Crunchy Bacon & Raisin Broccoli Salad
This Crunchy Bacon & Raisin Broccoli Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will elevate any meal. Fresh, green broccoli is combined with sweet raisins and crunchy sunflower seeds, all tied together with a creamy dressing featuring a hint of tang. The crisp crumbled bacon adds a savory element, making this salad a perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners. Prepare it ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together for an even better taste experience!
8
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
raw broccoli
2 bunches (chopped into small florets)
medium onion
1 (finely chopped)
raisins
1 cup (plumped in warm water (optional))
sunflower seeds
1 cup (raw or lightly toasted)
crispy bacon
0.5 lb (cooked and crumbled)
Miracle Whip
1 cup (none)
sugar
1/3 cup (none)
vinegar
3 tablespoons (white or apple cider)
Instructions
1
Start by chopping the broccoli into small florets and finely chopping the onion. Place them into a large mixing bowl.
2
Add the raisins, sunflower seeds, and crumbled bacon to the bowl with the broccoli and onion.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip, sugar, and vinegar until smooth.
4
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss everything together until well coated.
5
Cover the salad and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Serve chilled and enjoy the delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors!
Nutrition Information
9.375g
Fat
11.25g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
5.625g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crunchy Bacon & Raisin Broccoli Salad?
It is a flavorful salad made with fresh broccoli, sweet raisins, crunchy sunflower seeds, and savory bacon tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the salad base?
The base consists of 2 bunches of raw broccoli, 1 medium onion, 1 cup of raisins, 1 cup of sunflower seeds, and 0.5 lb of crispy bacon.
What is the dressing made of?
The dressing is a smooth mixture of 1 cup of Miracle Whip, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 3 tablespoons of vinegar.
Can I use mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip?
While the recipe calls for Miracle Whip for its specific tang, you can substitute it with mayonnaise, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
How should the broccoli be prepared?
The broccoli should be chopped into small, bite-sized florets.
What kind of vinegar is best for this salad?
The recipe suggests using either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
How should the bacon be prepared?
The bacon should be cooked until crispy and then crumbled into small pieces.
How do I prepare the raisins?
You can use them as is, or optionally plump them in warm water before adding them to the salad.
Should the sunflower seeds be raw or toasted?
You can use either raw or lightly toasted sunflower seeds depending on your preference.
How long does this salad need to refrigerate?
For the best flavor, the salad should be refrigerated for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this broccoli salad a good dish for potlucks?
Yes, its ability to be made ahead and its crowd-pleasing flavors make it perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and family dinners.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 9.375g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving provides 3.75g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 11.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There are 5.625g of sugar per serving.
Does this salad contain fiber?
Yes, each serving contains 1.5g of fiber.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Fresh broccoli is highly recommended to maintain the crunchy texture that defines this salad; frozen broccoli may become too soft.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for a medium onion, finely chopped. Red onion is often a popular choice for color, but white or yellow works well too.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon substitute to make this salad vegetarian-friendly.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the salad stay fresh?
When kept refrigerated, the salad typically stays fresh and delicious for 2 to 3 days.
Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
Yes, common additions include shredded cheddar cheese or dried cranberries for extra variety.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing is creamy and smooth once whisked together.
Is this recipe easy to double for a large group?
Absolutely, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to accommodate a larger crowd.
Should the salad be served cold?
Yes, this salad is best enjoyed when served chilled.
How many bunches of broccoli are needed?
You will need 2 bunches of raw broccoli.
What makes the salad 'crunchy'?
The crunch comes from the raw broccoli florets, the sunflower seeds, and the crispy crumbled bacon.
Is there any salt added to the recipe?
The recipe does not list additional salt, as the bacon and Miracle Whip usually provide enough sodium flavor.