccoli.
  5. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add smoked paprika or cayenne if desired.
  6. Combine everything: Pour dressing over broccoli mixture. Add chopped bacon, toasted almonds, and sunflower seeds. Toss gently to coat evenly without bruising broccoli.
  7. Chill and serve: Cover salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and broccoli to soften slightly.

Notes

Start cooking bacon in a cold pan to render fat slowly for crispier bacon. Toast nuts and seeds until fragrant but not burnt. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising broccoli. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture. Optionally blanch broccoli for softer texture. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days; keep bacon and nuts separate to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, crunchy salad, easy salad recipe, potluck salad, homemade dressing, toasted nuts, sunflower seeds

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/crispy-crack-broccoli-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-bacon-cheddar/