Dinner

Soft Maple Cookies with Brown Butter Icing Recipe

BySarah Summers November 30, 2025November 30, 2025

Introduction

Loaded Broccoli Salad is a vibrant and crunchy dish bursting with fresh veggies, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese, all tossed in a tangy honey-yogurt dressing. It’s a perfect side or a light meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad made of several layers: the base layer shows bright green broccoli florets and white cauliflower pieces, mixed with thin slices of purple onion. On top, small crispy pieces of brown bacon are scattered evenly over the vegetables. There are also thin shreds of orange cheddar cheese spread all around, and the entire salad is lightly coated with a creamy white dressing, giving a shiny texture. The background is a white marbled surface, and the photo is taken up close to show the salad’s colors and textures clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 mayo for coconut yogurt or avocado mayo.
Lower the Sugar: Use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey and skip the optional sugar.
Add More Crunch: Toss in toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pecans for extra texture.
Try a Different Cheese: Substitute Colby Jack with cheddar, feta, or blue cheese for a flavor twist.
Add Protein: Include grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs to turn it into a full meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad remains fresh and flavorful, but give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and mix it in just before serving if making ahead.