Broccoli Bacon Salad (Easy & Tasty)

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Broccoli bacon salad - Who knew such a simple salad could deliver such a flavor punch?

Broccoli with smoky, meaty bacon along with the crunch of almonds and the light sweetness of bell peppers paired with homemade ranch dressing ... equals the perfect broccoli bacon salad!

This is a great way to get kids to eat broccoli. My boys love this salad. The bacon and almonds and homemade ranch dressing make it taste like you're eating unhealthy foods. But ... you're not!

Great served with everyday meals (and leftovers are great for lunch the next day). Also great for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.

Perfect for potlucks or covered dish gatherings.

What You'll Need

For the Salad:

4 cups broccoli, chopped

5 slices cooked bacon (about ½ cup), crumbled

½ cup almond slivers

¼ cup red bell pepper (about 1 mini pepper), chopped

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Dressing:

¼ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup sour cream or plain yogurt

¼ cup milk or buttermilk

⅛ teaspoon each salt and ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon dry parsley

¼ teaspoon dry chives

½ teaspoon dry dill weed

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (from half a lemon)

How to Make

Mix all dressing ingredients in a small bowl with a whisk until smooth. 

Add all salad ingredients in a medium-to-large bowl and toss. 

Pour dressing over salad ingredients and mix until dressing coats all salad ingredients.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.

It is recommended to refrigerate the dressing and/or salad mixture for at least 2 hours before serving in order for the flavors to "meld" - making for a more delicious salad. You can also make and refrigerate the night before serving.

Tips

I recommend you make this ahead of time so the flavors can meld together and provide the best flavor possible.

The broccoli will absorb some of the dressing, softening it a bit, and you will be rewarded with a salad you will be proud to serve at your next get-together or potluck event.

Serve With

Perfect paired with grilled burgers, salmon patties, meatloaf - just about anything you can think of.

I served the broccoli salad with my yummy Salmon Patties, and the flavors were perfect together.

Try this salad with my Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf or my Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.

Other Salads to Love

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad with Lemon Dressing

Shaved Brussel Sprouts Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

Simple Potato Salad with Bacon

Carrot Raisin Salad (quick & delicious)

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