I have never enjoyed eating raw vegetables, especially broccoli. However, broccoli and bacon salad changed my mind. I have seen many variations of this salad that include different kinds of cheese, apples, grapes, or raisins, but I decided to stick with the basics and let the dressing add the sweetness. I love making this recipe for a large crowd since it’s so deliciously addicting.
The Cooked Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 350 and put on a cookie sheet:
3/4 c. sunflower seeds, raw and hulled
Toast the seeds at 350 for 15 minutes, stirring once at the halfway mark. Set them aside.
Chop small, fry until crisp, and drain:
6 oz. bacon (yielding about 10 T. bacon pieces)
The Broccoli Salad
Put into a bowl:
1 1/2 lbs. broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1/4 c. red onion, diced small
1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
Also add to the bowl:
the toasted sunflower seeds
the cooked bacon
The Dressing
Whisk together in a separate bowl and stir to combine with the rest of the ingredients:
3/4 c. mayo
1/4 c. sugar
1 T. balsamic vinegar
Enjoy broccoli and bacon salad as a side to almost anything. Or, take it to a party!
Find more recipes for salads here.


Crunchy Broccoli and Bacon Salad
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sunflower seeds raw, hulled
- 6 ounces bacon 1/2 package
- 1 1/2 pounds broccoli bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup red onion minced
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese shredded
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 and put the sunflower seeds on a baking sheet. Toast for 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.3/4 cup sunflower seeds
- Chop the bacon and cook until it's crisp. Drain.6 ounces bacon
- Add the veggies and cheese a large bowl. Add the cooked bacon and toasted seeds as well.1 1/2 pounds broccoli, 1/4 cup red onion, 1 cup Cheddar cheese
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl. Toss the dressing with the salad. Serve with your favorite main dishes.3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Oh yum Sacha! I am going to try this!๐
I hope you enjoy it! ๐