The perfect combination of flavors, textures, and nutrients!
In the world of salads, the broccoli bacon salad holds a special place. It’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors, combining the crunchiness of fresh broccoli with the smoky savoriness of bacon. And the best part? You only need five simple ingredients to make it! This 5-ingredient broccoli bacon salad is perfect for those who love to whip up something quick yet impressive, be it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a picnic.
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Ingredients in this Salad
This salad is a harmonious blend of five key ingredients, each bringing its unique taste and nutritional benefits to the table.
Bacon
The star of the dish, bacon, adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the freshness of the broccoli. Its crispy texture contrasts beautifully with the other components, making it a non-negotiable ingredient in this recipe (unless you’re trying to make it vegetarian!)
Broccoli
Broccoli is not just a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber; it’s also the perfect canvas for the other flavors in this salad. Its crisp, slightly earthy taste balances out the richness of the bacon.
Apple
Adding a sweet and tart dimension, apples bring a delightful juiciness to the mix. They pair wonderfully with the savory bacon and add a fresh crunch that elevates the salad.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise acts as the creamy base for the salad dressing, binding all the ingredients together. Its silky texture and mild flavor make it the ideal backdrop for the stronger flavors of bacon and apple cider vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar
A dash of apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and bacon, adding a bright, tangy note that brings the salad to life. It also helps in balancing the overall flavor profile.
What to Pair with This Broccoli Salad
This versatile broccoli bacon salad pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. See some of our favorites:
Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Chicken: Enjoy the tender and flavorful slow cooker barbecue pulled chicken, which effortlessly complements the crunchy freshness of the broccoli salad with its rich and smoky barbecue goodness.
One of these 10 Healthy Sandwiches: Choose from an array of 10 healthy sandwiches, each offering a nutritious and delightful pairing option for the broccoli salad, perfect for a well-rounded meal.
Slow Cooker Savory Superfood Soup: Dive into the comforting warmth of this slow cooker savory superfood soup, a nutrient-packed companion to the broccoli salad, ideal for chilly days.
Easy Baby Back Ribs: Indulge in these easy baby back ribs, where the meat falls off the bone, offering a decadent and savory counterpoint to the light and crisp broccoli salad.
Savory Lemon Whitefish Filet Recipe: Pair the salad with our savory lemon whitefish filet, a light and zesty dish that balances the creaminess of the broccoli salad with its delicate, citrus-infused flavors.
Customize this Side Dish
This 5-ingredient broccoli bacon salad is a versatile dish that can be easily tailored to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ways you can put your own spin on this classic salad:
Add Extra Crunch
For those who love a bit more texture in their salads, consider adding nuts or seeds. Slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds can add a delightful crunch and a boost of nutrition. If you’re nut-free, crispy fried onions or even sesame seeds can offer a similar effect.
Play with Sweetness
If you enjoy a touch of sweetness in your salads, try incorporating dried fruits. Raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates can complement the flavors of the bacon and broccoli beautifully. They add not only sweetness but also a chewy texture that contrasts well with the other ingredients.
Go Green
Enhance the green quotient by adding other vegetables. Chopped kale, shredded Brussels sprouts, or thinly sliced green onions can add more depth and a variety of textures to the salad. These greens not only bring in additional nutrients but also make the salad more visually appealing.
Protein Boost
For a protein-packed version, consider adding cheese or hard-boiled eggs. Chunks of cheddar or crumbled feta cheese can give a creamy, tangy twist, while diced hard-boiled eggs add substance, making the salad more filling.
Lighten Up
If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a light vinaigrette. Greek yogurt provides a creamy consistency with less fat, while a vinaigrette made from olive oil and lemon juice offers a refreshing, zesty flavor.
Vegetarian/Vegan Variations
For a vegetarian take, omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative. Vegans can replace the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo and skip the bacon altogether or use a vegan substitute. These modifications allow everyone to enjoy the salad regardless of their dietary preferences.
Herbs and Spices
Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives can add a burst of freshness, while spices like black pepper, paprika, or a hint of garlic powder can elevate the flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about this broccoli salad? These are some of our frequently asked questions. If you don’t see yours, drop your question in the comment section below and we’ll get back to you with an answer as soon as we can!
Can I make this salad in advance?
Certainly! In fact, letting the salad sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving can enhance its flavors. Just be sure to add the bacon right before serving to maintain its crispness.
How long does this salad keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this salad can last for up to 4 days. However, remember that the longer it sits, the less crisp the broccoli and apple will be.
Is there a vegan alternative for mayonnaise in this recipe?
Yes, you can use vegan mayonnaise or even a simple dressing made from olive oil and lemon juice as a substitute. You’ll also need to substitute the bacon with a plant-based bacon alternative.
What is Amish Broccoli Salad?
Amish Broccoli Salad typically includes bacon, cheese, and onions, and is sweetened with sugar and enhanced with a bit of vinegar. It’s a popular dish in Amish and Southern cuisine, beloved for its blend of flavors and textures, making it a comforting and satisfying side dish.
What is Broccoli Salad Made Of?
Broccoli salad is typically made of fresh broccoli florets, bacon, cheese (such as cheddar), red onion, and a variety of nuts or seeds for added crunch. The salad is brought together with a dressing, commonly made from mayonnaise, sugar (or a sweetener), and apple cider vinegar. Some variations might include additional ingredients like raisins, grapes, or other types of cheese.
How Do You Cut Broccoli for Broccoli Salad?
To cut broccoli for a salad, start by rinsing the head of broccoli under cold water. Then, with a sharp knife, trim off the florets from the large stalks. You should aim for bite-sized florets, which are easier to eat and absorb the dressing more effectively. For the stalks, you can peel the tough outer layer and chop them into small, thin pieces, as they add a nice crunch to the salad.
4 bacon slices cooked crisp according to package directions, crumbled or chopped small1 pound broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces1 apple cored and chopped into 1/2″ pieces1/4 cup mayonnaise reduced calorie1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Cook bacon according to package directions, drain on paper towels and crumble. Set aside.Combine broccoli, chopped apple and bacon in a medium mixing bowl.In a small mixing bowl, whisk mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar until well blended.Pour dressing over broccoli mixture and toss to coat. Serve immediately or store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
Serving: 1.5cups (approximately) | Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 299mg | Potassium: 458mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 749IU | Vitamin C: 103mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 1mg |
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