Description

Craving a crunchy, flavorful side dish that’s a hit at any gathering? What if you could whip up a bold, creamy broccoli salad with crispy bacon and tangy dressing in just 25 minutes of prep? Say hello to Bodacious Broccoli Salad! This vibrant recipe combines fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, red onion, and crumbled bacon, all tossed in a zesty mayonnaise-based dressing with red wine vinegar and lemon juice.

Ingredients

For the Salad

Bacon (8 slices): Adds smoky, crispy texture and savory depth.
Fresh Broccoli (2 heads, chopped): Provides the crunchy, nutrient-rich base.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups, shredded): Brings bold, tangy flavor and creaminess.
Red Onion (½ large, chopped): Contributes sharp, savory bite.

For the Dressing

Mayonnaise (⅔ cup): Creates a creamy, rich dressing base.
Red Wine Vinegar (¼ cup): Adds tangy acidity to balance richness.
White Sugar (⅛ cup): Balances vinegar with subtle sweetness.
Ground Black Pepper (2 tsp, or to taste): Provides a bold, peppery kick.
Salt (1 tsp, or to taste): Enhances and balances flavors.
Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tsp): Adds a bright, citrusy note.

Substitutions and Variations

Bacon: Use turkey bacon, pancetta, or vegan bacon for dietary needs; omit for vegetarian and add ¼ cup sunflower seeds for crunch.
Broccoli: Swap with cauliflower or a broccoli-cauliflower mix for variety; blanch briefly for softer texture.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Replace with mild cheddar, Gouda, or vegan cheddar; use pre-shredded for convenience.
Red Onion: Substitute with green onions, shallots, or 1 tsp onion powder for a milder flavor.
Mayonnaise: Use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or vegan mayo for a lighter or dairy-free option; adjust sugar if using yogurt.
Red Wine Vinegar: Swap with apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or lemon juice for similar acidity.
White Sugar: Replace with honey, agave, or a sugar-free sweetener (adjust to taste).
Lemon Juice: Use lime juice or additional vinegar for a similar tangy kick.
Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Omit bacon, use vegan mayo and vegan cheese, and add nuts or seeds for texture.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure mayonnaise and bacon are gluten-free.

Optional Additions

Nuts/Seeds: Add ¼ cup sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, or pecans for extra crunch.
Fruit: Mix in ½ cup dried cranberries, raisins, or diced apples for sweet contrast.
Herbs: Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill for freshness.

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Instructions

Cook the Bacon:
- Place 8 slices of bacon in a large, deep skillet and cook over medium-high heat until crisp and evenly browned, about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool, then crumble into small pieces.
- Tip: Cook bacon in batches to avoid crowding; let cool fully before crumbling to prevent greasiness.
Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- Chop 2 heads of fresh broccoli into small, bite-sized florets (about 6–8 cups); trim and peel stalks if desired for tenderness.
- Shred 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese (if not pre-shredded) and chop ½ large red onion into ¼-inch pieces.
- In a large salad bowl, combine crumbled bacon, chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, and chopped onion.
- Tip: Chop broccoli uniformly for even coating; soak onion in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness if preferred.
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together ⅔ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup red wine vinegar, ⅛ cup white sugar, 2 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp fresh lemon juice until smooth and well combined, about 1 minute.
- Tip: Taste dressing and adjust sugar, salt, or pepper for desired balance; whisk thoroughly to dissolve sugar.
Combine and Toss:
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture in the large salad bowl.
- Toss gently with a spatula or tongs until the broccoli, bacon, cheese, and onion are evenly coated, about 2–3 minutes.
- Tip: Toss lightly to avoid breaking broccoli florets; ensure cheese and bacon are evenly distributed.
Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to meld flavors and chill thoroughly (up to 24 hours for best results).
- Stir gently before serving to redistribute dressing, and serve chilled in a large bowl or as individual portions.
- Pair with grilled meats, sandwiches, or iced tea for a complete meal.
- Tip: Chill in a shallow bowl for faster cooling; garnish with extra bacon or parsley for a vibrant look.