Valerie Bertinellis Broccoli Cranberry Bacon Salad Recipe 455

Steps:

• Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the walnut pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until evenly toasted, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove to a small bowl.
• Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cut the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces and thinly slice the stems. Have a bowl of ice water ready. Cook the broccoli in the boiling water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add the carrots and cook 30 seconds more. Drain the broccoli and carrots and submerge in the ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well and pat dry.
• Whisk together the vinegar, honey and Dijon in a medium bowl with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste. Gradually add the olive oil while whisking constantly. Add the broccoli, carrots and walnuts and toss to coat.

Steps:

• Whisk together oil, vinegar, honey and Dijon in a large bowl. Add broccoli, carrot, cranberries and onion; gently toss to coat. Cover, and chill 2 hours. Sprinkle with walnuts and bacon just before serving.

Steps:

• Place the bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels and crumble.
• Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar in a bowl; refrigerate until ready to combine with salad.
• Combine broccoli, onion, bacon, sunflower seeds, and cranberries in a large bowl. Drizzle mayonnaise dressing over broccoli mixture; toss to coat.