A classic Broccoli Bacon Salad recipe that has raw broccoli, crispy bacon, sweet raisins and sunflower seeds with a sweet and tangy dressing. Makes a great side dish for any holiday or barbecue.Can also be prepped a day ahead!
In a mixing bowl add the 1 cup mayo, ⅓ cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Whisk or stir together until completely smooth. Set aside.
1 cup mayonnaise, ⅓ cup sugar, 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
In a separate large bowl combine the cut broccoli florets, raisins, sunflower seeds, diced red onion, and crumbled bacon.Pro Tip: soak your raisins or dried cranberries in hot water for 5 minute to plump before adding to the salad.
4-5 cups raw, fresh broccoli, ½ cup raisins, ½ cup sunflower seeds, ¼ cup red onion, 8-10 slices bacon
Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli salad and stir to coat.
Let rest in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before serving.
TO MAKE AHEAD:
Prep the broccoli and place in a large bowl.
Measure out the sunflower seeds and place in a small container in with the broccoli. Soak the raisins or craisins in hot water for 5 minutes, drain and then pour on top of the broccoli. Cut the red onion, rinse them, then dice. Put in a small container and place in the bowl with the broccoli.
Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Prepare the dressing in a separate container and refrigerate separate from the salad. I like to use a mason jar for this!
About an hour before serving crisp up the bacon and add to the salad.
Mix everything together and let sit for 30 minutes in the fridge before serving.
Video
Notes
RED ONION TIP: Rinse the raw red onion slices under cool water before chopping. This will rinse away the enzyme that makes raw onion flavor stick around for too long!
RAISINS OR CRANBERRIES: soak your raisins or dried cranberries in hot water for 5 minutes before adding to the salad. It makes them plump and juicy.
BACON: A small package of fully cooked microwavable bacon is the perfect amount for this salad! I buy the Market Pantry bacon at Target and it has about 10 slices and cooks up crispy in the microwave in about 1 minute!