Broccoli Salad With Bacon and Raisins Recipe

Broccoli salad. The words themselves might not instantly conjure up images of culinary excitement. Perhaps you associate it with bland, mayonnaise-laden bowls at potlucks, or maybe you’ve never even given it a second thought. But let me tell you, you are missing out. My family, initially skeptical (especially my broccoli-averse son), has been completely converted by this Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins. It’s not just “another” side dish; it’s a vibrant, flavorful explosion that balances creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory in every single bite. The smoky saltiness of the bacon is the perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the raisins and the slight bitterness of the broccoli. The creamy dressing ties it all together, making it incredibly satisfying and utterly addictive. We’ve served it at barbecues, weeknight dinners, and even packed it for picnics, and every single time, it’s been devoured. If you’re looking for a way to make broccoli exciting, or simply want a side dish that will steal the show, look no further. This Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Trust me, even the broccoli skeptics in your life will be asking for seconds.

Ingredients

To create this sensational Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins, you’ll need a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that work harmoniously together to deliver a symphony of flavors and textures. Let’s delve into each component and understand why they are essential for the best possible salad.

• Fresh Broccoli Florets: 1 large head (about 6 cups of florets). The star of the show, broccoli provides the foundational crunch and earthy flavor of this salad. Opt for fresh, vibrant green broccoli with tightly closed florets. Avoid broccoli that is yellowing or has a strong odor, as this indicates it’s past its prime. For this recipe, you’ll want to cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Uniformly sized florets ensure even dressing distribution and a pleasant eating experience. Consider briefly blanching the broccoli for a slightly softer texture and to enhance its vibrant green color, although for maximum crunch, raw broccoli works beautifully.
• Bacon: 8 slices, cooked until crispy and crumbled. Bacon is the salty, smoky, and undeniably delicious element that elevates this salad from ordinary to extraordinary. Use your favorite type of bacon, whether it’s thick-cut for extra meaty bites or regular cut for crispy crumbles. Cooking the bacon until it’s perfectly crisp is crucial; soggy bacon will detract from the overall texture. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease and crumble it into small, enticing pieces. For an even deeper smoky flavor, consider using applewood smoked bacon. Vegetarian alternatives like plant-based bacon can also be used, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
• Raisins: ¾ cup. Raisins offer a burst of sweetness and chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the savory bacon and crunchy broccoli. Regular raisins work perfectly, but you could also experiment with golden raisins for a slightly different flavor profile and visual appeal. For plump and juicy raisins, you can soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes and then drain them thoroughly before adding them to the salad. This step is optional but can enhance their texture and sweetness.
• Red Onion: ½ medium, finely diced. Red onion introduces a sharp, slightly pungent bite that cuts through the richness of the dressing and adds another layer of flavor complexity. Finely dicing the red onion ensures it’s evenly distributed throughout the salad and doesn’t overpower other ingredients. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the diced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. This process helps to reduce its sharpness. Alternatively, you could use thinly sliced green onions or shallots for a milder onion flavor.
• Sunflower Seeds or Pepitas: ½ cup (optional, but highly recommended). For an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor, sunflower seeds or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) are a fantastic addition. Roasted and salted sunflower seeds or pepitas provide the best flavor and texture. Make sure they are unshelled for ease of eating. If you don’t have sunflower seeds or pepitas on hand, toasted almonds or pecans, chopped roughly, can also be used as a crunchy alternative.
• Mayonnaise: ¾ cup. Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the dressing that binds all the ingredients together. Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. Full-fat mayonnaise will provide the richest and creamiest texture, but you can use a light or reduced-fat mayonnaise if you prefer to reduce the fat content. However, be aware that light mayonnaise may result in a slightly tangier flavor and less creamy texture.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons. Apple cider vinegar adds a crucial tanginess to the dressing that balances the richness of the mayonnaise and the sweetness of the raisins. It also brightens the overall flavor of the salad. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or lemon juice, although apple cider vinegar provides a slightly milder and fruitier acidity.
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons. A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar and enhances the overall sweetness of the salad. Granulated sugar works perfectly, but you can also use honey or maple syrup as natural sweeteners. Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference, depending on how sweet you like your salad.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon. Dijon mustard adds a subtle savory depth and a touch of spice to the dressing, complementing the bacon and other flavors. Dijon mustard is preferred for its smooth texture and complex flavor, but you can substitute it with yellow mustard in a pinch, although the flavor profile will be slightly different.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste. Salt is essential for enhancing all the flavors in the salad. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste, keeping in mind that bacon and some mayonnaises can already be quite salty.
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, or to taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice that complements the other flavors. Adjust the amount to your preference.

Instructions

Creating this delightful Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins is a breeze, requiring just a few simple steps to bring all the ingredients together into a harmonious and flavorful dish. Follow these instructions for a perfect salad every time.

1. Prepare the Broccoli: Begin by thoroughly washing the head of broccoli. Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, carefully cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Aim for florets that are roughly uniform in size to ensure even cooking (if blanching) and dressing distribution. If you prefer a slightly softer broccoli texture, you can blanch the florets briefly. To blanch, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they turn bright green and are slightly tender-crisp. Immediately drain the broccoli and plunge it into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant color and crispness. Once cooled, drain the broccoli thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. If you prefer a crunchier salad, you can skip the blanching step and use the broccoli florets raw.
2. Cook the Bacon: Place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon, turning occasionally, until it is crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon. Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain off any excess grease. Allow the bacon to cool slightly, then crumble it into small, bite-sized pieces. Set the crumbled bacon aside.
3. Prepare the Red Onion (Optional Milder Flavor): If you find red onion to be too pungent, you can mellow its flavor. Finely dice the red onion. Place the diced red onion in a small bowl and cover it with cold water. Let it soak for about 10 minutes. Drain the red onion thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels before adding it to the salad. This soaking process helps to reduce the sharpness of the raw onion. If you enjoy the bolder flavor of red onion, you can skip this step and simply use the finely diced red onion directly.
4. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy, and all the ingredients are well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or sugar, depending on your preference. The dressing should be tangy, slightly sweet, and flavorful.
5. Combine the Salad Ingredients: Add the prepared broccoli florets (blanched or raw), crumbled bacon, raisins, diced red onion (and sunflower seeds or pepitas, if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the broccoli florets break down and become mushy. You want to lightly coat everything to maintain the texture and visual appeal of the salad.
6. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor and texture, cover the bowl of Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the salad to become even more refreshing. You can chill the salad for up to 2-3 hours before serving. Just before serving, give the salad another gentle toss to redistribute the dressing, if necessary. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this classic salad.

Nutrition Facts

(Estimated, per serving, based on a recipe yielding 8 servings)

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
• Calories: 320-380 kcal (This can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Using light mayonnaise and reducing bacon can lower calorie count.)

Approximate Macronutrient Breakdown (per serving):

• Fat: 25-30g (Primarily from mayonnaise and bacon)
• Saturated Fat: 8-10g (From mayonnaise and bacon)
• Cholesterol: 40-50mg (From mayonnaise and bacon)
• Sodium: 400-500mg (From bacon, mayonnaise, and added salt)
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g (From broccoli, raisins, sugar, and mayonnaise)
• Fiber: 3-4g (From broccoli and raisins)
• Sugar: 10-12g (From raisins and added sugar)
• Protein: 6-8g (From broccoli and bacon)

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (Chopping broccoli, dicing onion, cooking bacon, making dressing)
• Chill Time: 30 minutes (Minimum, for flavors to meld)
• Total Time: 50 minutes (Including chill time)

This Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins is relatively quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for weeknight meals, potlucks, and gatherings. The majority of the time is spent on chopping vegetables and cooking bacon, with the rest being simple assembly and chilling.

How to Serve

This versatile Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins can be served in a variety of ways, making it a perfect addition to many occasions and meals. Here are some serving suggestions:

• As a Side Dish:
  • Barbecues and Cookouts: It’s an ideal side to grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken, ribs, or steak. The creamy coolness provides a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors of grilled meats.
  • Potlucks and Picnics: Its make-ahead nature and crowd-pleasing flavor make it perfect for potlucks, picnics, and outdoor gatherings. It travels well and holds up nicely even at room temperature for a while (though chilling is always recommended for food safety and best taste).
  • Weeknight Dinners: Pair it with simple roasted chicken, baked salmon, or pork chops for a balanced and flavorful weeknight meal. It adds a vibrant vegetable element and satisfying texture to any main course.
  • Holiday Meals: Include it as a lighter, fresher side dish alongside heavier holiday fare like roasted turkey, ham, or casseroles. It can provide a welcome contrast to richer dishes.
• As a Light Lunch:
  • On its Own: Enjoy a generous serving as a satisfying and relatively light lunch. It provides a good balance of vegetables, protein (from bacon), and healthy fats.
  • With Protein: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs to the salad to make it a more substantial and protein-packed lunch.
  • In a Wrap or Sandwich: Spoon broccoli salad into a wrap or sandwich with lettuce and tomato for a flavorful and easy lunch option.
• Serving Tips:
  • Serve Chilled: Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins is best served chilled. This enhances the flavors and textures and makes it more refreshing.
  • Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of extra crumbled bacon, chopped fresh parsley, or a dusting of paprika before serving.
  • Serving Bowl: Serve in a pretty serving bowl to enhance its visual appeal. A clear glass bowl allows you to see the vibrant colors of the salad ingredients.
  • Don’t Overdress: Ensure the broccoli and other ingredients are lightly coated with dressing, not swimming in it. Too much dressing can make the salad soggy.
  • Serve Immediately (after chilling): While it can be made ahead, for the best texture, serve it within a few hours of chilling. Broccoli salad can become slightly softer the longer it sits in the dressing.

Additional Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad

To elevate your Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins from good to absolutely fantastic, consider these helpful tips:

1. Don’t Overcook (or Over-Soften) the Broccoli: Whether you blanch the broccoli or use it raw, maintaining a good crunch is key to the salad’s texture. If blanching, ensure you only cook it for 2-3 minutes and immediately shock it in ice water. If using raw broccoli, choose fresh, firm heads and cut the florets into bite-sized pieces for easy eating and dressing distribution. Avoid using frozen broccoli as it can become mushy when thawed and dressed.
2. Crisp Bacon is Crucial: The crispy texture of the bacon is a vital element in this salad. Cook the bacon until it’s truly crisp, not just cooked through. Drain it well on paper towels to remove excess grease, and crumble it into small pieces just before adding it to the salad. Soggy bacon will detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the salad. For maximum crispness, consider baking the bacon in the oven or cooking it in an air fryer.
3. Make it Ahead (But Not Too Far): Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins is a great make-ahead dish, which is perfect for potlucks and busy schedules. You can prepare the salad up to 2-3 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. However, avoid making it too far ahead (like overnight) as the broccoli can soften slightly and the dressing may become a bit watery over time. If making it further in advance, consider holding back some of the dressing and adding it just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
4. Customize Your Crunch: While sunflower seeds or pepitas are recommended for added crunch, feel free to experiment with other crunchy elements. Toasted slivered almonds, chopped pecans, or even crispy fried onions can add a different textural dimension and flavor. Consider toasting nuts or seeds lightly to enhance their nutty flavor and crispness before adding them to the salad.
5. Adjust Sweetness and Tanginess to Your Taste: The balance of sweetness and tanginess in the dressing is crucial for a well-rounded flavor. Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the sugar and apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) to your liking. Some people prefer a sweeter salad, while others prefer a tangier one. Start with the recommended amounts in the recipe and then tweak to perfectly match your personal preference. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, like white wine vinegar or rice vinegar, for subtle flavor variations.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can definitely make this salad ahead of time! In fact, chilling it for at least 30 minutes (and up to 2-3 hours) is recommended as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the salad to become more refreshing. For the best texture, avoid making it more than 3 hours in advance, as the broccoli can soften slightly over time. If you want to prep further ahead, you can prepare all the components separately (broccoli, bacon, dressing) and then assemble the salad closer to serving time.

Q2: Can I make this Broccoli Salad healthier?

A: Yes, there are several ways to make this Broccoli Salad healthier. You can use light or reduced-fat mayonnaise to reduce the fat content, although this may slightly alter the creaminess and flavor. You can also reduce or eliminate the added sugar in the dressing, or substitute it with a natural sweetener like stevia or a smaller amount of honey. Increasing the amount of broccoli and reducing the amount of bacon and raisins can also shift the nutritional profile. Using whole wheat or plant-based bacon alternatives can also be considered. However, keep in mind that some fat is necessary for flavor and satiety, and bacon and raisins contribute to the overall deliciousness of this salad in moderation.

Q3: Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins is quite versatile. For raisins, you can use dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even fresh grapes for a different twist. If you don’t like red onion, you can use thinly sliced green onions or shallots for a milder onion flavor. For the dressing, you can experiment with different types of vinegar, like white wine vinegar or lemon juice, instead of apple cider vinegar. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute. Feel free to adjust ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand.

Q4: How long does Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins last in the refrigerator?

A: Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins will generally last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. However, the texture of the broccoli may soften slightly over time as it sits in the dressing. For the best texture and flavor, it is recommended to consume it within the first 24-48 hours. Always ensure the salad is stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below to maintain food safety.

Q5: Can I freeze Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins?

A: Freezing Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins is not recommended. Mayonnaise-based dressings tend to separate and become watery when thawed, which will negatively impact the texture and overall quality of the salad. The broccoli and other vegetables may also become mushy after freezing and thawing. It is best to enjoy this salad fresh or within a few days of making it and store it in the refrigerator, not the freezer.

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