Prepare to transform your ordinary salad into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds! This Bacon Blue Cheese Broccoli Salad is not just a side dish – it's a culinary adventure that combines crispy bacon, tangy blue cheese, and fresh broccoli in a creamy, irresistible dressing. Whether you're looking to impress at a potluck or simply elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to be a game-changer that'll make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli, chopped
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Wash the broccoli head thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets, discarding the thick stem or saving it for another recipe.
- Cook bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and allow to cool completely.
- Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small, irregular pieces using your hands or a knife.
- Finely dice the red onion into small, uniform pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar, whisking until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add chopped broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and crumbled blue cheese to the mayonnaise mixture.
- Gently fold and mix all ingredients until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve chilled as a side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly cooked bacon that's still slightly warm when crumbled.
- Choose a high-quality blue cheese for a more robust and authentic taste.
- Make sure to chop the broccoli into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even coating and easy eating.
- Let the salad chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise.
- Toast the bacon slightly longer for extra crispiness if you prefer more crunch.
- If preparing ahead, keep the bacon separate and add just before serving to maintain its crispy texture.
- Experiment with adding toasted nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds for additional texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
