Tangy Broccoli Bacon Salad

This tangy broccoli bacon salad is an easy and healthy side dish that pairs well with any summer protein. Just seven ingredients create a salad that is packed with nutrients and flavor. The dressing lightly coats the vegetables without overtaking them, allowing the fresh summer veggie taste shine through.

This salad can be easily adapted for keto or vegetarian diets with ingredient substitutions. It can also be made a day ahead, making it perfect for potlucks and summertime backyard barbeques.

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What Is Tangy Broccoli Bacon Salad?

Broccoli, red onions, and crispy bacon are the main components in this salad, coming together in a creamy dressing of mayonnaise and rice vinegar. A little sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness, but you can leave it out if you prefer.

This fresh salad is made with raw broccoli, giving you healthy doses of vitamin C, antioxidants, and plenty of fiber. On top of that, broccoli has another amazing health benefit. Sulforaphane is a natural plant compound that is particularly high in broccoli. Our bodies tend to absorb sulforaphane more easily when broccoli is in its raw form. And that’s good news! Sulforaphane has been liked to a number of health benefits, like protection against heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and digestive issues.

With all those benefits, you might want to make a double batch!

Can This Be Adapted for Keto?

Yes!

When I was following a keto diet, I made this salad often. Simply substitute 2 teaspoons Truvia for the sugar. Notice that this isn’t a 1:1 substitution ratio. I find Truvia’s sweetness to be more powerful than sugar, so I cut down the measurement substantially. If you use Swerve or another artificial sweetener, you may need to start with 2 teaspoons, taste, and adjust the amount accordingly.

Can I Make It Ahead?

Yes!

You can make this salad up to a day before. In my opinion, it’s at its best when chilled at least an hour before serving. That gives the flavors a chance to meld together, creating a fuller taste.

Store in the refrigerator in a bowl with a tight seal. Not only does this keep the salad fresh, but it keeps the onion odors out of the rest of your food… and your fridge.

How Can I Vary This Recipe?

There are a few substitutions that you can make to put your own spin on this salad.

• Use a different variety of vinegar. I’ve used apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, and white wine vinegar and I’ve enjoyed them all.
• Omit the bacon for a vegetarian salad. Or try substituting hard boiled egg, sunflower seeds, or dried fruit instead.
• Use pancetta or pepperoni in place of the bacon.
• Use a different variety of shredded cheese, or a mixture of cheeses. You could also buy an 8 oz brick of cheese and cube it to enjoy in the salad.
• Add grape tomatoes or carrot shreds for added color.

Looking for More Salads?

• For a zesty cold salad, try this traditional Tangy Four Bean Salad
• The Best Summer Spaghetti Salad earned accolades for a reason
• Vibrant colors will wow your guests in our Citrus Spring Salad with Roasted Beets

Tangy Broccoli Bacon Salad

Recipe by Chicken Soup with DumplingsDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

This tangy broccoli bacon salad is an easy and healthy side dish that pairs well with any summer protein.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch broccoli, cut into small florets

• 1 small red onion, chopped

• 1/2 pound bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled

• 1 cup shredded cheddar

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sugar (or 2 teaspoons Truvia for keto)

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

Directions

• Place broccoli, red onion, bacon, and cheese in a large bowl. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar or sweetener, and rice vinegar. Whisk until smooth.
• Pour dressing over broccoli. Stir to combine.
• Cover and chill until ready to serve.

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Chicken Soup with Dumplings

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