Description
This Healthy Broccoli Salad without Bacon is a refreshing, nutritious side dish perfect for summer barbecues and potlucks. It combines crisp broccoli florets, crunchy sunflower seeds, sweet dried cranberries, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise dressing sweetened with honey and brightened with lemon juice. This gluten-free and vegetarian salad is easy to prepare, low in fat, and packed with texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 3 cups broccoli florets (about one large bunch)
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- 1/2 cup plain 0% Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Mix: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, finely diced red onion, unsalted sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain 0% Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mix. Toss gently but thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. It can be stored refrigerated for up to 2-3 days.
Notes
- This salad is a lightened-up, creamy, sweet, and crunchy option without bacon, making it suitable for vegetarians and those avoiding pork.
- Using Greek yogurt in the dressing reduces fat compared to traditional mayonnaise-only dressings, while adding protein.
- Sunflower seeds provide a nutty crunch without allergy concerns related to nuts.
- Prepare the salad a few hours ahead to let flavors blend, but avoid tossing too early to retain crunchiness of broccoli.
- This salad is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 409 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 4 mg
