Broccoli Salad With Bacon and Cheddar

Ingredients

For 8 servings

• •1 tasse (240 ml) apple cider vinegar
• •1 /2 cup (120 ml) water
• •1 /4 cup granulated sugar (1 3/4 ounces; 50 g)
• •1 /4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use half as much by volume
• •1 1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard seeds, optional
• •1 tasse raisins (6 ounces; 170 g)
• •1 /2 cup (120 ml)) crème fraîche or sour cream
• •1 /2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• •1 /2 cup granulated sugar (3 1/2 ounces; 100 g)
• •1 /4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
• •3 /4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use half as much by volume
• •1 lb (450 g) fresh broccoli, stems cut into 1/4 to 1/2-inch pieces and florets cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• •9 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and coarsely chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
• •2 Gala apples (about 10 ounces; 283 g), cored and chopped (about 2 cups)
• •4 ounces (113 g) smoked cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
• •1 /2 cup roasted, salted sunflower seeds (about 3 ounces; 80 g)
• •1 /2 cup sliced almonds, toasted (about 2 ounces; 60 g)

Method

1. 1.For the Pickled Raisins: In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and mustard seeds, if using, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook, whisking occasionally, until sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
2. 2.In a medium bowl, combine raisins and hot vinegar mixture. Allow raisins to cool to room temperature, uncovered, about 30 minutes. Transfer raisins to airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 1 month.
3. 3.For the Dressing: While raisins cool, in a small bowl, whisk together crème fraîche or sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and salt; set aside.
4. 4.For the Salad: In a large bowl, combine broccoli, bacon, apples, cheese, sunflower seeds, and almonds. Add reserved dressing and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
5. 5.When ready to serve, drain raisins with a fine-mesh strainer, and toss with broccoli salad until well incorporated. Serve.