How to Make Broccoli Salad

This is pure goodness right here! My mom made this and totally fell in love with this salad that I had to make it for myself. I like how it gives you a good helping of broccoli and cauliflower, and you get some yummy fat, depending on how much mayo you add. I went a bit over… on the mayo, but I never eat the stuff. I’m way anti-mayo, but in this case, I gave it a shot. Whoa! Seriously, it’s so worth it.

First off, here’s the original recipe to reference: 


http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/melissa-darabian/broccoli-and-cauliflower-salad-recipe/index.html

And now here’s my spin on it:


Total Prep Time: 25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

½ bunch    onion, thinly sliced - I prefer green onion

¼ C.          real bacon bits – use however much you like

1 bunch    broccoli, cut into small florets - if you use cauliflower, just split up the portions evenly

2 Tbsp.     sugar

1 Tbsp.     red wine vinegar

1 tsp.        Dijon mustard

2 Tbsp.     vegetable oil

¼ C.          mayonnaise/low fat salad dressing - I used 1 C. because I like it creamier 

½ tsp.       seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay – I made my own (see below)

Directions

Shock the onions in an ice water bath for 10 minutes to temper the sharp flavor, and pat dry.

Place the bacon bits, broccoli, and onions in a large salad bowl. In a small bowl, whisk the sugar, vinegar and Dijon mustard. Slowly drizzle in the oil, whisking to make an emulsion. Mix in the mayonnaise and seafood seasoning. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss.

Homemade Seafood Seasoning

1 tsp.     Mrs. Dash Original seasoning

1 tsp.     garlic powder

1 tsp.     onion powder

1 tsp.     black pepper

1 Tbsp.  paprika

2 Tbsp.  salt

UPDATE: I made two batches for a work pitch-in, and it was gone in no time! :)