Pecan Craisin Broccoli Salad

 

This salad has great texture and a fresh taste with bacon bits and cheddar cheese to round out the flavor.


Pecan Craisin Broccoli Salad
www.whispersofthyme.blogspot.com

Ingredients:
1 large head broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces
6 Tablespoons bacon bits - Hormel brand*
1/3 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 or 3 handfuls of toasted pecans, chopped
1/3 cup Craisins
1 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 to 2 Tablespoons sugar (to taste)

Directions:
Wash broccoli pieces and steam for about a minute (or just until bright green).
 
Drain broccoli and rinse with cool water. Drain well.
 
Combine broccoli, bacon bits, onion, cheddar cheese, pecans, and Craisins in a large bowl.
 
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar to make dressing.
 
Pour dressing over broccoli mixture and stir to coat evenly.
 
Store the salad in covered container and refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.

*You can substitute freshly cooked bacon.

Smoky Chipotle Ranch Dressing

 

 
Dressing so good you may be tempted to drink it!


 Good for salad, veggies, tacos, burritos, etcetera.

 

Mix the spices together ahead of time, then add to the wet ingredients when ready to serve.

Smoky Chipotle Ranch Dressing
www.whispersofthyme.blogspot.com

Dry Mix Ingredients:
(makes approximately seven Tablespoons of spices*)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 Tablespoon garlic salt
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 Tablespoon onion powder
3/4 teaspoon dill weed
2 Tablespoons dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika**
1 1/2 Tablespoons McCormick Southwest Chipotle Blend**

Wet Ingredients:
(makes approximately 3 cups dressing*)
1 cup mayonnaise
6 ounces plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup buttermilk

Directions:
Combine all dry mix ingredients in small bowl; store in airtight container in cool place until ready to use. 

To prepare dressing, shake or stir together the dry mix ingredients, and then add 1 Tablespoon of dry mix to all of wet ingredients listed in recipe. Serve.

Dressing may be stored in airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days.

*For every 3 cups of wet mix, add 1 Tablespoon of dry mix (be sure to stir dry mix before measuring). Increase the amount of any spices to suit your taste.

Recipe yields approximately 3 cups of prepared dressing and enough dry mix to season approximately 21 cups of dressing.

**Omit smoked paprika and SW Chipotle Blend to make plain, yet delicious, ranch dressing