I just about broke down into tears when I picked the last of my broccoli from my garden. I have thoroughly enjoyed having fresh broccoli any time I wanted it. I couldn’t believe how much better the fresh broccoli tasted compared to store bought broccoli. I think next year I will have an entire broccoli garden…not really, but I am tempted.
I debated what to do with the last bunch of broccoli from my garden and decided I would use them to make an amazing salad and steam the rest and serve with a family-favorite dip.
This dip is so simple, it’s embarrassing that I am posting about it. It is such a hit with my kids though, I thought I would tell you about it. My kids love broccoli and I have to ration them when I serve some for dinner. I don’t know if it’s the dip or the broccoli they love so much, but either way, it gets them to eat their veggies 😉


- 1/3 c. mayonnaise (not the low fat stuff, it's too sweet)
- 2 T. Apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mix together until smooth. Serve with steamed broccoli.



- 1 large head broccoli, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 c. red onion, diced fine
- 1/2 c. raisins or Craisins
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 c. roma or grape tomatoes, cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 T. green onions, sliced
- 1 c. mayonnaise (you can use lowfat on this one)
- 1/4 c. sugar
- 2 T. white vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cook the bacon until crisp. Crumble and set aside. Rinse the broccoli, cut them into bite size pieces and place in a large bowl. Cut up the other ingredients and add to the bowl. In a small bowl whisk together the mayo, sugar and vinegar. Pour over the salad and season with salt and pepper. Keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Oooh! I think this might be "almost" the recipe for the only broccoli salad I ever loved, but only had it once, and couldn't get the recipe because it was from "one of the other churches" at a funeral (back in the day when rural area churches sent dishes to other church's members if the deceased was well known).
I think that recipe also had some kind of chopped nuts, or sunflower seeds. I'll save this recipe until I can either get across town for more nitrite free bacon, or find it closer, thanks!
Yes, you are right. A recipe I had previous to this one did have sunflower seeds. I am sure you could add any type of nuts or seeds and it would give it extra texture and flavor. It's yummy, hope you like it too!
A great way to organized what you find & shares in your blog…
Broccoli will keep producing. After the big head is cut, it will produce smaller florets off the sides of where the big one was.