Best Broccoli Salad Ever 

Ingredients:

• 2 heads of fresh broccoli (not frozen)

• 1/2 cup chopped red onion

• 1/2 pound bacon
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, grated (For better texture, I prefer using a block of cheese and grating it myself instead of opting for pre-grated options.)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sugar
Instructions:
1. I cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook it until it reaches the desired crispness. After cooking, I drain the bacon on paper towels.
2. I chop the broccoli florets into bite-size pieces and mix them with the bacon, chopped onions, and grated cheddar cheese in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, I blend vinegar, sugar, and mayonnaise. I then pour this mixture over the broccoli combination and toss everything to ensure thorough coating. Afterward, I cover the bowl and refrigerate it until I’m ready to serve.
Notes: To slightly soften the broccoli, I usually steam it in the microwave for about 2 minutes. For this, I place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl, add approximately 1/2 inch of water to the bottom, cover it with a paper towel, and microwave for 2 minutes. This recipe is equally delicious even without the cheese!