There are a lot of good ways to eat broccoli, but this salad is one of my favorites.  Take lots of broccoli, then add cashews for crunch, sunflower seeds for a little more crunch, raisins for something sweet, onions for some added zip, and of course – bacon, because everything is better with bacon.  {Thank goodness broccoli is load with all kinds of healthy benefits.  It makes me feel better about the bacon and mayo . . . }

Often times the dressings on broccoli salad is super sweet, but in my opinion it doesn’t need that much sugar;  to get that “sweet” component, I like to use jumbo golden raisins and a good flavored balsamic {fig is my favorite} for even more great taste.

Broccoli Salad is always a favorite at gatherings, and it is so versatile; make it up for a summer picnic or serve it at a holiday dinner- you just can’t go wrong with this one.  Best of all, it’s simple to make and you can make it in advance and check it off your list.

Broccoli Salad with Balsamic Dressing

Ingredients

2 large heads of fresh broccoli, cut into small bite-size florets

1 cup cashews

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup raisins

1/3 cup thinly sliced purple onion

8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons sugar

Directions

Combine broccoli, cashews, raisins, and onion,  in a large bowl.

To make dressing, whisk mayo with balsamic vinegar and sugar.  Add as much or as little as you like to the broccoli mix.  {Note, I seldom us all the dressing, but I like it a little more dry than some.}  Combine the dressing with the broccoli mix and  refrigerate until ready to serve, at least one hour.  Add the bacon and sunflower seeds just before serving so they stay crisp and crunchy.