Broccoli Bacon Salad

This content material initially appeared right here. Republished with permission.

That is the greatest ever wholesome Broccoli and Bacon Salad recipe! Tiny bite-sized items of broccoli are tossed with bacon, dates, sunflower seeds, crimson onion, and creamy home made lemon garlic dressing. Better of all, it’s utterly Whole30 and Paleo suitable, and may simply be made Keto and low carb.

Why We Love It

The best recipes are normally probably the most spectacular to me, really easy, wholesome, and scrumptious salads are at all times on the menu at my home!

And this broccoli bacon salad is a complete crowd-pleaser. It really works simply as nicely for yard bbqs and cookouts (it travels nice!) because it does for weeknight dinners!

The broccoli is minimize into tiny items and tossed with sharp crimson onions, candy dates, crispy bacon, and crunchy sunflower seeds, then blended with a creamy home made lemon garlic dressing.

As an added bonus, the steps to creating this recipe are tremendous easy. When you’re completed prepping the elements, you simply must toss them collectively and let your loved ones and company dig in!

Better of all, this recipe is Whole30, Paleo, Gluten Free, and may be simply made Keto and Low Carb, too.

🥦 Elements

Broccoli Bacon Salad

• Broccoli
• Bacon. I like to make use of sugar-free bacon.
• Dates. This provides a sweetness to the salad that completely balances the salty bacon and savory dressing. You may substitute dried cranberries or apricots in the event you choose them.
• Sunflower Seeds. Sunflower seeds add crunch and a beautiful nutty taste! I exploit roasted and unsalted sunflower seeds so I’ve extra management over the saltiness of the salad.
• Purple Onion. Purple onion provides somewhat sharp taste and extra crunch.
  👉 Tip: If you happen to choose rather less harshness to your onions, pour the salad dressing over the sliced onions and wait an hour, then mix with the remainder of the salad elements. The vinegar within the dressing will start to mellow the flavour of the onions over time.

🍋 Lemon Garlic Dressing

• Mayo
• Mustard. I choose to make use of common dijon mustard, however any sort you get pleasure from or have available will work.
• Garlic
• Lemon Juice
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Salt & Pepper

Dietary Restrictions / Variations

👉 Whole30: Use Whole30 suitable mayo and nitrate-free, sugar-free bacon.

👉 Keto / Low Carb: Use sugar-free bacon and omit the dates. You may substitute contemporary or dried blueberries in the event you’d like or simply depart them off the salad utterly. Optionally, add 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese.

👉 Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and substitute vegetarian mayo. You may embody mushroom or coconut bacon, in the event you’d like, or simply depart it out utterly. Both means will likely be completely delish!

👩‍🍳 Step by Step Directions

Step 1: Do the prep work.

Cook dinner the bacon in a big skillet over medium warmth. As soon as the bacon is crispy, set it apart on a paper towel lined plate to chill.

Subsequent, seize your chopping board! Chop the broccoli into bite-sized items, then cube the onion, minimize the dates into quarters, and roughly chop the cooked, cooled bacon.

Step 2: Make the lemon garlic dressing.

Add the mayo, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, and apple cider vinegar to a small bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.

Whisk collectively the salad dressing elements till it’s a clean and creamy consistency.

If you wish to skinny out the dressing a bit extra as soon as it’s whisked collectively, stir in 1/2-1 teaspoon of lemon juice at a time.

Step 3: Assemble and serve.

Add the broccoli, bacon, dates, sunflower seeds, and onion to a big bowl.

Drizzle all of the dressing on high of the salad, then toss all of the elements collectively till it’s absolutely and evenly mixed.

FAQ & Suggestions

How you can retailer leftover broccoli salad?

Switch leftovers to an hermetic container and retailer within the fridge for 3-4 days, per USDA.

What essential dish goes nicely with broccoli salad?

Serve broccoli salad with burgers, sizzling canine, bbq hen thighs, hen drumsticks, meatloaf, grilled hen, or salmon.

Do I exploit uncooked or cooked broccoli in broccoli salad?

I choose to make use of uncooked broccoli, nevertheless, you possibly can resolve whether or not you want blanched or uncooked broccoli, based mostly in your preferences. Blanching refers to briefly submerging the vegetable in boiling water after which stopping the cooking course of rapidly, which permits for only a tiny quantity of cooking and softening of the vegetable.

To Blanche Broccoli:
1. Boil a big pot of salted water.
2. Gently place the items of bite-sized broccoli into the boiling water.
3. Cook dinner for about 1 minute, or simply till vibrant inexperienced.
4. Take away the broccoli and switch it to an ice bathtub (a big bowl of ice and water) till absolutely cool.
5. Drain the water and pat the broccoli dry.

How you can make broccoli salad prematurely?

Broccoli salad is a wonderful make-ahead dish. I like to recommend following the recipe as-written, however maintain the bacon separate on the aspect to maintain it from getting mushy and soggy. Retailer the salad lined within the fridge for as much as a day, then add the bacon simply earlier than serving.

What to do with leftover broccoli stems?

Toss diced broccoli stems into this salad for additional crunch and texture, or make broccoli ranch slaw. You too can add them to your stir fry or salads.

Extra Scrumptious Salads

Are you making this recipe?
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