By Linda Arceo
If you are looking for a fresh and flavorful summer side dish for your next get together or casual family dinner, then allow me to introduce you to Broccoli Salad. This dish is one of the simplest summer salads. It is a one-bowl recipe that travels well, making it a great choice for picnics or potluck barbecues, or as an easy make-ahead lunch.
Easy Broccoli Salad
Cook Time: 15 mins
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Wash and cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces and drain well.
Add the broccoli, bacon, sesame seeds, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, sugar, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to combine and fully coat the broccoli.
Refrigerate this broccoli salad for about an hour. This gives the broccoli a chance to soak in some of the dressing, resulting in an even more flavorful salad. If you are pressed for time, you can make this salad and let it chill for one hour.
If you plan of making this easy broccoli salad, here are a few simple tips and shortcuts to bring this dish together and also save you some tip on the preparation:
This broccoli salad recipe calls for shredded cheese. When choosing the shredded cheese for the broccoli salad look for the thicker types of cheese and stay away from the finely shredded varieties. Choose shredded cheeses such as sharp or extra sharp cheddar. You can even use block cheese and shred it yourself. Another option is to use small cubes of cheese instead.
You can use pre-cut florets to save prep time. You will need to estimate the amount of broccoli needed for this recipe if using pre-cut florets.
Want to skip the bacon prep? Look for pre-cooked bacon to save some time and make this dish even easier to prepare.
Make it in advance! The longer this salad sits, the better it will taste. This recipe is best if made several hours in advance and allowed to blend together in the refrigerator for a few hours. If you are short on time, it can be served right away. Broccoli salad can be prepared up to 3 days in advance of serving.
From picnics in the park to backyard cookouts and everything in between, this broccoli salad recipe is easily the star of your next summer party. This cold, crunchy, creamy dish is a fresh and tasty addition to any summer meal. Try pairing it with any kind of sandwich, hamburgers and hot dogs or grilled proteins like chicken and steak.
Linda Arceo is the owner and content creator behind the food, drink and travel blog Giggles, Gobbles and Gulps. Linda is a digital influencer and freelance writer focusing on food, travel, lifestyle and culinary tourism. Linda’s blog can be found at www.gigglesgobblesandgulps.com and you can follow her on Instagram at @GigGobGulp.
