A refreshing and flavorful broccoli salad with a tangy dressing and crispy toppings.
Rinse the broccoli thoroughly under cold water.
Ensure the broccoli is completely dry before mixing to avoid a watery salad.
Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
Uniformly sized pieces ensure even flavor distribution.
Combine the broccoli, cheddar cheese, and green onions in a large bowl.
Toss gently to avoid breaking the broccoli florets.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper.
Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference.
Pour the dressing over the salad base and mix well.
Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Before serving, stir in half the bacon and sprinkle the remaining bacon on top.
Add the bacon just before serving to maintain its crispiness.