Skillet Roasted Broccoli Salad

Let’s talk about broccoli salad—the potluck regular that magically appears at every gathering, quietly judging your mac and cheese while wearing a mayonnaise-based outfit.😅 Nobody asked for it or plans for it and yet there it is nestled between the pasta salad and the giant bowl of potato chips.

​At first glance, broccoli salad feels like it’s trying a little too hard. “Look at me, I’m healthy… but also covered in bacon and cheese.” It’s the culinary equivalent of going to the gym and then immediately rewarding yourself with a donut the size of your head. Balance, right?

But here’s the thing: broccoli salad works. It really does.
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You’ve got crunchy broccoli that makes you feel like you’re making responsible life choices. Then—bam—sweet cranberries show up like tiny edible plot twists. Toss in some sunflower seeds for crunch, maybe some red onion if you’re feeling bold and socially fearless and suddenly this “healthy” dish is a full-blown party in a bowl.

Broccoli salad may not be the flashiest dish at the table. It’s not going to win any beauty contests and it definitely doesn’t photograph as well as avocado toast but it’s reliable, surprisingly tasty and just chaotic enough to keep things interesting.

Skillet Roasted Broccoli Salad
2 pounds broccoli florets, cut into 1 1/2" pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 Tablespoons canola oil
6 ounces bacon (or turkey bacon)
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1/3 cup craisins
1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds

Toss broccoli with salt and pepper. 

Cook bacon in skillet until crispy.  Transfer to paper towel.  Cool.  Chop into pieces. 

Measure bacon fat and add canola oil to make 1/4 cup.  Add 2 T. fat to skillet and half of broccoli.  ​

Cook broccoli, without stirring, for 10 minutes.  Flip. Repeat with remaining oil and broccoli.

  Roughly chop broccoli. 

Whisk together mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar. 

Add broccoli, cheddar, onion, craisins, sunflower seeds and bacon.  

Toss and serve. 

​Ciao!

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