Broccoli Bacon Salad

This past summer when Carrie came to visit I made Broccoli Bacon Salad.  At that time I promised to post this recipe to my blog... Well, three months later, here it is!  I will say if you make this the day before, or at least the morning of the day you are eating it, it's even better.  This makes quite a bit for the two of us but it's one of the few leftovers that Branden will eat so I don't mind making a big batch.

Broccoli Bacon Salad
1 1/2lb to 2lb Broccoli, Fresh
1/2lb to 1lb Bacon (I use1lb of bacon ends from Trader Joe's)
1/2 Onion, finely minced OR Onion Powder to taste
6oz Craisins
3-4oz Slivered Almonds
1/4 to 1/2c Shredded Cheese- I use Cheddar or Colby Jack
Salt and Pepper to taste
Garlic Powder to taste
(Dressing)
About 1/4c Apple Cider Vinegar or Vinaigrette
1/2-1c Miracle Whip

Cut the bacon into small pieces and brown until crispy and delicious. Cool while chopping broccoli into bite sized pieces. Mix everything up to dressing together in a large bowl. Mix and use enough dressing to cover everything else. (Branden prefers his salad a little wetter but that's entirely up to you.)  Refrigerate until you serve.

This isn't exact- obviously. I just kinda wing half of it but that's what makes it great. Change anything you like!  Honestly, I've made A LOT of changes to make this my own.  For one, the original recipe called for sugar as well but I find that the Craisins and apple cider vinaigrette that I use have more than enough sweetness.  I have also mixed in chopped grilled chicken when I was packing it for lunch the next day but Branden thinks of this as pure blasphemy.

Have fun with it and enjoy!