Broccoli Salad with Lighter Creamy Dressing is a fresh and tasty dish that brightens up any meal. It combines crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing that is lighter than traditional recipes. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious eaters.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Broccoli Salad with Lighter Creamy Dressing. First, it is quick and easy to prepare. You can whip it up in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or as a side dish for gatherings. Furthermore, this salad is full of vibrant flavors and textures. The combination of salty bacon, sweet dried cranberries, and creamy dressing creates a delightful balance. Plus, with the use of Greek yogurt, this recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional mayonnaise-heavy salads, without sacrificing taste.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Lighter Creamy Dressing
Making Broccoli Salad with Lighter Creamy Dressing is straightforward! Follow these simple steps to create this flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 500 g/1 lb broccoli florets (2 large heads, 22cm/9″ diameter)
- 150 g/5oz bacon (chopped then cooked until golden)
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries (or raisins, sultanas, or blueberries)
- 1/2 cup almond slivers
- 1/2 red onion (finely sliced)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup / 65ml milk (low fat)
- 1/4 cup / 65ml lemon juice (or cider vinegar)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp each onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp finely ground pepper
Directions
- Cut the broccoli florets into slices no thicker than 0.7 cm / 1/4″ thick.
- Place the sliced broccoli in a bowl along with the remaining salad ingredients.
- In a separate large bowl, mix the dressing well using a whisk to ensure everything is combined. The dressing should be thin and pourable.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything well.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate it overnight or for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Before serving, remove the salad from the fridge and let it reach room temperature.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Lighter Creamy Dressing
You can serve Broccoli Salad with Lighter Creamy Dressing chilled or at room temperature. It makes a wonderful side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a picnic spread. It is also great as a light lunch on its own!
How to Store Broccoli Salad with Lighter Creamy Dressing
Store any leftover Broccoli Salad with Lighter Creamy Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Note that the salad may become a bit softer as it sits, but the flavors will continue to develop.
Tips to Make Broccoli Salad with Lighter Creamy Dressing
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by lowering or increasing the sugar in the dressing.
- To add a bit more crunch, consider adding sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts.
Variation
You can customize this salad by adding different ingredients. Try including shredded carrots, cooked chickpeas, or other types of nuts like pecans or walnuts for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries can be too tart for this salad, so it’s best to stick with dried cranberries or other sweet dried fruits.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is gluten-free as long as you ensure that the bacon and any additional ingredients are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace the bacon with a plant-based alternative, use vegan mayonnaise, and substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt.
Broccoli Salad with Lighter Creamy Dressing
Ingredients
For the salad
- 500 g 500 g/1 lb broccoli florets Approximately 2 large heads, 22cm/9″ diameter
- 150 g 150 g/5oz bacon Chopped and cooked until golden
- ¾ cup 3/4 cup dried cranberries Can substitute with raisins, sultanas, or blueberries
- ½ cup 1/2 cup almond slivers
- ½ 1/2 red onion Finely sliced
For the dressing
- ½ cup 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup 3/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup 1/4 cup / 65ml milk Low fat
- ¼ cup 1/4 cup / 65ml lemon juice Can substitute with cider vinegar
- 2 2 garlic cloves Minced
- 1 tsp 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ tsp 1 1/2 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp 1/4 tsp finely ground pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the broccoli florets into slices no thicker than 0.7 cm / 1/4″ thick.
- Place the sliced broccoli in a bowl along with the remaining salad ingredients.
- In a separate large bowl, mix the dressing well using a whisk to ensure everything is combined. The dressing should be thin and pourable.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything well.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate it overnight or for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Before serving, remove the salad from the fridge and let it reach room temperature.
