Bobby loves broccoli; Jamie loves bacon; Brooke loves pine nuts and dried cranberries; and everybody loves ranch dressing, so this salad just kind of “appeared” in the bowl one day when we were all feeling hungry. Also try it with Quick-’n’-Easy Chicken ’n’ Dumplings (page 131).
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4
Ingredients
5 strips bacon (about 5 ounces)
1 pound broccoli, cut into florets
1 cup seeded and cubed red bell pepper
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (2 ounces)
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup bottled ranch salad dressing
Preparation
Step 1
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes, or until crisp. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, bell pepper, cheddar cheese, pine nuts, and dried cranberries. Crumble in the bacon and pour in the dressing. Toss well to combine. Let sit for 20 minutes before serving.
[The Deen Bros. Take It Easy](http://astore.amazon.com/epistore-20/detail/0345513266) by Jamie Deen, Bobby Deen, and Melissa Clark. Copyright © 2009 Jamie Deen, Bobby Deen, and Melissa Clark. Published by Random House Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.
Jamie and Bobby Deen grew up in Georgia—first in Albany and then in Savannah—and, like many Southerners, they have always considered cooking and food a big part of their lives. When their mother, Paula Deen, started a sandwich delivery business in 1989, the boys took charge of deliveries. As the business grew into The Lady restaurant, they continued to help. Then, in 1996, the trio opened The Lady & Sons Restaurant to resounding success. They haven't looked back since. They regularly appear on ABC's Good Morning America and had their own Food Network show, Road Tasted.
Melissa Clark has written for The New York Times, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, and Real Simple and has collaborated on twenty-one books.
