Ultimate Broccoli Bacon Salad
This Ultimate Broccoli Bacon Salad is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. With its vibrant green broccoli florets, crispy bacon bits, and creamy mozzarella, this salad offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Perfect for any gathering, whether it's a summer picnic or a holiday feast, this recipe guarantees an empty bowl by the end of the event. Easy to prepare, and even better when made ahead of time, this salad will quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh broccoli
2 heads (cut into bite-sized florets)
red onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
bacon
1/2 lb (cooked and crumbled)
vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons (white or apple cider vinegar)
Hellmann's mayonnaise
1 cup (regular or light)
sugar
1/3 cup (granulated)
mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (grated)
Instructions
1
1. In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. If you prefer convenience, you can use pre-cooked bacon from the refrigerator section. Once cooked, allow bacon to cool and crumble into pieces.
2
2. While the bacon is cooling, rinse the fresh broccoli under cold water to remove any dirt. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, ensuring uniformity for even mixing.
3
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, and grated mozzarella cheese. Gently mix these ingredients together to distribute evenly.
4
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, and mayonnaise until smooth. Ensuring the sugar is dissolved will provide a better texture to the dressing.
5
5. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are nicely coated.
6
6. For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving. However, it's recommended to make it a day ahead for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Broccoli Bacon Salad?
It is a crowd-pleasing salad featuring vibrant green broccoli florets, crispy bacon bits, and creamy mozzarella cheese tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing.
What are the main ingredients in this broccoli salad?
The main ingredients include 2 heads of fresh broccoli, 1/2 cup red onion, 1/2 lb of bacon, white or apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, and grated mozzarella cheese.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 10 people.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon for this recipe?
Yes, for convenience, you can use pre-cooked bacon from the refrigerator section. Just ensure it is crumbled into pieces before adding it to the salad.
What type of cheese is used in this salad?
This recipe specifically calls for 1 1/2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese to provide a creamy texture.
What type of vinegar should I use for the dressing?
You can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for the dressing.
How should the broccoli be prepared?
The fresh broccoli should be rinsed under cold water and then cut into uniform, bite-sized florets.
Can I use light mayonnaise?
Yes, the recipe allows for either regular or light Hellmann's mayonnaise.
How do I make the dressing?
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
Is it better to make this salad in advance?
Yes, while you can serve it after an hour of refrigeration, it is highly recommended to make it a day ahead so the flavors can meld beautifully.
What is the minimum refrigeration time required?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least one hour before serving to ensure the best flavor.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
The recipe specifies fresh broccoli for the best texture and crunch; frozen broccoli may become too soft once thawed.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of granulated sugar.
What size should the broccoli pieces be?
The broccoli should be cut into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are uniform for even mixing.
Is this salad good for potlucks?
Absolutely, it is described as a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for summer picnics, holiday feasts, and potlucks.
What is the best way to cook the bacon?
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is crispy, then allow it to cool before crumbling.
What brand of mayonnaise is recommended?
The recipe specifically lists Hellmann's mayonnaise as the preferred brand.
How do I ensure the dressing has a good texture?
By ensuring the sugar is completely dissolved into the vinegar and mayonnaise mixture during whisking.
Is the red onion mandatory?
While it provides a specific flavor profile and color, you can adjust the amount or omit it if you prefer a milder salad.
What makes this salad 'ultimate'?
Its combination of textures—crispy bacon, crunchy broccoli, and creamy cheese—along with a balanced sweet and tangy dressing makes it a standout dish.
Can I use different types of onions?
The recipe suggests red onion for its color and sharp flavor, but you could substitute with green onions if desired.
Is this recipe considered an appetizer or a side?
It can be served as either an appetizer or a side dish depending on the occasion.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing is creamy and smooth once the vinegar, sugar, and mayonnaise are properly whisked.
Does this recipe contain any fruit?
No, this version of broccoli salad focuses on bacon, cheese, and onion rather than fruit like raisins or cranberries.
How should I toss the salad?
Toss the ingredients together gently but thoroughly to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the dressing.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
The recipe calls for granulated sugar, but you can try using a sugar substitute if you are monitoring your sugar intake, though the texture may vary.
How much broccoli do I need?
You will need approximately 2 heads of fresh broccoli for this recipe.
How much cheese is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese.
Is this a fast recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe, though it requires some chilling time for the best results.
What is the primary flavor profile of the salad?
The salad is a mix of savory (bacon/onion), sweet (dressing), and creamy (mozzarella/mayo) flavors.