Broccoli Salad

3 oz package 'real' bacon bits
2 heads fresh broccoli, chopped
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, grated (or 1/4-1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated) or omit if you wish. . .
1 large onion, chopped (whatever color makes you happiest - yellow, white, red, all are yummy)
1 carrot, grated

1/2 - 1 cup raisins or craisins
1/2 cup sunflower seed kernels

optional:
1 clove garlic, minced (or whatever amount you prefer - I like garlic) - this can be omitted . . .
green pepper
zucchini, peeled, diced


dressing - blend together and pour over veggies, toss well to combine
1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or white distilled vinegar if you don't have red wine vinegar)
1/8 - 1/2 cup white sugar (do as your taste buds lead you to do)
1/2 - 2 teaspoons ground black pepper (i personally prefer the lesser amount, others may wish more)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 - 1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

fridge until ready to serve.

this is a very forgiving recipe - just add in whatever makes you smile. i've added in chopped red beets from the garden, a little kale, some cauliflower, diced boiled eggs, you get the idea.

if you like a 'juicy' sauce, you may wish to increase the dressing volume a bit as with current recipe, there isn't puddles of dressing in bottom of bowl.

Enjoy! :)