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Salads have long been celebrated for their versatility and ability to showcase fresh ingredients in a light and refreshing manner. They serve not only as a side dish but can also stand alone as a hearty meal, depending on the ingredients used. One such standout salad is the Zesty Crunchy Broccoli Bacon Salad, which masterfully blends flavors and textures to create a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Tangy Broccoli Bacon Salad

Discover the perfect blend of flavors with our Zesty Crunchy Broccoli Bacon Salad! This delightful dish features crisp broccoli florets, savory bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a burst of cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a creamy dressing. Packed with nutrients and bursting with texture, it's not just a salad—it's a satisfying meal that can stand on its own. Learn how to prepare each ingredient and create a dish that’s both delicious and nutritious. Perfect for any occasion!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

6 slices of crispy bacon, chopped

1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

½ cup red onion, finely diced

½ cup sunflower seeds

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional: Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Broccoli: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2 minutes, just until they turn bright green and are slightly tender. Immediately drain them and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. Once cool, drain again and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

    Cook the Bacon: In a skillet set over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy and golden brown, which should take about 6-8 minutes. When cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

      Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well integrated, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.

        Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, layer in the blanched broccoli, chopped bacon, grated sharp cheddar cheese, finely diced red onion, sunflower seeds, and halved cherry tomatoes. Mix gently to combine.

          Add the Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Using a spatula or salad tongs, toss everything together delicately until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

            Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld beautifully. Just before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing, and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley if desired.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                - Prep Time: 15 minutes

                  - Total Time: 45 minutes

                    - Servings: 6

                      Enjoy this refreshing and savory Broccoli Bacon Salad that balances zesty flavors with a satisfying crunch!