Description

This vibrant Broccoli Salad combines fresh broccoli florets with a tangy lemon and red onion marinade, enhanced by crisp bacon, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, and shredded cheddar cheese. The creamy mayonnaise dressing seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder brings all the flavors together for a refreshing, crunchy, and flavorful salad perfect for quick lunches or side dishes.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Fresh Ingredients

5 cups broccoli florets (from about 3 broccoli heads)
½ small red onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, finely diced
2 scallions, diced

Proteins and Dairy

⅔ cups shredded cheddar cheese
⅓ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (from about 6 bacon slices or use bacon bits)

Nuts and Fruits

⅓ cup slivered almonds
⅓ cup dried cranberries (craisins)

Dressings and Seasonings

¾ cup mayonnaise (or more, if needed)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt and pepper each, or to taste

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Instructions

Prepare onion marinade: Combine the finely minced red onion and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in the bottom of a large bowl and stir. Let this mixture marinate for a few minutes to soften the onion’s sharpness while you prepare other ingredients.
Chop broccoli: Cut the broccoli florets into smaller bite-sized pieces. It’s fine if some broccoli crumbles; these small bits will add texture to the salad.
Cook bacon: Cook the bacon until crisp, then crumble it. You can use either freshly cooked bacon or store-bought bacon bits as preferred.
Toast almonds: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the slivered almonds for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Combine ingredients and dress salad: Add the chopped broccoli, crumbled bacon, toasted almonds, shredded cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, fresh parsley, diced scallions, and all seasoning ingredients including mayonnaise, sugar (if using), smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl with marinated onions. Mix everything thoroughly.
Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the salad and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired. Enjoy immediately for a fresh crunch, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours to let the flavors meld and mellow for an even richer taste.

Notes

To save time, you can prepare the broccoli salad a day ahead, allowing it to chill in the fridge overnight for the best flavor meld.
Gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly if using bacon bits or plant-based bacon alternatives.
For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
To avoid onion sharpness, marinate the onions longer or rinse briefly before mixing if preferred.
Keep toasted almonds and bacon separate until final mixing if preparing components in advance to preserve crunchiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American