Broccoli Salad

Good Thursday morning, friends! Summer activities are now in full swing, and so is my summer cooking. I love seeing all the salad recipes coming through my Instagram and blog feeds. So, for what it’s worth, I thought I’d throw one of my favorites out there.

I’ve always loved broccoli! When I was expecting my first baby, I ate a bowl of raw broccoli ever afternoon. Seriously. And because of my love for broccoli, I’ve always enjoyed a good broccoli salad. If I see it offered at a restaurant, I order it! My mom always made a delicious  broccoli salad, and so does my friend Michelle!

There was a time that husband and kids did to not share in my respect for broccoli. They liked cooked broccoli just fine, but not raw. That was until about ten years ago, when I found this recipe of Paula Deen’s that finally converted my entire family to eating raw broccoli! The big pieces of bacon and chunks of cheese didn’t hurt!

Most summers I grow cherry tomatoes just because of this very salad!!

Broccoli Salad 

1 head broccoli, washed and trimmed into bite-size pieces.

6-8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/2 cup chopped red onion (I use much less, or sometimes just some finely chopped shallot)

1/2 cup raisins 

8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cubed

1 cup mayonnaise 

2 Tbsp. vinegar 

1/4 cup sugar 

1 cup halved cherry tomatoes 

Place the broccoli, bacon, onion, raisins, and cheddar in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients, except for the tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss. Gently stir in the tomatoes. 

I served this recently with pork BBQ sliders, fruit, and orzo salad.  I’ll be making it all summer long, but I also make it year round. I love it at Christmas because the colors are bright and festive.

I hope your summer is off to a great start!