Savory Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Delight
Indulge in this Savory Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Delight, a vibrant and nutritious salad that transforms simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying dish. Packed with fresh broccoli, crunchy red onion, and rich cheddar cheese, this salad comes together with a creamy dressing that's perfect for balancing the slight bitterness of the broccoli. With the addition of optional crispy bacon bits, this dish becomes even more irresistible! It's a family-friendly recipe designed to make getting your daily veggies a treat for both kids and adults alike. Whether you're serving it as a side for BBQs, potlucks, or a light lunch, this salad is bound to impress and become a recipe staple in your kitchen.
6-8
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
broccoli
1 head (cut into bite-sized pieces)
red onion
1 (diced)
cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons (none)
white sugar
4 tablespoons (none)
bacon bits
to taste (optional)
salt and pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, and white sugar. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
2
Add in the salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
3
In another bowl, combine the broccoli, diced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
4
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
5
If using, sprinkle in the bacon bits and give another gentle toss.
6
Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving. Enjoy this delightful salad cold!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Delight?
It is a vibrant and nutritious salad that combines fresh broccoli, red onion, and cheddar cheese with a creamy dressing and optional bacon bits.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include broccoli, red onion, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, and white sugar.
Is this broccoli salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian as long as you omit the optional bacon bits.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
It is recommended to chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of white wine vinegar.
Can I use a different onion instead of red onion?
While red onion provides a specific crunch and color, you can substitute with yellow or white onion if needed.
How do I prepare the broccoli for this salad?
The broccoli should be cut into bite-sized pieces for the best eating experience.
Is the bacon mandatory for this recipe?
No, the bacon bits are optional and can be added to taste.
What kind of cheese is best for this salad?
Shredded cheddar cheese is recommended for its rich flavor and texture.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of mayonnaise for the dressing.
Can I substitute the white sugar?
Yes, you can use a sugar alternative or honey, though it may slightly change the flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a great dish for potlucks and BBQs.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Fresh broccoli is preferred for the crunch; frozen broccoli may be too soft once thawed.
How do I make the dressing smooth?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar and mix well until creamy before adding the vegetables.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 8 ingredients in total including the seasoning and optional items.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, the cheesy dressing and optional bacon make it a treat for both kids and adults.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this salad?
Yes, sunflower seeds or sliced almonds would make a great addition for extra texture.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it should stay fresh for 2-3 days.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as a Vegetable dish.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white wine vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar is a suitable substitute if you don't have white wine vinegar.
Should the broccoli be cooked first?
No, the broccoli is used raw in this salad to maintain its nutritional value and crunchy texture.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your mayonnaise and bacon bits.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded cheddar cheese works perfectly for this quick recipe.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of white sugar.
What should I do if the dressing is too thick?
You can add a tiny splash more vinegar or a teaspoon of water to reach your desired consistency.
Is this recipe easy to double?
Yes, you can easily double all ingredient amounts to serve a larger group.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Colby Jack or Monterey Jack are good alternatives if you do not have cheddar.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it cold as a side dish for grilled meats or as a light lunch.
Does this recipe require any special equipment?
No special equipment is needed, just a couple of mixing bowls and basic utensils.