Broccoli Salad

This is something I make often in the spring and fall when broccoli is readily available.

3 oz package 'real' bacon bits
2 heads fresh broccoli, chopped
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, grated (or 1/4-1/2 cup Parmesan cheese,
grated) or mozzarella cheese or colby-jack cheese (or omit altogether if you don't want cheese)
1 large onion, chopped (whatever color makes you happiest - yellow,
white, red, all are yummy)
1 carrot, grated
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup sunflower seed kernels
1 clove garlic, minced (or whatever amount you prefer - I like garlic) -
this can be omitted . . .


dressing - blend together and pour over veggies and other fixins, toss well to combine
1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or white distilled vinegar if you don't have
red wine vinegar - or even a blend of red wine and white distilled vinegar)
1/8 - 1/2 cup white sugar (do as your taste buds lead you to do)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 - 1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (this can be omitted - sometimes i clean forget to add it!)

fridge until ready to serve.

this is a very forgiving recipe - just add in whatever makes you smile.
i've added in chopped red beets from the garden, a little kale, some
cauliflower, diced boiled eggs, you get the idea.

if you like a 'juicy' sauce, you may wish to increase the dressing
volume a bit as with current recipe, there isn't puddles of dressing in
bottom of bowl.

Enjoy!

this is a very popular potluck offering and I usually bring home a clean and empty container. . . .