Print

Crispy Broccoli Crunch Salad Recipe with Bacon and Honey Mustard Dressing

crispy broccoli crunch salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A crunchy, tangy, and smoky broccoli salad featuring crispy bacon, toasted almonds, raisins, and a homemade honey mustard dressing. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 300 grams), chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds (about 50 grams), or substitute pecans or walnuts
  • 1/3 cup raisins (or dried cranberries as an alternative)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120 ml), preferably Hellmann’s
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place 6 slices of bacon in a cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook, flipping occasionally, until crispy and browned (about 8 minutes). Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble into small pieces.
  2. Prepare the broccoli: Rinse 4 cups broccoli florets under cold water. Pat dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Chop into bite-sized pieces if needed.
  3. Toast the almonds: In the same skillet (wipe out excess bacon grease if desired), toast 1/2 cup sliced almonds over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
  4. Chop the onion: Finely dice 1/4 cup red onion. If raw onion is too strong, soak briefly in cold water for 5 minutes then drain.
  5. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust honey or vinegar if desired.
  6. Toss everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, crumbled bacon, toasted almonds, raisins, and chopped red onion. Pour dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly without bruising broccoli.
  7. Chill (optional): Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Do not overcook bacon to avoid dryness. Remove moisture from broccoli thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning. Mix dressing fresh and add just before serving. For best crunch, add nuts right before serving if prepping ahead. Bacon can be baked in the oven as an alternative to skillet cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, honey mustard dressing, crunchy salad, potluck recipe, easy salad, quick salad, healthy salad

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/crispy-broccoli-crunch-salad-recipe-with-bacon-and-honey-mustard-dressing-easy-and-best/