Poolside Broccoli Salad

#### Instructions

##### 1. **Prepare the Broccoli**:
Start by washing and drying the broccoli thoroughly. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, discarding the tough stems. For a finer texture, you can chop the florets into smaller pieces, or leave them in larger chunks for more crunch. Place the broccoli in a large mixing bowl.

##### 2. **Add the Vegetables and Add-Ins**:
To the bowl of broccoli, add the finely chopped red onion (if using), raisins (or dried cranberries), sunflower seeds, and shredded cheddar cheese (if using). Give everything a quick toss to combine. These add-ins bring a mix of sweetness, crunch, and a little saltiness to complement the broccoli.

##### 3. **Prepare the Bacon**:
If you’re using bacon, cook the slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat. Crumble the bacon into small pieces and add it to the salad. For a vegan version, you can omit the bacon or substitute with vegan bacon.

##### 4. **Make the Dressing**:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your preference. The dressing should be creamy and slightly tangy, with just a hint of sweetness.

##### 5. **Toss and Combine**:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the broccoli and other ingredients are evenly coated. If the salad seems too dry, you can add a bit more dressing to suit your taste. The dressing will help soften the broccoli and meld all the flavors together.

##### 6. **Chill and Serve**:
For the best flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This gives the flavors a chance to marry and the broccoli to absorb the dressing. If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step, but letting it sit helps intensify the flavor.

Serve the **Poolside Broccoli Salad** chilled as a refreshing side dish, or enjoy it as a light lunch. It’s great alongside grilled meats, BBQ favorites, or just as a stand-alone veggie option for a lighter meal.

#### Tips for Perfect Poolside Broccoli Salad

– **Make It Ahead**: This salad actually tastes better after it sits in the fridge for a few hours (or even overnight). It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for parties or picnics. Just keep the bacon separate if you plan to store it for an extended period to maintain its crispiness.

– **Add Some Zing**: If you like a little extra tang, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing. It’ll elevate the flavor and add a nice punch to the creamy base.

– **Customize with Extras**: Feel free to get creative with your add-ins. You can add chopped apples or grapes for a sweet touch, swap the raisins for dried apricots or cranberries, or throw in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture.

– **Vegan and Dairy-Free Option**: To make this salad fully vegan, simply swap the regular mayo for a dairy-free version, use vegan cheese (or skip the cheese altogether), and substitute maple syrup for honey. You can also use vegan bacon if desired.

– **Crunch Factor**: If you want an extra crunch, try adding toasted almonds, chopped pecans, or even crumbled tortilla chips just before serving. These can give your salad a fun twist and additional texture.

#### Why You’ll Love This Poolside Broccoli Salad

– **Healthy & Wholesome**: Full of fiber and vitamins from the broccoli, this salad is a great way to get your veggies in without sacrificing taste. The raisins add natural sweetness, while the sunflower seeds give a lovely crunch.
– **Balanced Flavors**: With a balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, this salad offers something for everyone. The creamy dressing perfectly complements the fresh broccoli, while the bacon (or vegan substitute) adds a savory touch.
– **Perfect for Hot Days**: Whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying a backyard barbecue, this salad is incredibly refreshing on a hot day. It’s light but satisfying, and it pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even just on its own.
– **Kid-Friendly**: The mild flavors of this salad make it a great way to sneak in some vegetables for kids. Plus, the fun crunch from the bacon, raisins, and sunflower seeds will keep them coming back for more.

#### Conclusion

**Poolside Broccoli Salad** is the perfect dish for any summer gathering—whether you’re lounging by the pool, having a BBQ, or hosting a picnic. This crunchy, creamy salad is full of flavor and texture, and it’s easy to make and customize to suit your tastes. With fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sweet raisins, and a tangy dressing, it’s a salad that will impress your guests and leave them coming back for seconds.

The best part? You can make it ahead of time, so when it’s time to serve, all you have to do is grab a spoon and dig in. **Poolside Broccoli Salad** is a refreshing and delicious side that’s sure to become a summer favorite.

So, next time you’re looking for the perfect dish to enjoy by the pool, look no further than this delightful, veggie-packed salad. **Refresh your summer menu with this easy, vibrant salad today!**