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Healthy Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Feta Recipe

4.6 from 92 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 0 min
  • Total Time: 15 min
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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