Print

Crispy Broccoli Crunch Salad with Bacon and Honey Mustard Dressing

crispy broccoli crunch salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy salad featuring crispy broccoli, smoky bacon, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a sweet tangy honey mustard dressing. Perfect for lunch or potlucks, this salad combines textures and flavors for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 300g)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup sunflower seeds, toasted if possible
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook 6 slices of bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Flip occasionally to avoid burning. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces. (Optional: save a tablespoon of bacon fat for the dressing.)
  2. Rinse 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets under cold water and drain well. Pat dry with a kitchen towel to avoid sogginess. Chop into small, uniform pieces.
  3. Toast 1/3 cup sunflower seeds in a dry pan over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  4. Finely chop 1/4 cup red onion and shred 1/2 cup cheddar cheese if using.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a teaspoon of saved bacon fat if desired. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, crispy bacon pieces, toasted sunflower seeds, red onion, shredded cheddar, and 1/4 cup dried cranberries.
  7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  8. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld while keeping the broccoli crunchy.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad; a light coating complements the ingredients best. Pat broccoli dry thoroughly to maintain crunch. Toast sunflower seeds gently to avoid bitterness. Let salad rest 10-15 minutes before serving for best flavor. Bacon fat can be added to dressing for extra smoky flavor. Salad can be prepared ahead by keeping dressing and salad separate until serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, honey mustard dressing, crunchy salad, easy lunch recipe, potluck salad

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/crispy-broccoli-crunch-salad-recipe-with-bacon-and-honey-mustard-dressing-easy-and-perfect-for-lunch/