Whip up a homemade take on a deli favorite with this fast and fresh recipe for The Best Broccoli Salad with Bacon.
Broccoli Salad with bacon … and grapes? And cheese? And almonds? And has she lost her dang mind?
Sounds strange, right? But one taste of this updated take on a deli counter classic and I guarantee you will be hooked on this family favorite recipe for all of your summer barbecue, fall fest, winter potluck and spring shenanigan needs!
It truly is a 365-days-a-year recipe that transforms a boring ol’ cruciferous veggie into a real stunner of a side dish. And it just so happens to embody every essential textural component and flavor profile to create the perfect balance of all things creamy, crunchy, sweet and savory.
As straightforward as this recipe is (we’re talking make dressing, dump on ingredients, stir), there is one step—or I should say, lack of step—that will designate whether this recipe really does earn the title of “The Best Broccoli Salad” or rather “Just Your Ordinary Broccoli Salad.” And that comes down to one word: blanch.
As in, “Absolutely, positively do not blanch the broccoli!”
What happens when you blanch the broccoli (either in an attempt to brighten its color or slightly tenderize it), is that you inevitably cannot dry it well enough to avoid any excess water from entering the equation. And water + this super-creamy dressing = not BFFs.
So save yourself the time, save the planet a little water, and just keep things simple with good ol’ raw and maybe not-so-vibrant but definitely, definitely the best broccoli salad (with bacon … and grapes … and cheese … and almonds).
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Ingredients
- 3 medium heads broccoli, cut into florets
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup diced red onion
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cups red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons whole or nonfat milk
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the broccoli florets, sliced scallions, diced red onion, shredded mozzarella cheese and grapes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, white vinegar and milk. Taste and season the dressing with salt and pepper.
- Add the dressing to the bowl with the broccoli, tossing to combine, then stir in the sliced almonds and crumbled bacon. Serve immediately or store, covered, in the fridge until ready to serve.
Kelly's Note:
- It’s best to make this salad a day in advance and store it, covered, in the fridge to allow the flavors to develop.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
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Recipe by Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste. Please do not reprint this recipe without my permission. If you'd like to feature this recipe on your site, please rewrite the method of preparation and link to this post as the original source.
This was the best broccoli salad I have ever had!! Made a double recipe to bring to a party and my only regret is that I did not set aside a portion to leave at home! Everyone raved about it and it was all gone when time to leave. Best flavor dressing and loved the slivered almonds addition. Also next time I will look for small red seedless grapes. Ended up getting large red seedless grapes from Costco which had seeds so had to half and remove seeds. This will definitely be my go to Broccoli salad.
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled everyone enjoyed the recipe, Sandy!
Out of all your recipes that I have loved, this was the one I did not. As a matter of fact no one at the table liked it. I followed all the directions to a “t”. Broccoli taste was too strong, needed salt, cheese was just weird.
I’m so sorry you didn’t enjoy the recipe.
I love this recipe. I’ve been making it for a long time and, sorry to say, I forgot to post a reply. I just made it again yesterday to eat today. It’s SO good. Both Broccoli and grapes were on sale and it’s HOT, so, this is my salad for the next couple days (if it lasts that long!!).
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Linda!
Absolutely perfect office lunch ! Thank you and enjoy the day :-)
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed it!
Tired of boring ” Summer Salads” that ppl say are fresh and summerful , ehh… Give this one a try and bet you’ll be making it everytime you turn around because everyone will be beggin for it all the time … :) LOved it and so did my entire family … Thanks
Love this! So thrilled you’re enjoying the recipe, Christy!
This is one of the best salad I’ve made. This salad is delicious. The flavor is perfect. Thank you.
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed it, Shane!
I love the pictures and flavors this recipe entails! I am a fan of Walmarts Broccoli Salad flavors, just hate the watery texture. Which I believe you have explained, with no blanch and no water! I have a family reunion I am planning for, and intend to try this recipe out at home and then make once I have arrived in Asheville!! TY
I hope you enjoy it, Kristy!
This is amazingly tasty! I love it, and is even great the next day
I am getting ready to hit the kitchen, and put it together again.
I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Norma!
food looks good
Thanks so much, Carolann!