Broccoli salad is a classic summer side dish that's both refreshing and satisfying. This version gets a boost of flavor from crispy bacon, tangy blue cheese, and a sweet-tart dressing. It's the perfect dish to bring to a potluck or picnic.
Broccoli salad has been around for centuries, but it wasn't until the 1950s that it became a popular side dish in the United States. The original recipe was simple: broccoli, mayonnaise, and vinegar. Over time, other ingredients were added, such as bacon, blue cheese, and red onion. Today, there are countless variations of broccoli salad, but this one is a classic for a reason. It's easy to make, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
1/2 cup chopped bacon
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon, blue cheese, red onion, celery, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss to coat. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Why It Works
The combination of broccoli, bacon, and blue cheese is a classic for a reason. The broccoli provides a crunchy base, the bacon adds a salty and smoky flavor, and the blue cheese adds a tangy and creamy richness.
The dressing is made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar, which gives it a sweet-tart flavor that balances out the richness of the other ingredients.
The salad is best served chilled, which allows the flavors to meld and the broccoli to soften slightly.