This dish creates a lively harmony of tastes and textures thanks to a delicious combination of crispy broccoli florets and succulent meaty bites, combined with crisp cheese pieces and bacon bits. Combine everything in a creamy mayonnaise dressing, then garnish it with cheese slices and bacon bits!
Homemade versions of this salad offer better ingredients and lower sodium content than store-bought varieties. Seasonings such as paprika add an appealing smokiness while dried herbs such as thyme add subtle herbaceousness.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise, a creamy mixture of oil and vinegar, marries tangy apple cider vinegar flavors with tart sweet notes of sugar to produce an irresistibly tart relish. Egg yolk contains lecithin as a fat-emulsifier that keeps all these liquids together and stable; mayonnaise also pairs perfectly with other salad ingredients by providing sweet counterpoint to its tart vinegar bite.
Chef Auguste Escoffier first noted mayonnaise as the mother sauce for cold sauces in “Le Guide Culinaire,” published in 1903. A later translation replaced this designation with hollandaise as its representative.
Whisk the sugar and vinegar with mayonnaise until smooth, then fold in broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for maximum cooling effects.
Broccoli
Broccoli is an impressive green vegetable, boasting an array of textures and tastes when combined with other ingredients. A broccoli salad provides low calories and fat intake while still providing important sources of vitamins A and C as well as dietary fiber.
Blanching broccoli florets before adding them to a salad helps ensure their vibrant hue and crisp texture are preserved. Dried fruits such as raisins and cranberries add sweet sweetness and crunch, while adding paprika adds subtle earthiness and smokey notes while dried thyme adds herbaceousness.
This recipe promotes a balanced diet by offering protein, fats and vegetables all in one meal. In addition, this dish provides vitamin A, K and folate for maximum nutritional support as well as plant compound sulforaphane which may protect against cancer while supporting digestive health and promoting bone wellness.
Cheese
Cheese adds creamy texture and delectable, savory flavor to this chicken salad broccoli dish, not to mention being an important source of protein and other essential nutrients.
Be sure to select lower fat options, such as low-fat mozzarella or cheddar cheese, in order to limit calories and saturated fat intake. Furthermore, ensure your bacon is cooked until it becomes crisp for an added crunch and extra flavor boost.
This restaurant-style side dish pairs perfectly with many main courses, from sandwiches and wraps to roast or mashed potatoes – providing a crunchy and savory contrast between soft bread and soft fillings, or as an attractive texture and flavor combination in hearty meals like these. Plus, garnishing it with exotic ingredients like pomegranate seeds or coconut flakes adds an exotic flair!
Bacon
Its exact origin remains unclear, though likely developed through home cooks’ creative efforts and experiments. This simple dish combines crispy broccoli florets, sweet crunch of toasted almonds, and tart dried cranberries, elevated by a creamy-tangy dressing.
This salad makes an easy side dish for any meal or potluck and can even be prepared ahead of time. For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating chopped grilled chicken or turkey for an entree option!
For a vegetarian option, swap out the bacon bits for some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds to add texture and sweetness. Grate your own cheese so you get fresher flavors than buying pre-shredded versions.
Seasonings
Add flavor and texture with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits, turning this salad into an unforgettable restaurant-quality experience. Sliced almonds or red onions provide extra crunch and delicious taste for an enhanced experience.
This broccoli chicken salad features an apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise and sugar dressing that has been combined together until smooth – creating an exciting combination of sweetness and acidity that really brings out all of its components’ flavors!
This salad makes an ideal side dish for barbecues, picnics and potlucks. It pairs nicely with grilled meats such as ribs and pulled pork for an enjoyable pairing of smoky flavors with citrus notes; additionally it pairs beautifully with pilafs and light risotto dishes!