Broccoli Bacon Salad

Here is a great summer side dish that is always popular at pot luck gatherings.  I cut it down to a reasonable size for a family dinner today. 

  

Broccoli Bacon Salad

• 2 cups broccoli crowns, chopped
• 1/2 medium red onion, chopped
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• Bacon vinaigrette dressing
• 1/2 cup light olive oil mayo (or just mayo)

Prepare all ingredients and fold together.  Make it ahead to give the flavors time to marry.  I didn’t have any Bacon Vinaigrette on hand so I made a dressing to use in it’s place.
Bacon Vinaigrette dressing:

• 1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 1/4 C sugar
• Bacon drippings I had from baking a package of bacon.

Whisk together and heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes to dissolve sugar.  Whisk and pour over broccoli salad.