A Delicious and Healthy Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe

Looking for a flavorful and healthy salad to add to your summer menu? Look no further than our delicious broccoli bacon salad. This combination of fresh broccoli, tangy bacon, sweet cranberries, and creamy dressing is perfect for any gathering, from backyard barbecues to casual family picnics.

Ingredients

1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream 2 tsp. cider vinegar 1 tsp. sugar 4 cups finely chopped broccoli crowns (see tips below) 1 8-oz can sliced water chestnuts, rinsed and chopped 3 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 3 tbsp. dried cranberries Freshly ground pepper to taste 12 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional) 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets 1 cup raisins 1 small red onion, chopped 1/4 cup sunflower seeds Dressing: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup white sugar, 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar

Instructions

Whisk the garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, cider vinegar, and sugar in a large bowl. Add the finely chopped broccoli crowns and mix well. Set this mixture aside. In another bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sugar, and red wine vinegar together until smooth. Pour this dressing over the broccoli mixture and stir to coat evenly. Combine in a large bowl 12 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (if using), 1 large head broccoli cut into florets, 1 cup raisins, 1 small red onion, and 1/4 cup sunflower seeds. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and mix well to ensure everything is coated. Finally, add the 3 tbsp. dried cranberries and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Putting it All Together

Whisking together the ingredients creates a balanced and creamy salad that is low in fat and high in flavor. The no-fuss approach to this recipe means you can easily whip up a batch with minimal effort. If you're hosted by a guest, you can start preparing it the night before and it will still taste amazing when served the next day. It's perfect for a quick and easy side dish or a satisfying main course depending on the portion size.

Cooking Tips

When choosing your broccoli crowns, look for firm, brightly colored florets. Finely chopping them ensures a consistent texture in the salad. Similarly, when you're slicing the water chestnuts, make sure they are thoroughly rinsed to remove any excess sodium from the canning process to avoid adding too much salt to the dish.

A Delicious Salute to the Season

Indulge in this versatile and nutritious salad year-round, but for those warm summer days, nothing beats the refreshing flavor of a broccoli bacon salad. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a healthy side dish for a casual dinner, this recipe is a true picnic favorite. Give it a try and make it a regular part of your summer menu!