Broccolicious Salad

I found this recipe in a Penzey's spice catalog, and was by Joy Henkle. She has a winner! the photo was gorgeous, also. I made the mistake of only making half a recipe. Won't do that again! It went so fast I only got one serving. A very nutritious, and flavorful salad. Cooking time is for the bacon.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  heads broccoli, cut into small bite-size pieces
• 8  pieces bacon, fried crisp, and broken into small pieces
• 1⁄2 cup red onion, chopped fine
• 3⁄4 cup  slivered almonds (or cashews)
• 1 1⁄2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• Dressing

• 1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2  tablespoons white sugar
• 2  tablespoons  buttermilk ranch dressing
• 2⁄3 cup mayonnaise
• 1  tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. In a roomy bowl, combine broccoi, bacon, onion and nuts. Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
2. Pour over the salad and toss. (Or serve along side).
3. Just before serving, add the cheese and toss again.
4. flavor is better if the dressing is tossed with the salad half an hour before serving.