Broccoli salad is a classic dish, often found at potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings. It’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors – the crunch of fresh broccoli, the salty tang of bacon, the sharpness of cheddar cheese, and the creamy sweetness of a mayonnaise-based dressing. While there are countless variations, Martie’s Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese stands out for its perfect balance of ingredients and its irresistibly addictive quality. This recipe is easy to follow, requires minimal cooking, and is always a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to make a salad that will disappear in minutes!
## Why Martie’s Broccoli Salad is a Must-Try
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this particular broccoli salad is so special. Many broccoli salads can be bland or overly sweet. Martie’s version avoids these pitfalls by focusing on high-quality ingredients and a balanced dressing. The bacon adds a smoky depth, the cheddar cheese provides a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the raisins (or cranberries, if you prefer), and the red onion gives a subtle bite. The dressing is creamy without being too heavy, and it perfectly coats every piece of broccoli, bacon, and cheese.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients you’ll need to create Martie’s Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese. Feel free to adjust the quantities to your liking, but this recipe provides a solid foundation for a truly delicious salad.
* **Fresh Broccoli:** 1 large head (about 6 cups) – The star of the show! Choose a head of broccoli that is firm, green, and has tightly closed florets. Avoid broccoli with yellowing or browning florets, as this indicates it’s past its prime.
* **Bacon:** 1 pound – Crispy bacon is essential for adding that irresistible smoky flavor. You can use regular bacon or thick-cut bacon, depending on your preference. Cook it until it’s nice and crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 1 cup, shredded – Sharp cheddar cheese provides a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the dressing and the other ingredients. You can also use a medium cheddar or a blend of cheddar cheeses.
* **Red Onion:** ½ cup, finely diced – Red onion adds a subtle bite and a pop of color to the salad. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak it in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad to mellow its flavor.
* **Raisins (or Dried Cranberries):** ½ cup – Raisins or dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness and chewiness to the salad. If you’re not a fan of raisins, dried cranberries are a great alternative. You can also use golden raisins or even chopped dried apricots.
* **Mayonnaise:** 1 cup – Mayonnaise forms the base of the dressing. Use a good-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. You can also use light mayonnaise to reduce the fat content, but be aware that it may slightly alter the flavor.
* **Granulated Sugar:** ¼ cup – Sugar adds sweetness to the dressing and helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, depending on how sweet you want the salad to be.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons – Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy flavor to the dressing. You can also use white vinegar or red wine vinegar, but apple cider vinegar provides the best flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste – Salt and pepper enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. Be sure to taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
## Equipment You’ll Need
Fortunately, you don’t need any fancy equipment to make Martie’s Broccoli Salad. Here’s a list of the essential tools:
* **Large Bowl:** For mixing the salad ingredients.
* **Small Bowl:** For making the dressing.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping the broccoli, onion, and bacon.
* **Knife:** For chopping the vegetables and bacon.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For measuring the ingredients.
* **Skillet or Baking Sheet:** For cooking the bacon.
* **Whisk:** For mixing the dressing.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started! Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create Martie’s Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese.
**Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli**
* Wash the broccoli thoroughly under cold water.
* Cut off the tough end of the stalk.
* Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. You want the florets to be uniform in size so that they cook evenly.
* If you prefer, you can blanch the broccoli florets for 1-2 minutes in boiling water to soften them slightly. This is optional, but it can make the broccoli easier to digest.
* Drain the broccoli florets and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
* Pat the broccoli florets dry with paper towels.
**Step 2: Cook the Bacon**
* Place the bacon strips in a cold skillet.
* Cook over medium heat until the bacon is crispy, turning occasionally.
* Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease.
* Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces.
Alternatively, you can bake the bacon in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
* Place the bacon strips on the baking sheet in a single layer.
* Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
* Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool slightly.
* Crumble the bacon into small pieces.
**Step 3: Prepare the Dressing**
* In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
* Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter dressing, or more vinegar if you prefer a tangier dressing.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.
**Step 4: Assemble the Salad**
* In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and raisins (or dried cranberries).
* Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
* Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
**Step 5: Chill and Serve**
* Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill properly.
* Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing.
* Serve the broccoli salad cold and enjoy!
## Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Salad
Here are some tips to help you make the best possible version of Martie’s Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese:
* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of the ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of the salad. Choose fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and good-quality mayonnaise.
* **Don’t Overcook the Bacon:** Crispy bacon is essential for adding that smoky flavor. Be careful not to overcook the bacon, as it will become bitter and burnt.
* **Dice the Red Onion Finely:** Dicing the red onion finely will help to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the salad. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak it in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad.
* **Adjust the Sweetness to Your Liking:** The amount of sugar in the dressing can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter salad, add more sugar. If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of sugar.
* **Chill the Salad Before Serving:** Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving will allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill properly. This will also help to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
* **Add Nuts for Extra Crunch:** For an extra layer of texture and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts to the salad. Sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, or chopped pecans are all great options.
* **Experiment with Different Cheeses:** While sharp cheddar cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even crumbled feta cheese.
* **Add a Touch of Heat:** If you like a little bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or using pepper jack cheese.
* **Make it Ahead of Time:** Broccoli salad can be made ahead of time, which makes it a great option for potlucks and parties. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** This recipe is a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version of Martie’s Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese.
## Variations and Add-Ins
The beauty of broccoli salad is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding different ingredients or making substitutions. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Sunflower Seeds or Pumpkin Seeds:** Add ¼ – ½ cup of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
* **Chopped Nuts:** Walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a delightful crunch and richness.
* **Different Cheeses:** Try using pepper jack, Colby jack, or even crumbled blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
* **Dried Fruits:** Experiment with dried cranberries, apricots, or cherries instead of raisins.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Add chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives for a burst of freshness.
* **Greek Yogurt:** Substitute some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier and healthier dressing.
* **Lemon Juice:** Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the dressing for extra brightness.
* **Different Vegetables:** Add chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers for more color and nutrients.
## Serving Suggestions
Martie’s Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish at barbecues, potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings.
* **As a Light Lunch:** Enjoy it as a light and refreshing lunch, paired with a sandwich or soup.
* **As a Topping for Burgers or Sandwiches:** Add a spoonful of broccoli salad to your burgers or sandwiches for extra flavor and texture.
* **As a Filling for Wraps:** Use it as a filling for lettuce wraps or tortillas.
* **As a Snack:** Enjoy it as a healthy and satisfying snack.
## Nutritional Information
While broccoli salad is delicious, it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. Here’s a general estimate of the nutritional information per serving (based on a serving size of about 1 cup):
* **Calories:** Approximately 300-400
* **Fat:** 20-30 grams
* **Saturated Fat:** 5-10 grams
* **Cholesterol:** 40-60 milligrams
* **Sodium:** 300-500 milligrams
* **Carbohydrates:** 20-30 grams
* **Fiber:** 3-5 grams
* **Sugar:** 15-20 grams
* **Protein:** 10-15 grams
**Note:** The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size.
To make the salad healthier, you can use light mayonnaise, reduce the amount of sugar, and add more vegetables.
## Storage Instructions
To store Martie’s Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese, follow these guidelines:
* **Refrigerate:** Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Shelf Life:** The salad will typically last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
* **Avoid Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended, as it will alter the texture of the broccoli and the dressing.
Before serving leftover salad, give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing.
## Conclusion
Martie’s Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and creamy dressing, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and get ready to enjoy a truly addictive salad!
This recipe is a guaranteed winner, and it’s a fantastic way to get your family to eat more vegetables. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, making it a salad that even broccoli skeptics will enjoy. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making this salad again and again!
Enjoy your Martie’s Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese! It’s a delicious, versatile, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. And remember, don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to create your own signature version.