Broccoli Salad Recipe

 
A few weeks after my husband and I got married, we were invited to a big family gathering at his sister's house. Our first family event as a married couple! A big family brunch! I would be seeing some of his family that I either had never met before, or only seen very briefly. I can't say I was nervous really, more just some mild anxiety, lol. I wanted everyone to like me, I wanted my son to behave himself, and I wanted to make sure the dish I brought was going to be a hit with everyone!

This was the type of family brunch where everyone brings a dish to pass. There were no special requests or guidelines on what to bring, so it was totally up to me. It came to me pretty quickly; the broccoli salad that I have made several times before! Everyone always loves it! Plus, just to be on the safe side, I would bring a big pan of brownies too! Because who doesn't love the girl who brings the yummy brownies, right?!? ;)

So, this broccoli recipe is pretty easy. There is no actual cooking involved, it's all just chopping and mixing. This is seriously 100% my very own recipe. I had never had broccoli salad before just a few years ago. I was at a restaurant and had it for the first time. While eating it I thought, "this is really good...I bet I could make this at home." I paid attention to the ingredients and the taste and I made it myself shortly after. I thought my version was very close to what I had at the restaurant, only even better! (pardon me while I pat myself on the back, lol)
 
Ingredients:
 
2 lbs. broccoli florets
2 cups mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup real bacon bits
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
 
Directions:
 
Start off my washing 2 lbs. of broccoli florets. Chop up to desired size.
Place chopped broccoli in a large bowl.
Mix in mayonnaise, cheese, bacon, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Combine all ingredients until well blended.
Cover and refrigerate.
 
 
 
 
I made it the evening before the gathering. I find that it tastes better after it sits for several hours. It allows the mayonnaise to adsorb some and the flavors to blend. But of course, it can be eaten right away if you wish! Also, feel free to play with the amounts of ingredients. Everyone has slightly different ideas on what the best broccoli salad is like, so no need to stick strictly to my recipe. This would be the perfect dish for any of your upcoming summer cook-outs!
 
So, how did my broccoli salad go at the family brunch?.....It was a total success! I received many compliments on it and I was left with only a small bit left in the big bowl after everyone dug in! And of course, no surprise, the brownies were loved by all too! By the way, totally unrelated to my recipe, but I really love my extended family! My in-laws, brother/sister-in-laws, and so on, were all such a pleasure to spend the afternoon with! Family is so important to me. Blood, or not. I enjoy being a part of my husband's family <3 
 
 
 


Comments

  1. Hooray! So glad your first family gathering as a married couple went well. That salad sounds yummy! I'm going to have to try, since it involves no cooking :)

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  2. I love love broccoli salad and this one looks amazing!

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  3. I love broccoli salad! Never tried it with cheese - but cheese makes everything better right!?

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  4. Oooooooo this sounds so yummy!!!!!! Any veggies that have cheese mixed in somewhere are always the best!

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  5. Oh my gosh, I've been looking for a recipe like this! I had something similar to it once and it was DELICIOUS! Thanks for sharing!

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