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–+ servings
Crunchy Broccoli Salad

Crunchy Broccoli Salad: A Guilt-Free Bowl of Joy

This Crunchy Broccoli Salad combines fresh veggies, crispy bacon, and a luscious dressing for a delightful, guilt-free meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 head Broccoli Fresh, chopped into bite-sized florets
  • 6 slices Precooked Bacon Crisped or replace with crispy tempeh for vegan
  • 1 medium Red Onion Finely chopped; can substitute with green onions
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded; substitute with dairy-free cheese for plant-based
  • 1/2 cup Sunflower Seeds Can use pumpkin seeds for nut-free
  • 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries Try raisins or apricots for variation
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Provides tanginess
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Adjust amount or omit for sugar-free
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Essential for flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon Pepper Adds a subtle hint of spice

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Start by washing the fresh broccoli thoroughly under cool running water. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. If desired, blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes and then plunge into an ice bath.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, crispy bacon, red onion, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries. Toss gently until well mixed.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture, and toss gently. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 8gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 100mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Dress just before serving to maintain crunch.

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