This is a salad worth craving! Addictive Broccoli Salad places broccoli front and center, but the dish is definitely an ensemble piece. The succulent, crispy bacon and the crunchy, toasted pecans raise the volume of the crisp broccoli. The apricots and raisins infuse a natural sweetness into the garden green. And the creamy, tangy dressing on top gives every part of Addictive Broccoli Salad a wonderful makeover. This isn’t just a showstopper; this salad is about to hit the big time!
Ingredients
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 2 1/2-3 ounces bacon pieces, cooked, homemade or store-bought
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins or craisins
- 1/2 onion, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup honey, divided
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Directions
Step 1 –In a large salad bowl, add the broccoli, the bacon, the apricots, the raisins, the onion, and the cheddar cheese. Set the bowl aside.
Step 2 –In a medium fry pan over medium heat, add the pecans and sauté, while stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly browned, about 5 minutes.
Step 3 –Add 2 tablespoons of the honey to the pecans and increase the heat to high.
Step 4 –Stir to coat the pecans in the honey and cook until the honey fully clings to the pecans, about 3 minutes.
Step 5 –Allow the nuts to cool and add them to the large salad bowl.
Step 6 –In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, the remaining honey, the vinegar, the garlic powder, and the sesame oil and whisk until well-combined.
Step 7 –Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Step 8 –Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge until the flavors meld together, about 3 hours.
Step 9 –Serve.
