Ultimate Bacon Broccoli Salad with Sweet-Tart Dressing
This Ultimate Bacon Broccoli Salad is a crowd-pleaser that combines fresh, vibrant broccoli tops with the delightful crunch of sunflower seeds and a burst of sweetness from raisins. The star of the salad is the generous amount of crispy, crumbled bacon that adds a savory note. Tossed in a creamy, homemade dressing that balances sweet and tangy flavors, this dish is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply a hearty side with dinner. It can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight for an even tastier experience. Serve it chilled and watch it become the talk of your next event!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
broccoli tops
1 bunch (broken into small pieces)
raisins
1/2 cup
sunflower seeds
1 cup
onion
1 small (chopped (or less, to taste))
bacon
1 lb (fried crisp and crumbled)
mayonnaise
1 cup
sugar
1/2 cup
apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Bacon Broccoli Salad?
It is a crowd-pleasing salad that combines fresh broccoli tops, sunflower seeds, raisins, and crispy bacon in a creamy, homemade sweet-tart dressing.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The ingredients include broccoli tops, raisins, sunflower seeds, onion, bacon, mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
How should the broccoli be prepared?
The broccoli tops should be broken into small, bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
What type of vinegar is used for the dressing?
The recipe calls for two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to create a tangy flavor.
How much bacon do I need?
You will need 1 lb of bacon, fried crisp and crumbled.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, it can be prepared in advance and allowed to meld overnight for an even tastier experience.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This salad should be served chilled.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
The crunch comes from the fresh broccoli tops, one cup of sunflower seeds, and the crispy bacon.
How much mayonnaise is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses one cup of mayonnaise as its base.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, the dressing includes 1/2 cup of sugar to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe suggests one small onion, chopped, but you can use less according to your personal taste.
What gives the salad its sweetness?
The sweetness comes from both the raisins and the sugar in the dressing.
Is this a good recipe for potlucks?
Absolutely, it is described as perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a hearty dinner side.
Can I substitute the sunflower seeds?
While sunflower seeds are traditional, you could substitute them with other nuts or seeds, though it will change the flavor profile.
Does the broccoli need to be cooked?
No, the broccoli is used fresh and raw to maintain its vibrant color and crunch.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 primary ingredients used to make this salad and its dressing.
How should the bacon be cooked?
The bacon should be fried until it is crisp and then crumbled into small pieces.
What makes the dressing 'sweet-tart'?
The combination of 1/2 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar creates the sweet-tart balance.
What part of the broccoli should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for broccoli tops (florets).
Is this recipe vegetarian?
No, this recipe contains 1 lb of bacon.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is recommended for its specific flavor, but white vinegar or red wine vinegar could be used in a pinch.
How long should the salad chill?
While it can be served immediately, allowing it to sit in the fridge overnight helps the flavors meld.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is highly recommended to ensure the salad has the correct crunchy texture.
What is the dressing made of?
The homemade dressing is a mixture of mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
How many raisins are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of raisins.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
You can try substituting sugar with honey, but it may change the consistency and flavor of the dressing.
Is the onion raw or cooked?
The onion is used raw and finely chopped.
How much sunflower seeds are needed?
One full cup of sunflower seeds is used in this recipe.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but always check your mayonnaise and bacon labels to be certain.
What makes this the 'Ultimate' version?
Its combination of a high volume of crispy bacon and a perfectly balanced homemade dressing makes it a standout version of the classic dish.