Ingredients:

  • 2 large heads Broccoli florets (approx. 900 g), chopped small
  • 1/2 small Red Onion, finely minced
  • 2 medium Crisp Apples (e.g., Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), diced small
  • 1 cup Pecans, roughly chopped, toasted
  • 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries or Raisins
  • 8 thick rashers Bacon (Optional), cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise (Full Fat)
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar or Honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

Instructions:

  1. Toast the Pecans: Place the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. Cook the Bacon (if using): Cook the bacon rashers until very crisp. Drain well on paper towels, then crumble once cool.
  3. Chop the Broccoli: Wash and dry the broccoli heads. Cut off the large, woody stems and chop the florets into very small, bite-sized pieces (no bigger than a large grape).
  4. Mince and Dice: Finely mince the red onion. Dice the apples into similar-sized pieces to the broccoli florets.
  5. Combine: Place the chopped broccoli, minced red onion, diced apple, cooled pecans, dried cranberries, and crumbled bacon (if used) into a large mixing bowl.
  6. Whisk the Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar (or honey), salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
  7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing. Adjust for tanginess (add more ACV) or sweetness (add more sugar) as needed.
  8. Dress the Salad and Toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Use a large rubber spatula to fold the dressing into the salad, ensuring every piece is coated. Be gentle to avoid bruising the apples.
  9. The Essential Chill: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. This chilling time allows the dressing to soften the broccoli and meld all the flavors. Give a final toss just before serving.