Broccoli Salad with Turkey turkey bacon Recipe

Everyone needs a recipe for the best Broccoli Salad with Turkey turkey bacon! This dish is packed with flavor and features crunchy broccoli, savory turkey bacon, sweet cranberries, and a tangy homemade dressing. It’s an ideal side for summer barbecues or holiday gatherings, making it versatile for any occasion. Enjoying this salad means savoring a delightful mix of textures and tastes that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of turkey bacon, cheese, and cranberries makes this salad irresistibly tasty.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple instructions and minimal prep time, you can whip this up quickly.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side at picnics, potlucks, or dinner parties—you’ll want to serve it everywhere!
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh broccoli and dried fruits, this salad offers great nutrients alongside its deliciousness.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to five days!

Tools and Preparation

To make your Broccoli Salad with Turkey turkey bacon, you’ll need some essential tools. Gathering these items beforehand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Chef’s knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Chef’s knife: A good knife makes chopping broccoli easy and safe.
• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for mixing all ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dressing ingredients to achieve a smooth consistency.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 10-11 strips Turkey turkey bacon (cooked)
• 2 heads broccoli (about 1 and 1/2 pounds or 5-6 cups)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds (roasted and salted)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/3 cup chopped red onion (or more to taste)

For the Dressing:

• 1 & 1/4 cups Miracle Whip OR mayonnaise
• 1 lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons white apple vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 & 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

How to Make Broccoli Salad with Turkey turkey bacon Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Turkey turkey bacon

Start by making the Turkey turkey bacon. I highly recommend baking it in the oven. It’s much easier, with no splatter! Cook 10-11 slices of Turkey turkey bacon until crispy. Set aside on paper towels to cool. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the turkey bacon cooks, mix together the dressing ingredients. In a large bowl, combine:
* 1 and 1/4 cups Miracle Whip OR mayonnaise
* Zest from 1 lemon
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons white apple vinegar
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 and 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
* 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Whisk all the dressing ingredients together until well combined.

Step 3: Chop the Broccoli

Chop your broccoli using a chef’s knife into small florets. If you like, save the stems by chopping them into small pieces as well.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add all chopped broccoli to the large bowl. Then include:
* 1 cup dried cranberries
* 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* Most of the chopped Turkey turkey bacon (reserve some for topping)

Mix everything together thoroughly.

Step 5: Chill or Serve Immediately

This salad can be served at room temperature or chilled. If chilling first, allow it to sit on the counter for about 20 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers covered in the fridge! This salad will keep fresh for about five days.

Enjoy your delicious Broccoli Salad with Turkey turkey bacon!

How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Turkey turkey bacon Recipe

Broccoli Salad with Turkey turkey bacon is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or a family gathering, here’s how to serve this salad for the best experience.

As a Side Dish

• Serve it alongside grilled chicken or turkey for a balanced meal.
• It pairs well with sandwiches, adding a crunchy texture.

At Potlucks

• Bring it to potlucks as it’s easy to transport and always a hit.
• Consider using a clear bowl for presentation; it showcases the vibrant colors.

For Lunches

• Pack it in lunchboxes for work or school; it stays fresh and tasty.
• Add extra protein like chickpeas for a filling meal.

With Dips

• Offer it as part of a veggie platter with your favorite dips.
• The tangy dressing complements hummus or ranch dip nicely.

How to Perfect Broccoli Salad with Turkey turkey bacon Recipe

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Broccoli Salad with Turkey turkey bacon, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and cranberries enhance flavor and crunch.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for an hour before serving for better flavor melding.
• Customize Add-Ins: Feel free to add extras like diced apples or nuts for varied flavors and textures.
• Adjust Dressing Consistency: If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a bit more lemon juice or vinegar until desired consistency is reached.

Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Salad with Turkey turkey bacon Recipe

Broccoli Salad with Turkey turkey bacon can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Grilled Vegetables: Colorful seasonal vegetables charred on the grill, adding smoky flavors.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light salad featuring quinoa, herbs, and lemon vinaigrette provides protein and freshness.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn cooked to perfection offers a classic summer side that everyone loves.
4. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds richness that pairs well with the salad’s tangy flavor.
5. Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned roasted potatoes bring heartiness while being easy to prepare alongside other dishes.
6. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides another layer of texture, making it an excellent counterpart.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Broccoli Salad with Turkey turkey bacon, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the Dressing Mixing: Failing to mix the dressing ingredients well can lead to uneven flavor. Always whisk until smooth for the best taste.
• Overcooking the Turkey turkey Bacon: Cooking the bacon too long can make it tough. Aim for a crispy yet tender texture by monitoring closely.
• Ignoring Broccoli Size: Cutting broccoli into large pieces makes it hard to eat. Chop it into small, bite-sized florets for better consistency in every bite.
• Not Chilling Before Serving: Serving immediately can mean flavors don’t meld well. Allowing the salad to chill enhances taste, so plan ahead!
• Neglecting Ingredient Quality: Using stale or low-quality ingredients affects overall flavor. Fresh ingredients provide the best results and vibrant tastes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 5 days.

Freezing Broccoli Salad with Turkey turkey bacon Recipe

• Not recommended as freezing alters texture and flavor.
• If necessary, freeze separate components before mixing.

Reheating Broccoli Salad with Turkey turkey bacon Recipe

• Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Warm in short increments of 30 seconds, stirring in between until heated through.
• Stovetop: Place on medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water if necessary, stirring frequently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Broccoli Salad with Turkey turkey bacon recipe:

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh broccoli is preferred as it maintains its crunch and flavor better than frozen options.

What can I substitute for sunflower seeds?

Pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts can be great alternatives if you want to switch things up.

How do I make this salad vegan-friendly?

Replace turkey turkey bacon with plant-based bacon and use vegan mayonnaise for a delicious vegan version.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s best to prepare it a few hours in advance so flavors can blend beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Salad with Turkey turkey bacon recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or different cheeses based on your preferences. Whether served at summer barbecues or holiday gatherings, it’s sure to impress your guests. Give it a try!