Description
This Loaded Broccoli Salad is a creamy, crunchy, and savory dish featuring fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets, crispy bacon, flavorful Colby Jack cheese, and a tangy honey-yogurt dressing. Perfect as a side or a light meal, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead for convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
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, sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the salad to let the flavors meld.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, half of the crumbled bacon, Colby Jack cheese cubes, and chopped red onion. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to coat all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring every bite has the creamy dressing and flavors balanced.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top for a crispy and visually appealing finish. Serve the salad immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve for a chilled, refreshing dish.
Notes
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt and avocado mayo as substitutes for Greek yogurt and mayonnaise.
- Lower the Sugar: Replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener and omit the optional granulated sugar.
- Add More Crunch: Introduce toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
- Try a Different Cheese: Swap Colby Jack with cheddar, feta, or blue cheese to change the flavor profile.
- Add Protein: For a complete meal, add grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toss before serving again to redistribute dressing.
- Make Ahead: Keep the dressing separate and mix it into the salad right before serving to maintain crispness of the vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for cooking bacon, if not pre-cooked)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Broccoli Salad, Loaded Broccoli Salad, Bacon Broccoli Salad, Creamy Broccoli Salad, Healthy Salad, Easy Salad Recipe, Side Dish
