Description
This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is crunchy, creamy, cheesy, and packed with fresh vegetables. Crisp broccoli and cauliflower are tossed with cheddar cheese, turkey bacon, red onion, and a light creamy dressing. It’s an easy side dish for BBQs, potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep—and it tastes even better after chilling for a while!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 3 cups cauliflower florets, chopped
- ½ cup turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp light mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1–2 tsp honey or your preferred sweetener
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli and cauliflower. Cut into small, bite-sized florets.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Add broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, cheddar cheese, turkey bacon, and seeds to a large bowl.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. For the best flavor, chill for 1–2 hours.
- Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces for the best texture.
- For extra crunch, add toasted sunflower seeds.
- You can substitute turkey bacon with crispy regular bacon.
- For a lighter version, use all Greek yogurt and skip the mayonnaise.
- Don’t over-dress the salad—add a little at a time and toss.
🥄 Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, assuming 6 servings and using turkey bacon/light ingredients:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~190 kcal |
| Protein | ~10 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~10 g |
| Fat | ~12 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sugar | ~4 g |
❓Q&A
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! It can be prepared several hours ahead and refrigerated until serving.
Q: Can I make it without bacon?
A: Absolutely. Simply leave it out or replace it with roasted chickpeas or extra seeds.
Q: Is this salad good for meal prep?
A: Yes. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within about 2–3 days for the best texture.
