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Broccoli Bacon Slaw is a match made in heaven!
Seriously – what could be better than this Broccoli Bacon Slaw? It has everything that makes a great late winter/early spring salad, doesn’t it? Nothing is growing here yet, so we have to rely on the store for fresh veggies. And, I don’t mind, because this salad is so good! It’s coleslaw with a twist.
And a salad with bacon – is that like a dream come true or what? Hasn’t that been the trouble with salads all through the history of the world – they never had bacon in them? Broccoli Bacon Slaw has solved that problem.
But, there was still a problem
Versions of this salad have been around for quite a while. I probably first had it at a church supper or other pot-luck situation. I have to admit, I wasn’t terribly impressed. It was universally much too sweet, and imitation bacon bits were often used. Bleh. Sometimes, even frozen, thawed broccoli. Not that good. But, it has potential, so I decided to see if I could come up with a better take on it. It was worth the effort,I assure you.
The basic flavor profile is good- some nicely crunchy veggies, a touch of chewy sweetness from raisins, some sort of nuts, and of course, bacon! I am not terribly fond of raisins, but these mixed, dried berries are a great addition. If you like raisins, or that is all you have then by all means, you should use raisins. Please though, use real bacon – and fry it up nice and crisp. My dressing is also lighter, and not nearly as sweet. It lets the other flavors shine and complement each other.
Prep the veggies first
Separate the broccoli into small florets. If you’re in a hurry, a rough chop will be fine. I like it in smaller pieces because I don’t blanch the broccoli. You’re going to let this marinate in the dressing for a while before serving, so the veggies will take on a nice bit of softness without having to cook them at all.
Slice the red onion thinly, and the radishes too – thinner will allow the vegetables to absorb the dressing and meld the flavors.
Fry up the bacon, toast the pine nuts and you’re nearly there.
Here is how to make Broccoli Bacon Slaw
Broccoli Bacon Slaw
Equipment
- Bamboo cutting board
- 3 quart serving bowl with lid
Ingredients
- Dressing ingredients
- 3/4 cup regular prepared mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- a few drops siracha hot sauce [optional]
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5-6 grinds black pepper
- Salad ingredients
- 3 cups [12 ounces] broccoli florets
- 6 strips sliced bacon, fried crisp and crumbled
- 6 large radishesthinly sliced
- 1/2 medium red onion cut in thin strips
- 1/3 dried berry blend or raisins
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts [other toasted, chopped nuts can be used]
- 3 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut in small cubes
Instructions
- Combine dressing ingredients and set aside.
- Combine the vegetables, bacon, fruit, nuts and cheese in a large bowl.
- Drizzle about 3/4 of the dressing mixture over and combine.
- Chill for a couple of hours, or up to two days before serving - stir again and add more dressing if needed.
- Store leftovers tightly covered
Notes
This salad is everything you want – a coleslaw type salad with lots of veggies, a light dressing and of course, a little bacon. And, while I reduced the sugar, if you’re looking to replicate that old church supper standby taste, then increase it to your liking. Your food should taste the way you like it!
Bean with Bacon Soup
Summer Squash Gingerbread Loaf
Butternut Sausage Soup
Lemony Dill Hummus
Zucchini Oat Bread
Marinated Tomato Salad
Crispy Zucchini Fritters
Spicy Peanut Noodles
Creamy Vegan Zucchini Dill Soup
Zucchini and Black Bean Quesadillas
This new site is SO gorgeous, Donalyn. The salad looks pretty good too.
Thanks Rob – so glad you found the new place!
Very nice version, and I love that there’s less sugar. Beautiful colors, and of course, bacon is a bonus!
Thanks Debby – the colors are very nice when it’s all snowy out!
Your photos are great and I think I’ve had this at a church supper many years ago. I love the combination of bacon, red onion and crisp broccoli. The mayo and slightly sweet tang doesn’t hurt either! Yum
Thanks Tricia – so glad you like the look of it! I really enjoyed your Meyer Lemon Tart post – go check that out, people! http://www.savingdessert.com/2013/02/meyer-lemon-tart.html
Someone at our office potluck lunches always brings in a salad like this and I never get the recipe from her! Now I have it. I love this stuff so much! I can’t wait to make it sometime. 🙂
I’m so happy with this new blog, Donalyn. It’s really pretty and there is so much to see. AND – girl, I can find your recipes now – woot!
carlac
What a gorgeous slaw full of so many healthy and flavorful additions. The best of both worlds! Thank you for sharing another dose of inspiration. I hope you are having a great week and are staying warm.
Donalyn,
Your photos look amazing. I love so much about this salad (bacon, of course) but the cheese cubes put it over the top for me. I thought at first that was butternut squash, but cheddar–YUM!
Thank you.
I’ll never say no to bacon. Or to broccoli. So the combo definitely gets my attention! Plus you’ve added a ton of flavor to this – so many nice ingredients. Really like the idea of this dish – something I’ll probably play with! Good stuff – thanks.
Thanks Carla – so glad you found me from the old blog 🙂
Monet, Kirsten and John,thanks all of you so much for stopping by and for your kind comments!
I love all of the beautiful colors and flavors you have in this! It’s irresistable!!
Thanks for stopping by my blog so I could discover yours – I love dried fruit in salads and savoury dishes and think this looks like a great mix of flavours.
i made this last night and it was really good and the leftovers are even better today
The combination of crunchy broccoli, savory bacon, and tangy slaw dressing was perfect. It was easy to make and a hit at my family BBQ. Definitely a new favorite!
Thanks Gianne – everyone seems to love it!
This is such a unique dish! Perfect side dish for my next bbq weekend.
Thank you Kerri – hope you enjoy it!
Wow – what a delicious slaw! I just simply LOVE the addition of bacon to this dish!
Me too Shashi – it adds such a great flavor!
This is texture and flavor in one slaw! I love that it’s not the typical ingredients but they work perfectly well!
Thanks Sharon! ♥
Love this fun spin on coleslaw. I love broccoli and loving this new way to use it. It will definitely make a perfect spring salad at my house.
Thank you Neha – I agree!
We are big slaw fans over here. Now we have a new one that we love! The bacon is genius!
So glad that you both enjoyed it ♥
I loved the flavor and I tried. It came well.
Thank you Suja!
Oh yum! Such a perfect salad for the season. It sounds absolutely amazing with the addition of the bacon too.
Thanks Tara!
This slaw is so good! I love the combination of flavors and texture. And of course, everything is better with bacon!
Thank you Beth – and I have to agree about the bacon!
I brought this slaw to a get together over the weekend and everyone loved it! Bacon makes everything delicious!
I have to agree with that Tayler! 🙂