This Roasted Broccoli Bacon Crunch Salad is a fun mix of flavors! With crispy bacon, tender roasted broccoli, and crunchy nuts, it’s a salad that everyone can enjoy.
I love how easy it is to make and it pairs well with any meal. Plus, who can resist that bacon? It’s like a party on your plate! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are key for this salad’s crunch. If you can’t find fresh, frozen broccoli will work too; just make sure to thaw and drain it well.
Bacon: I love the savory smokiness that bacon adds. Turkey bacon or even crispy tempeh can be great alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang. Feel free to substitute with mozzarella for a milder flavor or crumble some feta for a twist!
Mayonnaise: This is the base for your dressing. If you’re aiming for a healthier version, Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute, adding creaminess and protein.
Honey or Sugar: Honey adds a natural sweetness. You could switch it out with maple syrup or agave syrup for a vegan option.
How Do You Roast Broccoli for the Best Flavor?
Roasting broccoli is a great technique to enhance its flavor. The high heat brings out a nutty taste while keeping it tender. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot.
- Spread the broccoli florets out, leave space between them for even cooking. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes until they have crispy edges. Remember to turn them halfway through for even baking.
- Let them cool slightly before combining with other ingredients to maintain that lovely crunch.
Roasted Broccoli Bacon Crunch Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 6 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips or toasted sunflower seeds for added crunch
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 20-25 minutes for roasting the broccoli and cooking the bacon. So, in total, you’ll need around 30-35 minutes to create this mouthwatering dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for getting that nice, crispy texture on the broccoli.
2. Prepare the Broccoli:
Take your broccoli florets and spread them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss gently to make sure the florets are coated evenly.
3. Roast the Broccoli:
Once preheated, place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the broccoli for about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to turn them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. You want them to be tender with a slightly charred edge. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a bit.
4. Cook the Bacon:
While the broccoli is roasting, grab a skillet and cook the bacon slices over medium heat until they are crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. When it’s cool enough to handle, chop the bacon into small pieces.
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or acidity according to your preference.
6. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted broccoli, chopped bacon, black olives, shredded cheddar cheese, and red onion if you’re using it. Gently mix everything together.
7. Dress the Salad:
Pour your dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss everything gently to ensure it’s all well-coated. This adds a lovely creaminess to the salad.
8. Add the Crunchy Topping:
If you’d like a bit of extra crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or toasted sunflower seeds on top of the salad just before serving.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Roasted Broccoli Bacon Crunch Salad can be enjoyed slightly warm or chilled, depending on your preference. Serve it up and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Salad?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before roasting, to maintain that crisp texture. It’s best to roast frozen broccoli at the same temperature, but reduce the roasting time slightly, checking for doneness at about 12-15 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have Bacon?
No problem! You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter option, or use crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian version. You could even skip the bacon altogether and add some smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If possible, keep the tortilla chips or sunflower seeds separate until serving to maintain their crunch. When ready to eat, just toss the salad gently again before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegan version, use a plant-based mayonnaise and substitute the bacon with roasted chickpeas or tempeh. You can also replace the honey with maple syrup for sweetness.
