Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces. In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until it is perfectly crispy. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
Chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, crispy bacon, chopped red onion, and freshly grated cheddar cheese.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Chill until you are ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together.
For slightly softer broccoli, steam it in the microwave for 2 minutes with a splash of water at the bottom. This also enhances the color and texture.
Feel free to skip the cheese if desired; the salad is still delicious without it.
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