Broccoli Bacon and Raisin Salad
Broccoli Bacon and Raisin Salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and flavorful salad combining fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and sweet raisins with a tangy creamy dressing. Perfect as a quick side dish or light snack, this salad offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making it an ideal addition to any meal or potluck.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking/baking (stovetop for bacon)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices crispy bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Prep the Broccoli: Start by washing fresh broccoli and chopping it into bite-sized florets. Keep the stems for additional crunch if you like, just slice them thinly. Set aside to drain well after rinsing to avoid watery salad.
- Cook the Bacon: Cook bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and browned. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces to scatter throughout your salad.
- Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess as needed for your preference.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the broccoli florets, cooked bacon crumbles, raisins, sliced red onions, and nuts. Pour the dressing over and stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Chill and Serve: For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for the best crispness; avoid pre-cut broccoli.
- Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to render fat and achieve perfect crispiness.
- Pat bacon and onions dry with paper towels to prevent soggy salad.
- Chill salad before serving to enhance flavor blending and texture.
- If dressing is too thick, thin with a little water or additional vinegar for easier mixing.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture and flavor.
- Serve with extra crispy bacon bits, whole raisins, or chopped parsley for garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: broccoli bacon salad, raisin salad, crunchy salad, side dish, easy salad, gluten free, bacon salad