I usually make a batch of broccoli salad once a week. Along with coleslaw, broccoli salad is a family favorite in my house. This version includes baked candied bacon. It’s super easy to prepare, and it keeps in the refrigerator for 3 days. If you like it more or less sweet, feel free to adjust the sugar in the recipe. Steamed peas, with their natural sweetness, are good in this salad as well, or add some shredded carrot for extra color.
The bacon is baked on a rack in a foil-lined baking pan, so there’s no greasy mess from splattering bacon. Thick-sliced bacon is the best choice for baking.
PrintBroccoli Salad With Sugared Bacon
With sugared bacon, raisins, walnuts, and a tangy mayonnaise dressing, this broccoli salad has it all!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Broccoli, Bacon
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 10 strips bacon
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
The Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- salt and pepper, to taste
The Vegetables
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 2/3 cup chopped red onion
- 2/3 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375 F.
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a cooling rack in it. Arrange the bacon on the rack and sprinkle evenly with the 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
- Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bacon is nicely browned and glazed with the brown sugar. Remove the bacon from the rack and transfer to a plate; set aside to cool. Discard the bacon drippings or save them for another use.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, and salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
- Cut the broccoli florets into small, bite-size pieces.
- In a large serving bowl toss the broccoli florets with the chopped red onion and raisins. Add the chopped walnuts, if using.
- Dice or crumble the candied bacon and toss with the broccoli mixture.
- Refrigerate until serving time.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
Taste the dressing before adding to the broccoli mixture. Use as much or as little as you like, and adjust the sugar if you like broccoli salad more or less sweet.