Holy Broccoli! Sunshiney Broccoli Bacon Slaw

A sunshiney broccoli bacon slaw sounds amazing, doesn’t it? The presence of bacon elevates anything to amazing. This simple 5-ingredient salad with a classic cole slaw dressing will brighten any table. But is it holy? Well, let me tell my story about how this salad entered my life, then you can decide.

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Learning about faith by working with the faithful

Back in the early 90’s, I was a dietitian at a quaint nursing home and retirement center for the Sisters of Charity order of nuns. For me, it seemed a curious place to work, virtually overflowing with women of the cloth. For a barely practicing Protestant, I was a intimidated by both their faith and my ignorance of their religion. I worked hard to understand the culture and doubly hard not to offend anyone unintenionally. I learned quickly that Sister Marion, a stern though kindly retiree and kitchen volunteer, essentially “ran” the dining hall. Anticipating her needs was the key to a happy and peaceful existence.

Over the next two years, I also learned a great deal about humility, dedication, exquisite end-of-life care, and especially about death. Death and I whad never been on great terms. I was terribly uncomfortable attending wakes, went to funerals only if pressed, and felt awkward expressing my condolences to friends who had lost a loved one. Death was a dreaded unmentionable and I was happy to sweep it all under a rug.

Finding the joy in a death

Then, Sister Joseph, a long time patient in the nursing home, passed away. Over the next few days, the sisters industriously prepared for the funeral and reception. One of them approached me to inquire how the menu was coming. Then she said, with a beatific look, “That was truly a beautiful death. I’m so happy for Sister Joseph.” I was stunned and completely confused in that moment. But, over time, I understood it. They truly believed that death was just another step in everlasting life, and so, found some joy in the sadness. It was comforting to be in a community that revered death and joyfully celebrated each life passed. It changed my own outlook on the matter forever.

Feeding nuns is no picnic

Feeding 150 nuns everyday had its challenges. They had voracious appetites for the weirdest things, like prune whip – a ghastly concoction of pureed prunes and whipped topping. To run out before everyone had their share was sure to cause an un-holy uproar. And we’d go through cases of odd condiments like horseradish and cranberry sauce, no matter what else we were serving. Yet, you couldn’t sell them on anything that sounded ethnic! We had to re-name American Chop Suey to a more palatable Beef and Macaroni Bake so they’d even consider it.

They were an opinionated bunch, for sure. While quite appreciative of our efforts, they offered generous feedback on every meal served. Our salad cook, Kate, loved the challenge of trying to please this finicky group, and constantly put new concoctions on the salad bar. Though some were definitive flops, Kate’s broccoli bacon slaw was one of the nuns’ favorites. There would be a virtual stampede of shuffling, be-habited women making their way to the tiny salad bar the minute we opened for serving.

Holy Broccoli a.k.a. Broccoli Bacon Slaw

What made them flock to the salad bar, lo, those many years ago? A simple broccoli salad that is simply delicious. Broccoli, carrots, onion, raisins and bacon combine for a savory/spicy crunch, softened just a bit by the tangy sweetness of the dressing.

It’s the perfect side dish for any grilled chicken, beef, or pork. It’s the kind of salad you can throw together in about 20 minutes while the meat’s on the grill. Then, you just serve it up alongside the main event. We’ve had it a gazillion times, but love it especially with a savory main dish like Crazy Lime Chicken.

There, now, wasn’t that worth the read? Hopefully, by sharing my story AND my recipe, I adequately paid homage to the nuns from whom I learned so much.

Who will go for a broccoli salad?

Kids who prefer their veggies raw will probably go for this, as well as folks who like cole slaw but aren’t wild about cabbage. And it goes without saying that anyone who likes prune whip and horseradish is bound to love this. Give it a try, say a little prayer, and see what happens!

Combine veggies, raisins, and bacon in medium bowl. In separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir into veggie mixture, cover and chill for at least an hour before serving.

Enjoy!