Instructions:
- Begin by cooking the bacon in a skillet until it reaches your desired level of crispness. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
- While the bacon is cooking, prepare the broccoli by cutting the florets into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the chopped red onion and grated cheddar cheese to the bowl with the broccoli.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mayonnaise, and sugar until well combined.
- Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the broccoli, onion, and cheese. Toss everything together until the broccoli mixture is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Once combined, add the cooked bacon to the bowl and gently toss to incorporate.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad until ready to serve.
- Optionally, if you prefer slightly softened broccoli, you can steam it in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl, add approximately 1/2 inch of water to the bottom, cover with a paper towel, and microwave for 2 minutes.
Note: This salad is equally delicious even if you omit the cheese.