Be Cool – Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad

I love broccoli. Eat it all the time. In hot weather I often make a big batch of broccoli salad so I can have it whenever I want. I cook my broccoli in a steamer made for the microwave. Keeps the kitchen cooler than conventional steaming. Whether you opt to cook in a microwave or on top of the stove be sure to steam the broccoli, not boil it. The broccoli will be too wet for the salad if submerged in water for cooking.  Be flexible with the recipe. You can add bacon, turkey bacon or even ham, or omit for a vegetarian version. I also often add cauliflower to the mix for fun. Don’t overcook the broccoli. For the salad the broccoli should still have some bite to it. Also remember the broccoli will cook a little after you stop steaming it so remove from the steamer a little crispier than you want the final product to be.

Broccoli Salad

4-6 c. broccoli flowerets

1 can water chestnuts, drained and chopped

4-5 slices turkey bacon or regular bacon chopped, cooked crisp and drained

about 2/3 c. mayo or salad dressing, or to taste

salt and pepper to taste

1 sweet red pepper, seeded and diced, optional

Cook broccoli until tender/crisp. Cool and combine with remaining ingredients. I like to add the diced pepper closer to serving time as it can make the salad runny if added too soon. Chill. Serves 4-6.

Note: I will sometimes use dressing for cole slaw for a slightly sweeter taste.