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This salad brings together crunchy broccoli florets, savory bacon, and sweet-tart cranberries in a truly crowd-pleasing dish. For a final flourish, a creamy dressing ties it all together. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking to liven up a weekday meal, this is a recipe that never fails to impress!
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Begin by gathering your ingredients so everything is within easy reach. Cook the bacon in a skillet or in the oven until crisp, then drain away any excess grease on paper towels before crumbling it into small pieces. Meanwhile, rinse the broccoli and pat it dry. Cutting the florets into smaller chunks ensures every bite is balanced.
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss in the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, and red onion. Gently fold everything until the dressing fully coats your ingredients. Give it a quick taste, adjusting any seasonings if you’d like more sweetness or tang.
For best results, let the salad chill for at least 15 minutes before serving, allowing the brilliant flavors to meld. The crisp broccoli, chewy cranberries, and savory bacon, all married by the sweet-tangy dressing, make this salad irresistible.
In closing, this Bacon Cranberry Broccoli Salad has something for everyone: a burst of texture, a pop of flavor, and the flexibility to make it your own. Swap the bacon for turkey bacon if you’re watching intake, or lighten the dressing with Greek yogurt. It’s perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or a simple at-home lunch any day. Enjoy this satisfying meal knowing you’re getting a flavorful dish that’s easy to adjust for nearly any dietary preference!
