My family loves broccoli served in many different ways. We like it steamed, roasted, added to a stir-fry, in macaroni and cheese, just to munch on and in salads to name a few. It’s a very versatile vegetable and so good in all kinds of recipes. This cold salad my niece Bethany shared is just one delicious way to serve it. See also my recipe Broccoli Slaw with Nuts and Dried Cherries.
New Picture Nov. 10, 2020… added craisins, chopped toasted pecans and an additional step.
Bethany's Broccoli Salad
- 1/2 lb. bacon, fried and crumbled (serve on the side if you have vegetarian guests)
- 2 heads fresh broccoli, broken into florets
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/8 cup sugar (2 tbsp.) (See Nov. 10th addition below)
- salt and pepper to taste (I found that the cheese and bacon provide enough salt for this salad)
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise (I used low-fat)
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- you could also add dried cranberries, sunflower seeds (toasted), craisins, chopped pecans (toasted), carrot slivers, cauliflower florets and even a diced apple would be good
Combine all of the ingredients, except for the crisp bacon which I like to serve on the side, and chill for a couple of hours. Use nuts as a garnish if you use them
Comment: According to America’s Test Kitchen cooking the broccoli briefly (1 minute) in water improves the flavor and appearance of the broccoli. Spin dry it in a salad spinner before adding to the salad.
Nov. 10, 2020 I added another step by boiling 1/3 cup water and mixing in the 2 tbsp. sugar and stirred until dissolved. I quickly poured this mixture all over the broccoli florets and stirred to coat. This gave the florets a brighter green color – I did not drain the water.
Recipe by cooking with aunt juju http://cookingwithauntjuju.com/2016/03/15/bethanys-broccoli-salad/
New Pictures: Nov.10, 2020
The bacon is frying…
The ingredients…
I boiled 1/3 cup water, added 2 tbsp. granulated sugar and dissolved it in the water. I quickly poured it over the fresh broccoli and it gave the florets a bright green color.
Served it as a side dish to a Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato sandwich…
We all love broccoli and this sounds so wonderful! yumm
If you like broccoli you will enjoy this easy but delicious salad.
I really love is and most of my kids do too! thanks
Mmmmm, you can’t go wrong with broccoli, cheese, and bacon!
No, you can’t Kathryn!
This looks wonderful. Love all the additions and seasoning. 🙂
Thanks Ronit – it’s a favorite way to eat broccoli 🙂
This is one of my favorite potluck recipes though it seems I can never find the recipe for the dressing… Thanks to you, I can now! 🙂
I know what you mean Nancy – now it’s online for me too 🙂
I love salads like this. They just scream that it’s summer to me!
Thanks Julie – it’s a good salad to add to grilled food and all of the other goodies we all make during the warmer months.
Delicious Judi! I love a good broccoli salad!
It’s a great salad Antonia and so easy to make 🙂
I tried this out today and it’s delicious Judi! I went with just the veggies this time and sunflower seeds. I love the dressing. Thanks for sharing!
We love broccoli too in my family and I’m always looking out for new ways of preparing it! This salad sounds delicious Judi!!
It is Naina – simple, nutritious and yummy 🙂
When my son was little, he loved broccoli. He called the florets little trees. I know he would love this salad. 🙂
Ha!ha!Ha! I think Elaine called the florets trees too – never thought of it that way but now I will. It’s a good salad Fae 🙂
Yum. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks and you’re welcome. Very easy to make ahead of time; then add the dressing and bacon if you are using when you are ready to serve.
We love broccoli in our home to! We could eat it any which way it is served! This salad looks absolutely delicious! I totally have to try this recipe! I am saving it!
Thanks Su – the broccoli salad is very tasty and the dressing is light. I love this kind of salad any time of the year.
Yum! We’re big broccoli eaters in my house, and I love this salad. I’ve only ever had one broccoli salad before with completely different flavors, but I can see how these would go well together. 😀 Happy FF, and have a marvelous weekend. Hope you enjoy the party!
Thanks Kaila – this recipe is very simple to make and the broccoli does shine! Happy FF! I always enjoy the party and look forward to seeing what everyone brings 🙂
Ooh this is very yummy! 🙂 Our local market doubled up on our broccoli this week so we’ve been munching our way through it in various ways! Never tried making a broccoli salad though – how exciting! I think that will go well with our barbecue this weekend. Have you tried it with cauliflower too… I think that would be equally delicious? Thanks so much for sharing at Fiesta Friday.
Thanks – I especially enjoy broccoli in cold dishes such as this salad. I do not like overcooked or reheated broccoli at all. Perfect side dish for a barbecue or all year round for that matter 🙂 Cauliflower is a favorite veggie and I am sure it would make a good substitute for the broccoli.
I love broccoli too! This salad looks pretty perfect!!
Thanks 🙂
I love broccoli salad. This one looks and sounds so delicious! I think I will make this tomorrow for lunch. Thank you! 🙂
It’s a favorite recipe in my family. Quick and easy 🙂
I love the sound of this salad, Aunt Juju. Oh so delicious! 😀 Happy FF! x
Thanks Jhuls – broccoli is so versatile and so good in many recipes like this. Happy Fiesta Friday and enjoy your week 🙂
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