Description
This Broccoli Salad recipe offers a fresh and crunchy side dish featuring vibrant broccoli florets, smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and a zesty apple cider vinegar dressing. Easy to prepare and packed with delightful textures and flavors, it makes a perfect snack or accompaniment for meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onions
- 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/4 cup plant-based mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. To enhance crispness, blanch the florets briefly in boiling water, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. Drain well before using.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Chop the smoked turkey bacon into small pieces and cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Let it cool.
- Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), plant-based mayonnaise, honey (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add broccoli florets, cooked turkey bacon, shredded plant-based cheese, sliced red onions, and toasted sunflower seeds. Pour the dressing over and gently toss to combine thoroughly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley or chives.
Notes
- Use the freshest broccoli possible for the best crunch and color.
- Chilling the salad enhances flavor and texture balance.
- Toast sunflower seeds to deepen nuttiness and add extra crunch.
- If dressing is too thick, add a splash more apple cider vinegar (natural) to adjust consistency.
- Cut all ingredients uniformly for optimal texture and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: broccoli salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, crunchy salad, apple cider vinegar dressing, healthy side dish