Broccoli Salad

Will and I love to eat lots of veggie salads during the warm spring and summer months. Most of our recipes come from our grandparents and our parents. Recently Will's mom introduced us to a Broccoli Salad from Paula Deen. It is fast and easy and super tasty!

Broccoli Salad

Ingredients

• 1 head broccoli
• 6 to 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (we used turkey bacon...can't tell the difference in the salad!)
  
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion (we just used white)
  
• 1/2 cup raisins, optional (haven't tried the raisins yet)
  
• 8 ounces sharp Cheddar, cut into very small chunks (we use shredded cheese)
  
• 1 cup mayonnaise (low-fat, real mayo...not miracle whip)
  
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Trim off the large leaves from the broccoli stem. Remove the tough stalk at the end and wash broccoli head thoroughly. Cut the head into flowerets and the stem into bite-size pieces. Place in a large bowl. Add the crumbled bacon, onion, raisins if using, and cheese. In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, mayo , sugar, and tomatoes, stirring well (it sounds crazy but after you blend the mayo, sugar, and vinegar together add the tomatoes...it helps dissolve the sugar!). Add to broccoli mixture and toss gently.

This is something that is super fast so it is great for weeknight meals...enjoy!