Try this Warm Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Feta, and Walnuts! It is a fresh, healthy, and tasty dish that pairs well with any protein. It is packed with nutrients and has a perfect balance of crisp, savory, and crunchy flavors that you will make on repeat.
This savory dish combines crisp-tender broccoli, smoky bacon, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts, all brought together by a tangy and sweet balsamic reduction. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, hosting a party, or preparing a delicious side dish, you will love this easy recipe.
Why You’ll Love Warm Broccoli Salad with Bacon
- Perfect Blend of Flavors: The combination of smoky bacon, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and tangy balsamic reduction creates a salad that’s rich in texture and flavor.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, this salad is a nutritious option for any meal.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to make and comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or last-minute gathering.
- Versatile: This warm broccoli salad works as a side dish or as a light main course. It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even as a standalone meal.
Ingredients for Warm Broccoli Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious salad:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head of broccoli)
- 4 strips of bacon
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 2-3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store bought or homemade balsamic glaze)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Warm Broccoli Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli Start by washing and cutting the broccoli into florets. To keep the broccoli crisp-tender, blanch the 4 cups of broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps preserve the bright green color and nutrients.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts While the broccoli is cooling, toast the 1/2 cup walnuts over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they’re fragrant and slightly golden. Stir them often to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon In the same skillet used for toasting the walnuts cook the 4 strips of bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients In a large bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, crumbled bacon, toasted walnuts, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle the 2-3 tablespoons balsamic glaze over the salad and gently toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy This warm broccoli salad is best served immediately, while the flavors are fresh and vibrant. Serve as a side dish or light main course and watch it disappear in no time!
Tips for the Best Warm Broccoli Salad
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: The key to a great warm broccoli salad is to keep the broccoli crisp-tender. Avoid overcooking it, as it can turn mushy and lose its texture.
- Customize the Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients like red onion, dried cranberries, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the balsamic glaze (or use store bought) and bacon ahead of time to save time when assembling the salad.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of the broccoli and the quality of the bacon, feta, and walnuts will make a big difference in the overall flavor of your salad.
Why This Salad Is Perfect for Any Occasion
This Warm Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Feta, Walnuts, and Balsamic Glaze is a versatile dish that’s perfect for so many occasions. It makes a great side dish for your favorite grilled meats, a healthy lunch option, or even a hearty salad for a casual dinner. The warm, rich flavors make it ideal for fall and winter gatherings, while the balance of textures ensures it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
This warm broccoli salad is ideal as a side dish for grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as a hearty lunch option. It’s a great way to enjoy your veggies in a more exciting way!
Give this recipe a try and get ready to enjoy a warm and flavorful salad that will soon become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Warm Broccoli Salad Recipe
Try this Warm Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Feta, and Walnuts! It is a fresh, healthy, and tasty dish that pairs well with any protein. It is packed with nutrients and has a perfect balance of crisp, savory, and crunchy flavors that you will make on repeat.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head of broccoli)
- 4 strips of bacon
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 2-3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store bought or homemade balsamic glaze)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli Start by washing and cutting the broccoli into florets. To keep the broccoli crisp-tender, blanch the 4 cups of broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps preserve the bright green color and nutrients.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts While the broccoli is cooling, toast the 1/2 cup walnuts over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they’re fragrant and slightly golden. Stir them often to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon In the same skillet used for toasting the walnuts cook the 4 strips of bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients In a large bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, crumbled bacon, toasted walnuts, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle the 2-3 tablespoons balsamic glaze over the salad and gently toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy This warm broccoli salad is best served immediately, while the flavors are fresh and vibrant. Serve as a side dish or light main course and watch it disappear in no time!
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: The key to a great warm broccoli salad is to keep the broccoli crisp-tender. Avoid overcooking it, as it can turn mushy and lose its texture.
- Customize the Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients like red onion, dried cranberries, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the balsamic glaze (or use store bought) and bacon ahead of time to save time when assembling the salad.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of the broccoli and the quality of the bacon, feta, and walnuts will make a big difference in the overall flavor of your salad.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 286Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 508mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 6gSugar: 10gProtein: 13g
The nutritional information provided for the recipes on this blog is an estimate and is based on standard ingredient portions. Actual nutritional values may vary depending on factors such as ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods. For precise dietary needs or concerns, please consult a healthcare professional or nutritionist.
