Bee'S Broccoli Salad
A creamy, crunchy broccoli salad with pecans, red onions, raisins, and a tangy dressing, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a fresh side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise, red cider vinegar, and sugar in a bowl and refrigerate overnight to make the dressing.
- Cook bacon until crispy, then chop into pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, chopped pecans, red onion, and raisins.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients just before serving.
- Add the cooked bacon on top and serve chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. If you prefer a bit of crunch, try adding sunflower seeds or swapping the pecans for walnuts. You can also adjust the sugar according to your taste; some people prefer a sweeter salad, while others like it less sweet. Make sure to blanch the broccoli briefly for a brighter color and tender-crisp texture.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a great side dish for barbecues and pairs beautifully with Jackie'S Potato Soup or any of your favorite pork recipes. Consider serving it at potlucks or family gatherings, where it can be a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes. Garnish with extra bacon or pecans for added visual appeal and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing may cause the broccoli to wilt over time, so it's best to keep the salad components separate until ready to serve. If you want to reheat, remove the bacon and warm it separately, as the salad is best enjoyed chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bee'S Broccoli Salad contains roughly 248 calories, with 4g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and chop the salad ingredients the day before. However, to maintain freshness, combine the dressing with the salad ingredients just before serving. This will prevent the broccoli from becoming soggy.
What can I substitute for bacon in this recipe?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can use smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for a similar flavor. Alternatively, you could omit the bacon entirely and add more nuts or seeds for crunch without sacrificing taste.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make this salad more substantial, consider adding cooked quinoa or chickpeas for an extra protein boost. You could also incorporate diced grilled chicken or turkey if you want to keep it meat-based, making it a complete meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).