Broccoli Salad

This is one of me and my mom's favorite! I have Jeremy's family hooked on this as well.

Broccoli Salad

Ingredients:
2 bunches fresh broccoli (about 1 pound), cut in small flowerets
1 medium purple onion, finely chopped
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
6 strips bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
½ cup sunflower seeds or raisins (mom uses craisins and chopped walnuts…yummy)-you can do one or the other, both or neither- this step is optional
1 recipe Broccoli Salad Dressing

Directions:
In a large bowl combine broccoli, onion, and cheese. Refrigerate. Just before serving, stir in bacon. Add sunflower seeds or raisins if you wish. Pour desired amount of dressing over salad. Stir briefly. Serve.

Broccoli Salad Dressing

Ingredients:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar
¼ cup sugar
½ tsp salt- salt to taste, I sometimes use less especially if I put bacon or sunflower seeds in the salad

Directions:
Mix ingredients. Chill at least one hour before tossing with salad. Makes 6 servings

Healthy Alternatives
My mom and I typically make the following substitutions so that it is a tad healthier:
*Substitute mayonnaise with light mayo or Smart Balance mayo
* Substitute bacon with turkey bacon or lean ham (let’s be honest- real bacon tastes best, but turkey bacon comes close)
* Substitute sugar with Splenda (I never use Splenda, but my mom does and I couldn't tell the difference)