Print

Fresh Classic Broccoli Salad Recipe with Crispy Bacon and Sweet Raisins

fresh classic broccoli salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A fresh and crunchy broccoli salad featuring crispy bacon, sweet raisins, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for gatherings or quick lunches, this salad balances smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 300 grams)
  • 6 slices crispy bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup sweet raisins (about 75 grams)
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1/3 cup toasted sunflower seeds (about 45 grams)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (15 ml)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place 6 slices of bacon in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Flip occasionally for even cooking. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cool, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prep the broccoli: While bacon cooks, wash and chop broccoli into small florets, about 1-inch pieces (roughly 4 cups). Dry thoroughly with a towel or salad spinner to prevent soggy salad.
  3. Chop onion and toast seeds: Finely dice 1 small red onion. In a dry pan over medium heat, toast 1/3 cup sunflower seeds for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring often to avoid burning.
  4. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be smooth and slightly tangy — adjust honey or vinegar to your liking.
  5. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss broccoli florets, red onion, toasted sunflower seeds, raisins, and crumbled bacon.
  6. Add dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until everything is coated evenly. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
  7. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time lets flavors meld and the broccoli soften just a touch without losing crunch.
  8. Final touch: Give the salad a quick stir before serving. If you want an extra pop, sprinkle a few more bacon crumbles or sunflower seeds on top.

Notes

Do not skip chilling the salad as it enhances flavor and texture. Dry broccoli thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Toast sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nuttiness. Adjust honey and vinegar in dressing to taste. For a lighter version, substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt or use dairy-free mayo. Bacon can be baked in the oven on parchment paper as an alternative to skillet cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, sweet raisins, creamy dressing, potluck recipe, easy salad, crowd-pleaser, quick salad

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/fresh-classic-broccoli-salad-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-and-sweet-raisins-easy-homemade-version/