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Broccoli Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1⅓ lbs broccoli florets finely chopped into bite size pieces
• 8 slices crispy cooked bacon chopped
• ⅓ cup chopped red onion
• ½ cup sweetened dried cranberries
• ⅓ cup sliced almonds

Instructions

1. Step 1: Whisk the Dressing Together
   Grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a sprinkle of fresh ground black pepper. You want the ingredients to meld into a smooth, creamy dressing. A sturdy whisk and a little elbow grease will do the trick, and you'll know it's ready when it's silky and well-combined. This dressing will pack a punch of flavor, so make sure everything is well blended.

2. Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
   In a large bowl, bring together the finely chopped broccoli florets, crispy cooked bacon bits, chopped red onion, sweetened dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. These ingredients will make a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Make sure your broccoli pieces are bite-sized to make the salad easier to eat. The key to this step is achieving a harmonious blend where each ingredient gets its moment to shine.

3. Step 3: Dress the Salad
   Pour the prepared dressing over your broccoli mixture. With a gentle hand, toss everything together until the dressing evenly coats the ingredients. You want to ensure every piece gets a little bit of that creamy goodness. Be careful not to overmix—just enough to coat without bruising the broccoli.

4. Step 4: Chill the Salad
   Once your salad is well-dressed, cover the bowl with a lid or some plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for 1 to 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to develop and the dressing to seep into the ingredients, enhancing the overall taste. If you're short on time, a quick chill in the freezer for about 30 minutes can work, but the fridge is ideal.

5. Step 5: Serve the Salad
   Just before you're ready to serve, give the salad a gentle toss to refresh and redistribute the dressing that may have settled. This final mix ensures every bite is as delicious as the first. Serve it up and watch as this vibrant, flavorful salad quickly disappears from your table.

Notes

One frequent blunder with broccoli salad is overcooking the broccoli. A common misconception is to cook it until it's soft, but this can lead to a mushy texture. Instead, keep the broccoli raw and crisp; it gives the salad a delightful crunch and retains more nutrients.

Another hiccup can be using too much dressing. While it's tempting to drown the salad, a balance is key. Start with less, toss, and taste before adding more. This way, you'll avoid overwhelming the flavors.

And let’s not forget the bacon! Ensure it’s crispy to add a satisfying crunch. Using soggy bacon can make the salad less appealing. Just a few thoughtful tweaks can make your broccoli salad sing with flavor!

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