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Creamy Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe with Honey Mustard Dressing

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A quick and easy broccoli salad featuring crispy bacon and a creamy honey mustard dressing, perfect for potlucks or as a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 6–8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6-8 slices of bacon and cook until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare the broccoli: Rinse about 4 cups of broccoli florets under cold water. Use a salad spinner or pat dry thoroughly. Chop into small, uniform pieces.
  3. Chop the onions and cheese: Finely dice 1/4 cup of red onion and shred 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Set aside.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess if needed.
  5. Combine the salad: In a large bowl, add the broccoli, bacon, red onion, cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped pecans if using. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and broccoli to soften slightly while maintaining crunch.

Notes

For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Save some bacon fat to sauté onions for extra flavor if desired. If salad is too dry after chilling, stir in a splash more mayo or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Salad keeps well for up to 3 days refrigerated. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version. Double-check bacon brand for gluten-free compliance.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, honey mustard dressing, creamy salad, potluck recipe, easy side dish

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/creamy-broccoli-bacon-salad-recipe-with-honey-mustard-dressing-easy-and-best/