- Salt and pepper (to taste, for flavor enhancement)
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese (for extra creaminess and tanginess)
SEO-friendly keywords:
- Bacon broccoli salad
- Raisins in salads
- Sunflower seeds nutrition
- Mixed greens health benefits
- Salad recipe with bacon
Steps
### Bacon Broccoli Salad with Raisins and Sunflower Seeds: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe
If you're looking to add a vibrant and healthy twist to your salad routine, this Bacon Broccoli Salad with Raisins and Sunflower Seeds is perfect! This dish combines the smoky flavor of bacon, the crunch of sunflower seeds, the earthiness of broccoli, and the sweet burst of raisins. Perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish at dinner, it's both satisfying and easy to make.
#### Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) fresh broccoli florets
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Prep the Broccoli:**
- Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water.
- Blanch them in a pot of boiling salted water for about 3 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
2. **Cook the Bacon:**
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
- Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces if necessary.
3. **Prepare the Salad Base:**
- Place the blanched broccoli in a large bowl.
- Add the chopped bacon pieces, golden raisins, and sunflower seeds to the bowl.
4. **Dressing Preparation:**
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard and olive oil until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Combine All Ingredients:**
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
- Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
6. **Add Blue Cheese (Optional):**
- If using, sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the top of the salad and gently mix it in.
7. **Serve:**
- Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
#### SEO Optimization Tips:
- **Keyword Use:** Ensure "bacon broccoli salad," "raisins," and "sunflower seeds" are prominently used in your title, headings, and throughout the text.
- **Meta Description:** Craft a meta description that includes all these keywords: "Discover the perfect blend of bacon, broccoli, raisins, and sunflower seeds in our Bacon Broccoli Salad recipe. Quick to make and packed with flavor!"
- **Internal Linking:** Consider linking to other related recipes or articles about healthy eating.
- **External Linking:** Add credible sources where you sourced your recipe for authenticity.
Enjoy this delightful salad as a side at dinner, lunch, or even as a light snack! It’s not just delicious but also nutritious, making it an excellent addition to any meal.