Description
Loaded Broccoli Salad is a vibrant and crunchy side dish packed with fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets, crispy bacon, and creamy Colby Jack cheese, all tossed in a tangy honey-red wine vinegar Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect as a refreshing addition to any meal or a light lunch.
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.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, half of the crumbled bacon, Colby Jack cheese cubes, and chopped red onion.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon on top for added crunch and flavor. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut yogurt or avocado mayonnaise.
- Lower the Sugar: Use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey and omit the optional sugar.
- Add More Crunch: Incorporate toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pecans for extra texture.
- Try Different Cheese: Swap Colby Jack cheese with cheddar, feta, or blue cheese for varied flavors.
- Add Protein: Include grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs to make it a more filling meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon, if cooking fresh)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: broccoli salad, loaded broccoli salad, healthy salad, bacon salad, creamy dressing salad, summer salad
