The Broccoli Turkey Bacon Salad with Raisins and Cheddar Cheese Recipe is truly a vibrant celebration of flavors and textures. Crisp broccoli florets mingled with the smoky crunch of turkey bacon, sweet bursts of raisins and dried cranberries, and sharp cheddar cheese create an irresistible harmony. This salad is not only colorful and nutritious but also wonderfully easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a hearty side dish or a light lunch packed with personality, this recipe delivers every time with its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy elements.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step to making this Broccoli Turkey Bacon Salad with Raisins and Cheddar Cheese Recipe. Each one is carefully selected to build layers of flavor and delightful textures that make this dish so memorable.
- Broccoli: Use fresh broccoli for a crisp, green crunch that forms the salad’s healthy base.
- Turkey bacon: Leaner than traditional bacon, turkey bacon adds a smoky, crispy bite.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness and subtle color contrast.
- Raisins: These little sweet gems offer chewy bursts that balance the savory ingredients.
- Dried cranberries: Similar to raisins but slightly tart, elevating the flavor complexity.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Cubed or grated, it brings a creamy, tangy richness.
- Mayonnaise: Creates the lush dressing that binds all the flavors together.
- White vinegar: Adds brightness and acidity to cut through the richness.
- Sugar: Balances the tang and adds a subtle sweetness to the dressing.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s taste.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish, adding a pop of color and fresh herb aroma.
How to Make Broccoli Turkey Bacon Salad with Raisins and Cheddar Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by rinsing your broccoli under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Trim away any leaves and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets that will provide a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Step 2: Cook and Crumble the Turkey Bacon
Heating a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon slices until they turn crispy and golden brown. Once cool enough to handle, crumble the turkey bacon into small, crispy pieces that will add smoky texture throughout the salad.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chopped broccoli, crumbled turkey bacon, thinly sliced red onion, raisins, dried cranberries, and sharp cheddar cheese pieces. This colorful mix is the heart of the salad, where sweet, savory, and tart notes begin to come together.
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper, whisking until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy—the dressing is what brings richness and a tangy punch to the Broccoli Turkey Bacon Salad with Raisins and Cheddar Cheese Recipe.
Step 5: Toss the Salad with Dressing
Pour the homemade dressing over the salad mixture. Stir gently to evenly coat every ingredient with the luscious dressing so that each bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets the flavors meld beautifully and ensures the salad is cool and refreshing right when you serve it. Consider garnishing with fresh parsley to brighten the presentation.
How to Serve Broccoli Turkey Bacon Salad with Raisins and Cheddar Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving to add a burst of color and an herbal note that freshens the palate.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted meats, or even a light soup, making it a versatile side dish that complements many main courses.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or on a bed of mixed greens for an elegant touch. You can also pack it in mason jars for a portable lunch that keeps your ingredients crisp and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Broccoli Turkey Bacon Salad with Raisins and Cheddar Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the crispness of the broccoli and the integrity of the dressing.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the texture of fresh broccoli and the creamy dressing may degrade once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, allow refrigerated leftovers to sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Regular bacon works well and will add a richer, fattier flavor, but turkey bacon keeps the salad lighter if that is your preference.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
You can substitute turkey bacon with tempeh bacon, use vegan mayonnaise, and omit the cheddar cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Can I add other nuts or seeds to the salad?
Yes! Toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or chopped pecans add an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the existing ingredients.
How far in advance can I prepare the salad?
It’s best to prepare and assemble the salad up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and stir gently before serving to refresh the ingredients.
Will the salad stay crisp if I add the dressing ahead of time?
For maximum crispness, toss the salad with dressing right before serving, or at least only 30 minutes before, as the dressing can soften the broccoli and bacon if left too long.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Broccoli Turkey Bacon Salad with Raisins and Cheddar Cheese Recipe, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to dishes for lively gatherings or simple weekday meals. The way the smoky turkey bacon harmonizes with sweet raisins and sharp cheddar over a bed of crisp broccoli is simply unforgettable. Give this salad a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again.
Print
Broccoli Turkey Bacon Salad with Raisins and Cheddar Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Broccoli Turkey Bacon Salad is a delightful mix of crunchy broccoli, savory turkey bacon, sweet raisins and cranberries, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light meal, it combines vibrant flavors and textures for a satisfying salad that serves six.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli
- 8 slices turkey bacon
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, diced
Dressing Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Broccoli: Rinse the broccoli thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim off any leaves and chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces suitable for a salad.
- Cook Turkey Bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the turkey bacon until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat and let it cool before crumbling into small pieces.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli, crumbled turkey bacon, finely chopped red onion, raisins, dried cranberries, and diced sharp cheddar cheese. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Use a large spoon to stir gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, optionally garnish with fresh parsley for added color and freshness.
Notes
- The salad tastes best when chilled for at least 30 minutes, allowing flavors to blend well.
- Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative to traditional bacon and adds great flavor with less fat.
- For added crunch, you can sprinkle some toasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts before serving.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is freshest on the first day.
- If you prefer a less sweet dressing, reduce the sugar quantity according to taste.
