Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Loaded Broccoli Salad is a fresh and crunchy dish packed with vibrant vegetables, savory bacon, and creamy dressing. Perfect as a side or light meal, it combines simple ingredients for a satisfying flavor and texture experience.

Ingredients
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup clover honey
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 4 cups cauliflower florets, chopped
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 red onion, peeled and chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, red wine vinegar, sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the salad.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, half of the crumbled bacon, Colby Jack cheese, and diced red onion.
- Step 3: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top for a crispy finish. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Variations
- Make it Dairy-Free: Swap Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt or avocado mayo.
- Lower the Sugar: Use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey and omit the optional sugar for less sweetness.
- Add More Crunch: Toss in toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pecans to enhance texture.
- Try a Different Cheese: Substitute Colby Jack with cheddar, feta, or blue cheese for a new flavor profile.
- Add Protein: Include grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs to make the salad more filling.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed within the first day. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and add extra crispy bacon if desired. Reheating is not recommended as this salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli or cauliflower?
Fresh broccoli and cauliflower are preferred for their crunch, but you can use thawed frozen vegetables. Be sure to drain well to avoid a watery salad.
How do I cook the bacon for this salad?
Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled. Alternatively, use pre-cooked bacon for convenience.
Print
Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Loaded Broccoli Salad is a crisp and creamy side dish featuring fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets, crunchy bacon, creamy Colby Jack cheese, and a tangy honey-sweetened Greek yogurt dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing everyday salad.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup clover honey
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad:
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 4 cups cauliflower florets, chopped
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 red onion, peeled and chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, red wine vinegar, optional sugar, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth. Cover and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld while preparing the rest of the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli and cauliflower florets, half of the crumbled bacon, the cubed Colby Jack cheese, and the chopped red onion. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to coat everything evenly, ensuring each bite has the perfect balance of creamy dressing and crunchy veggies.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon on top for an added crispy texture. Serve the salad immediately for the best crunch and freshness, or cover and refrigerate until ready to eat.
Notes
- Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with coconut yogurt and avocado mayonnaise for a dairy-free version.
- Lower the Sugar: Use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey and omit the optional granulated sugar.
- Add More Crunch: Enhance texture by adding toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pecans.
- Try Different Cheeses: Swap Colby Jack cheese for cheddar, feta, or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles.
- Add Protein: Include grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs to make this salad a more substantial meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for cooking bacon if done fresh)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: broccoli salad, loaded broccoli salad, creamy broccoli salad, bacon broccoli salad, healthy salad, honey dressing, picnic salad, potluck recipe

