Southern Comfort Broccoli Bacon Salad
This delightful Southern Comfort Broccoli Bacon Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that beautifully balances the crispness of fresh broccoli with the savory crunch of bacon and the sweetness of raisins. Topped with sunflower seeds for an added nutty flavor and a creamy dressing that ties it all together, this vibrant salad is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply a family meal. My introduction to this recipe at a Mother's Day family gathering led to a request for the recipe, and it's sure to become a favorite in your household too!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh broccoli
1 bunch (washed, drained, and broken into florets)
red onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
celery
1 cup (chopped)
bacon
1 lb (fried crisp, drained, and crumbled)
sunflower seeds
1/2 cup
raisins
1/2 cup
mayonnaise
3/4 cup
sugar
1/4 cup
vinegar
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, chopped red onion, chopped celery, crumbled bacon, sunflower seeds, and raisins. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure they are evenly distributed.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3
Pour the creamy dressing over the salad mixture. Carefully stir until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
4
Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Serve the salad cold, and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors! Don't forget to refrigerate any leftovers (if there are any).
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Comfort Broccoli Bacon Salad?
It is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that balances fresh broccoli, savory bacon, sweet raisins, and sunflower seeds with a creamy dressing.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 12 people.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The creamy dressing is made from a simple mixture of 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons of vinegar.
How should I prepare the broccoli?
The broccoli should be washed, thoroughly drained, and then broken down into small, bite-sized florets.
Do I need to cook the broccoli?
No, the broccoli is used raw in this salad to provide a fresh and crunchy texture.
How is the bacon prepared for this salad?
You should use 1 pound of bacon, fried until crisp, drained of fat, and then crumbled into pieces.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It is recommended to cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped red onion, but you can substitute with yellow or green onions if you prefer a different flavor.
Are sunflower seeds necessary?
Sunflower seeds provide a nutty flavor and extra crunch, but they can be omitted or replaced with other seeds or nuts if desired.
What can I substitute for raisins?
If you don't like raisins, you can use dried cranberries or simply leave them out.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is excellent when made a few hours in advance, as it allows the dressing to fully coat the ingredients.
How should I store leftovers?
Any leftover salad should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is this salad suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is a very popular choice for picnics and family gatherings because it travels well and serves a crowd.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
Standard white vinegar or apple cider vinegar both work well for the dressing in this recipe.
Does this recipe include celery?
Yes, it includes 1 cup of chopped celery for added crispness.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a fine substitute if you are looking for a leaner option.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is strongly recommended because frozen broccoli becomes too soft and watery when thawed, losing the salad's signature crunch.
Is there a lot of sugar in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of sugar, which balances the acidity of the vinegar and the saltiness of the bacon.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely, the ingredients can easily be doubled or tripled to accommodate larger crowds.
Should the dressing be mixed separately?
Yes, whisk the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar in a separate bowl until smooth before pouring it over the salad.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth?
Whisk the dressing ingredients thoroughly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
What makes this 'Southern' style?
The combination of bacon, a sweetened creamy dressing, and its popularity at Southern family gatherings gives it this classic designation.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This salad should always be served cold for the best flavor and texture.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
While not in the original recipe, many people enjoy adding shredded cheddar cheese to this broccoli salad.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients: broccoli, red onion, celery, bacon, sunflower seeds, raisins, mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar.
What is the key to a good broccoli salad?
The key is the balance of textures (crunchy broccoli and seeds vs creamy dressing) and flavors (savory bacon vs sweet raisins).
Is the recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is classified as an easy recipe that primarily involves chopping and mixing.
How much bacon do I need?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of bacon.
Can I make it vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you can simply omit the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon alternative.
What size should I chop the celery?
The celery should be chopped into small pieces to ensure it mixes well with the other ingredients.