Ingredients
To recreate this heartwarming dish, you’ll need a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
– Fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces, reminiscent of the ones we’d pick from Mama Lou’s garden.
– Crispy bacon, cooked to perfection and crumbled, adding a savory touch that Ouma and I often fought over when we were younger.
– Red onion, thinly sliced, bringing a subtle sharpness that complements the other flavors.
– Sunflower seeds or sliced almonds, for that extra crunch and a nod to our family’s love for nutty flavors.
– Dried cranberries, offering a sweet contrast and a burst of color, just like the ones Mama Lou used to add to her salads.
– Shredded cheddar cheese, a creamy addition that ties everything together.
– For the dressing: mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper, blended to create a creamy, tangy dressing that coats the salad beautifully.
Instructions
Creating this salad is as easy and joyful as spending an afternoon in the kitchen with family. Here’s how to bring it all together:
1. Begin by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy. Once done, set it aside to cool, then crumble it into small pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, crumbled bacon, red onion, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
5. Let the salad sit for at least an hour in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together, just like the stories we’d share at family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International