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Fresh Church Lady Broccoli Salad Recipe with Crispy Bacon and Crunchy Nuts

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A fresh, vibrant broccoli salad featuring crispy bacon, crunchy nuts, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 6–8 strips crispy bacon, chopped
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli florets. Cut into small, uniform pieces.
  3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread walnuts or pecans and sunflower seeds on a baking sheet. Toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and fragrant. Remove and cool.
  4. Finely dice the red onion. For a milder flavor, soak diced onion in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, sugar, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, chopped bacon, toasted nuts and seeds, diced onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
  7. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Stir gently before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Pat broccoli dry thoroughly to keep salad crisp. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for best texture. Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning. Dressing is best made fresh and salad chilled before serving. For softer broccoli, blanch briefly and chill before assembling. Dressing can be lightened by substituting half mayo with Greek yogurt. Nut-free option: replace nuts and sunflower seeds with toasted pumpkin seeds. Vegan option: use smoked tempeh or coconut bacon, vegan mayo, and plant-based cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, church lady salad, bacon salad, potluck salad, crunchy salad, creamy dressing, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/fresh-church-lady-broccoli-salad-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-and-crunchy-nuts-easy-and-perfect-for-potlucks/