Southern Broccoli Salad Recipe
Indulge in the creamy, tangy goodness of Southern Broccoli Salad! This classic Southern recipe combines the freshness of broccoli, the crunch of pecans, and the richness of cheddar cheese, all tied together with a zesty dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks, this salad is sure to become a crowd favorite.
INGREDIENTS
- Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and pepper
8ounces bacon (any type) - 10cups (1½ pounds) 1- to 1½-inch broccoli florets
- 1cup mayonnaise
- ¼cup finely chopped red onion
- 2tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1cup coarsely grated Cheddar
- ½cup golden raisins
- ½cup roasted, salted sunflower seeds
PREPARATION
Step 1
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil.
Step 2
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium. Add bacon and cook, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain; discard bacon fat or reserve for another use. Chop the bacon into bite-size pieces.
Step 3
Meanwhile, add broccoli to boiling water and cook until bright green, 1 minute. Rinse under cold water until cool (or transfer to an ice bath). Drain broccoli well and pat dry.
Step 4
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, onion, vinegar and sugar and mix well. Add the broccoli, cheese, raisins and sunflower seeds. Season with salt and pepper, and toss until well combined. (If time allows, refrigerate for 30 minutes to 3 hours to allow flavors to meld, stirring occasionally.)
Step 5
Transfer broccoli salad to a serving bowl or platter. Top with bacon. Salad can be served immediately, or refrigerated and served chilled.
Tips and Variations
1. Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets will provide the best flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen or canned broccoli.
2. Don’t over-dress: Start with a small amount of dressing and add more to taste. You can always add more, but it’s harder to remove excess dressing.
3. Add some heat: If you like a little spice, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
4. Make it a main course: Add some cooked chicken, bacon, or ham to make the salad more substantial.
5. Use different types of cheese: Experiment with other types of cheese, such as Swiss, feta, or goat cheese, for a unique flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
– Calories: 220
– Protein: 10g
– Fat: 16g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Cholesterol: 20mg
– Carbohydrates: 10g
– Fiber: 4g
– Sugar: 2g
– Sodium: 250mg