Estate Dinners

Broccoli Salad with Cherries, Almonds and Warm Bourbon-Bacon Dressing

Name: Broccoli Salad with Cherries, Almonds and Warm Bourbon-Bacon Dressing
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 head broccoli, cut into florets, stems peeled and thinly sliced; ½ small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced, about ¼ cup; ¼ pound fresh sweet cherries, pitted, halved, about ½ cup; ½ cup slivered almonds, toasted; ¼ pound bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces, about 4 to 5 strips; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; ½ cup homemade chicken stock or prepared low sodium broth; 1 sprig fresh rosemary; 2 tablespoons bourbon; Juice of 1 medium lemon, about 2 tablespoons; 1 tablespoon butter

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The Strategy:

This broccoli salad is tossed with fresh sweet cherries, crunchy toasted almonds, red onion, and a warm, savory bacon-bourbon dressing. The warm dressing gently softens the crisp broccoli, while the bacon and bourbon add a deep, smoky richness that balances the sweet cherries. It is a fantastic, modern side dish that brings a sophisticated flavor profile to a classic salad.

Serves: 4 as a side salad | Total Time: 30 minutes till it's ready

Ingredients

For the salad

1 head broccoli, cut into florets, stems peeled and thinly sliced
½ small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced, about ¼ cup
¼ pound fresh sweet cherries, pitted, halved, about ½ cup
½ cup slivered almonds, toasted

For the dressing

¼ pound bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces, about 4 to 5 strips
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ cup homemade chicken stock or prepared low sodium broth
1 sprig fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons bourbon
Juice of 1 medium lemon, about 2 tablespoons
1 tablespoon butter

Raw cooking ingredients for Broccoli Salad with Cherries, Almonds and Warm Bourbon-Bacon Dressing arranged beautifully on a clean kitchen counter.

Instructions

Make the salad elements

Blanch the broccoli in boiling, salted water until crisp-tender, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Transfer to ice water to stop the cooking process.
Drain and place in the fridge to cool.

Make the dressing

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until just beginning to crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon or wire skimmer to transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
Pour off most of the bacon drippings.
Return the skillet to the stove and add the brown sugar.
Stir to melt and scrape up any brown bits left in the pan.
Pour in the chicken broth and drop in the rosemary sprig.
Simmer until the dressing reduces and thickens to a syrupy consistency, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Turn off the heat and stir in the bourbon and lemon juice.
Add the butter and swirl in the pan to melt.
Remove the rosemary sprig.

Assemble and serve

Place the broccoli and red onion into a serving bowl.
Pour in the warm dressing.
Season with salt and pepper.
Add the cherries and bacon and toss.
Top with toasted almonds.

Home cook prepared steps for assembling and cooking Broccoli Salad with Cherries, Almonds and Warm Bourbon-Bacon Dressing.

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The Heart of the Table

This textured, vibrant salad brings a lively energy to the table with its beautiful colors and bold flavors. The warm, smoky aroma of the bourbon-bacon dressing creates an immediate sense of comfort and cozy hospitality, encouraging everyone to enjoy a fresh, modern side.

An appetizing, fresh serving of cooked Broccoli Salad with Cherries, Almonds and Warm Bourbon-Bacon Dressing displayed beautifully on a styled dining table.

The Art of the Host

a pair of professional-grade stainless steel locking kitchen tongs
a flexible stainless steel slotted turner with a walnut handle
a set of organic, hand-glazed stoneware soup bowls in a soft sage green
a pair of hand-carved olivewood serving tongs with a polished finish
a heavy-duty die-cast aluminum lemon squeezer with an enamel finish

Neighborly Grace

THE PRESENTATION: Serve the salad in a wide glass or ceramic bowl to showcase the bright green broccoli, red onions, and sweet cherries. Scatter the crispy bacon bits and toasted almonds over the top just before serving.
THE POUR: Pair the smoky bacon and sweet cherries with a light, fruit-forward Pinot Noir or a dry Chenin Blanc served at 50°F. For a non-alcoholic alternative, serve a chilled iced black tea infused with fresh lemon and a touch of honey.
THE VIBE: Covered Veranda. The cool evening breeze and the rich, smoky aroma of the dressing set a relaxed, comfortable mood for dining.

Chef’s Recommendations

The Main It Sits Beside: Pulled Pork
Whiskey Meets Bourbon: Beer-Basted Baby Back Ribs with Tennessee Whiskey Barbecue Sauce
The Bourbon in a Glass: The Lucky Clover
A Final Flourish: Macadamia Chocolate Chip Biscotti

The Estate Table

Build tonight’s menu around this dish.

✦ Set the Table

Broccoli Salad with Cherries and Warm Bourbon-Bacon Dressing