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Creamy Italian Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe Easy Sweet Vinegar Dressing

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A crunchy and creamy broccoli salad with crispy bacon and a sweet vinegar dressing that balances salty, sweet, and tangy flavors perfectly. This easy and quick salad is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for potlucks or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 450g)
  • 6–8 thick-cut bacon strips
  • ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar cheese (about 100g)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (granulated or brown)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried blend)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place 6-8 thick-cut bacon strips in a cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble into bite-sized pieces. (Optional: reserve a tablespoon of bacon fat for extra flavor in the dressing.)
  2. Prep the broccoli: Wash 4 cups fresh broccoli florets thoroughly. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
  3. Slice the onion and tomatoes: Thinly slice ½ medium red onion and halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes if using.
  4. Mix the dressing: In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste until smooth and creamy. (Optional: blend in ½ cup small-curd cottage cheese for added creaminess and protein.)
  5. Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the broccoli, bacon, red onion, tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
  6. Add dressing and toss: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Stir in a splash of milk or water if dressing is too thick after chilling.

Notes

Dry broccoli thoroughly to help dressing stick better. Cook bacon slowly on medium heat for crispiness without burning. Dressing can be blended with cottage cheese for added protein and creaminess. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Dressing can be loosened with milk or water if too thick after chilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, creamy salad, Italian salad, sweet vinegar dressing, easy salad recipe, potluck salad, healthy salad

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/creamy-italian-broccoli-bacon-salad-recipe-easy-sweet-vinegar-dressing/