I’ve always been a huge fan of salads, and this Fresh Broccoli Salad is definitely one of my favorites. It’s a perfect blend of crunchiness from the fresh broccoli, sweetness from the raisins, and a burst of flavor from the tangy dressing. Plus, who can resist the added crunch of crispy bacon? The salad originates from the United States and has become a popular side dish at barbecues and picnics. I love it because it’s not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly healthy, packed with nutrients from the fresh broccoli. This salad is also versatile. You can add slivered almonds or sharp cheese to give it an extra kick. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing with you my version of this beloved recipe, along with some tips and tricks to make it even more delicious. So, get your salad bowls ready, because you’re in for a treat!
Ingredients
- 2 bunches fresh broccoli
- 10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2/3 c. raisins
- 1/2 c. onion, chopped
- 1 c. salad dressing (Miracle Whip)
- 1/2 c. sugar
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar
- 1/2 c. slivered almonds (optional)
- 1/2 c. sharp cheese (optional)
Salad Preparation
- Wash and cut broccoli into bite size pieces.
- Combine salad dressing, vinegar and sugar; mix well.
- Pour dressing mixture over other ingredients and toss.
- Refrigerate 2 hours before serving.
Calorie: 200
Total cooking time: 15 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Day I Tamed the Wild Broccoli Beast
There I was, standing in my kitchen, facing down two bunches of fresh broccoli like I was about to wrestle a verdant dragon. I’ve always found cooking to be a battle of wits and wills, but this time, I was armed with a secret weapon: a recipe for Broccoli Salad that promised to transform these leafy beasts into a delightful, crunchy treat.
Round One: Broccoli vs. Bacon
The first step was to wash and cut the broccoli into bite-size pieces. It sounded easy enough, but the broccoli put up a fight, resisting my cutting board and knife with its stubborn stalks. Meanwhile, the bacon just lay there on the counter, mocking me with its pre-cooked, crumbled state. “Look at me,” it seemed to say, “I’m so easy to handle. Bet you wish the broccoli was this cooperative!”
The Sweet and Sour Plot Twist
Next, it was time to prepare the dressing. With the salad dressing, sugar, and vinegar at my disposal, I felt like a mad scientist concocting a potion. The sweet and sour aroma wafted through the kitchen, a tantalizing promise of the flavor bomb to come. I mixed everything well, sweeping the spoon through the bowl like a maestro conducting a symphony.
Introducing: The Supporting Cast
Just when I thought I was done, I remembered the supporting cast: raisins, onion, slivered almonds, and sharp cheese. The raisins and onion were easy enough – they simply needed to be measured and tossed into the mix. The almonds and cheese, however, were a different story. Labeled as ‘optional’, they sat on the counter, daring me to make a decision. In the spirit of culinary bravery, I threw them into the mix. After all, what’s life without a little nuttiness and sharpness, right?
The Waiting Game
Having added the dressing to the ingredients and tossed everything, it was time to refrigerate the salad. Two hours of waiting. Two hours of the broccoli and its comrades marinating, scheming, and probably plotting a revolt against my taste buds. I decided to use this time tactically, cleaning up the kitchen and periodically peeking in on the salad like a nervous parent on a newborn.
The Moment of Truth
The two hours passed, and it was finally time to serve the salad. I approached the fridge with a mix of excitement and trepidation, half expecting the salad to leap out and declare independence. But no, there it was, glistening in the bowl, looking utterly delicious.
As I took the first bite, I was met with a riot of flavors – the fresh broccoli, the smoky bacon, the sweet raisins, the tangy salad dressing, the crunchy almonds, and the sharp cheese. It was a masterpiece, a symphony of taste that made the entire culinary battle worth it.
So there you have it, the tale of how I tamed the wild broccoli beast and lived to tell the tale. The moral of the story? Never underestimate the power of a good recipe, a dash of bravery, and a sense of humor in the kitchen!
