Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces Smoked Streaky Bacon, diced
  • 2 large heads Fresh Broccoli Heads (800 g), trimmed into small florets
  • 1 medium head Fresh Cauliflower Head (500 g), trimmed into small florets
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion (80 g), finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries (80 g)
  • 1/2 cup Roasted Sunflower Seeds (75 g)
  • 1 cup Full-Fat Mayonnaise (240 ml)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (50 g)
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar (30 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard (5 ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Instructions:

  1. Crisp the Bacon: Dice the smoked bacon. Cook in a large skillet over medium heat until deeply golden brown and very crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain thoroughly on a plate lined with paper towels. Set aside to cool completely. (Optional: Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat.)
  2. Prep the Vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli and cauliflower. Trim them into very small, uniform florets (no larger than a 1-pence coin). Discard any thick stems.
  3. Combine Base Ingredients: In the largest mixing bowl, combine the prepared broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, finely diced red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
  4. Whisk the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is mostly dissolved. If using reserved bacon fat, whisk it in now.
  5. Seasoning Check: Taste the dressing. Add the salt and pepper. Adjust with more sugar if too sharp, or more vinegar if too sweet.
  6. Dress the Salad: Pour approximately two-thirds of the dressing over the vegetable mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until all the florets are coated. Add more dressing if needed, but hold back any excess.
  7. Add the Bacon: Gently fold the cooled, crispy bacon into the salad.
  8. Chill (Crucial Step): Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, or ideally 2-4 hours. This allows the flavors to marry and the dressing to penetrate the florets.
  9. Final Check: Before serving, give the salad a quick stir. If it seems too dry, add the remaining reserved dressing. Taste and adjust salt and pepper one last time.