Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe
Broccoli Bacon Salad is a colourful, creamy, and crunchy side dish made with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, red onion, spring onion, sliced almonds, and toasted sesame seeds. Tossed in a tangy, lightly sweet dressing, this easy Broccoli Bacon Salad is perfect for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, and family meals. It is a delicious addition to your favourite Salad Recipes and can be prepared ahead for effortless entertaining.
Equipment
- 1 Large Frying Pan –
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Medium mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Tongs Or Large Serving Spoon
- 1 Airtight Food Container
Ingredients
- 750 g fresh broccoli florets
- 4 thick-cut bacon rashers
- ½ medium red onion
- 1 spring onion
- 90 ml mayonnaise
- 90 ml plain Greek yoghurt
- 2½ tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium lemon
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
- 2 teaspoons toasted white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon reserved bacon fat
Instructions
Step 1: Cook The Bacon
- Cut the bacon into roughly 2.5 cm pieces.
- Place them in a large frying pan over medium-low heat.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and crisp.
- Transfer the bacon to a kitchen-paper-lined plate.
- Reserve approximately 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat for the dressing.
Step 2: Prepare The Broccoli
- Rinse the broccoli thoroughly and drain well.
- Cut the florets into small pieces, approximately 2 cm across.
- Place the broccoli in a large mixing bowl.
- Ensure the broccoli is well dried so excess water does not dilute the dressing.
Step 3: Add The Aromatics
- Finely chop the red onion and thinly slice the spring onion.
- Add both to the broccoli.
- If the red onion is particularly strong, soak it in cold water for 5–10 minutes, then drain and dry thoroughly.
Step 4: Make The Creamy Dressing
- Combine the mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt, rice vinegar, sugar, salt and black pepper in a medium mixing bowl.
- Add the reserved bacon fat and whisk until smooth.
- Add the lemon zest and juice.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning or acidity if needed.
Step 5: Add The Crunchy Ingredients
- Add the sliced almonds and toasted sesame seeds to the broccoli mixture.
- Reserve a little bacon and sesame seeds for garnishing.
Step 6: Dress The Salad
- Pour the creamy dressing over the broccoli mixture.
- Add approximately half of the cooked bacon.
- Gently toss using tongs or a large serving spoon until everything is evenly coated.
- Fold carefully to keep the broccoli and other ingredients crisp.
Step 7: Rest And Chill
- Cover the Broccoli Bacon Salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- For deeper flavour, allow it to rest for a few hours before serving.
Step 8: Garnish And Serve
- Scatter the remaining crispy bacon and sesame seeds over the salad.
- Give the salad one gentle toss if necessary.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and serve chilled or slightly tempered.
Notes
- 🥦 Use Fresh Broccoli: Choose firm, bright-green broccoli florets for the best flavour, colour and satisfying crunch.
- 🥓 Cook Bacon Until Crisp: Cook the bacon over medium-low heat until golden and crunchy, then reserve a little bacon fat for extra smoky depth.
- 🥄 Balance The Dressing: Taste the creamy dressing before mixing it with the salad and adjust the lemon juice, vinegar, sugar or seasoning to suit your preference.
- 🌰 Keep The Crunch: Reserve some crispy bacon, almonds and sesame seeds to sprinkle over the salad just before serving.
- ❄️ Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the Broccoli Bacon Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to mingle while keeping the broccoli crisp.
- 🫙 Store Properly: Keep leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within four days.