Broccoli Salad

Originally published 6/3/13. Updated with new photos and information 4/10/18.

Broccoli Salad is an easy side dish or light lunch or dinner that’s made with broccoli, dried cranberries, bacon, and lots of other yummy ingredients!

 The first time that I had a broccoli salad was when I was trying a little bit of everything from an all-you-can-eat buffet. It was tasty, but it was really sweet and really mayonnaise-y.

Still, I liked the idea of making a coleslaw-like side salad with broccoli. I just wanted to make a lighter, tastier version that let the flavor of the ingredients come through.

What makes this broccoli salad different?

• I do a few things differently with this salad. I added more veggies – carrots and celery – to give it even more crunch.
• I also use light mayonnaise (olive oil mayonnaise works well) and Greek yogurt in the dressing. I use Greek yogurt in almost everything because it’s such a great substitute for everything from butter to oil to mayonnaise to sour cream. This way you still get plenty of creamy dressing, but it doesn’t taste like you’re just eating mayo.
• I use just enough sugar to make the dressing sweet without it being overly sugary.
• I also use craisins (dried cranberries) rather than raisins. I like the sweet and tangy flavor that they bring to this salad.

How long does broccoli salad last in the fridge?

It’s best the first 2 days. After that the veggies begin to break down, and it’s just not as fresh or as good.

More easy salad recipes!

• Grape Salad
• Southwestern Layered Salad
• Bacon Cheddar Ranch Potato Salad
• Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad

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5 from 1 vote

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Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad is an easy side dish or light lunch or dinner that's made with broccoli, dried cranberries, bacon, and lots of other yummy ingredients!

Course Salad

Prep Time 20 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 12

Calories 179 kcal

Author i heart eating

Ingredients

Salad

• 5 cups broccoli florets cut into small pieces
• 1 ½ cups sliced carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup 2% sharp cheddar cheese in small cubes
• 3 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup sunflower seeds divided
• 1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries

Dressing

• 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
• 2-4 tablespoons granulated sugar depending on desired sweetness (I use 3 T.)
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, stir together vegetables, cheese, bacon, 3/4 cup sunflower seeds, and cranberries.
2. Whisk mayonnaise, yogurt, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl.
3. Add dressing to salad, and toss to combine.
4. Cover, and refrigerate until chilled.
5. Serve cold, and top with remaining 1/4 cup sunflower seeds just before serving.

Recipe Notes

*Nutrition values are estimates.

Nutrition Facts

Broccoli Salad

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 179 Calories from Fat 99

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 11g 17%

Saturated Fat 2g 10%

Cholesterol 10mg 3%

Sodium 218mg 9%

Potassium 295mg 8%

Total Carbohydrates 14g 5%

Dietary Fiber 2g 8%

Sugars 7g

Protein 6g 12%

Vitamin A 60.1%

Vitamin C 42.6%

Calcium 7.8%

Iron 5.6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.