Ingredients
For the Salad:
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4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head of broccoli)
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1/2 cup raisins (golden raisins or regular raisins work)
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1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 4–5 slices)
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1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
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1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional, for extra crunch)
For the Dressing:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon honey (or more, to taste)
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Wash and trim the broccoli into bite-sized florets. You can use a knife or a broccoli cutter to make uniform pieces. If you prefer a softer texture, you can blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then shock it in ice water to stop the cooking process. However, raw broccoli gives a nice crunch.
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once it has cooled, crumble it into small pieces.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
In a large bowl, combine the prepared broccoli, raisins, crumbled bacon, and red onion (if using). Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until the salad is well-coated.
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If you’re in a rush, you can serve it immediately, but chilling it will enhance the taste. Garnish with sunflower seeds (if using) for an extra crunch before serving.
Serve the salad as a side dish to your favorite meal or as part of a larger spread. Enjoy the mix of savory, sweet, and crunchy flavors in every bite!