Traditional Creamy Bacon Broccoli Salad often falls victim to one of the biggest crimes in salad-dom - drowning in dressing. Then you pile on nuts and bacon and this "healthy" salad is not so healthy any more.
With a few simple tweaks, this version gives you the same combination of creamy, crunchy, salty, sweet goodness with less fat, sugar and calories.
Rule number 1 for this salad recipe: MAKE IT YOUR SALAD.
Add the ingredients you like, leave out the ones you don't. If you want more nuts than I use, add them. Don't like onion, leave it out.
Some people add grated cheese, shredded carrots, chopped apples or grapes, etc. to this salad. And that's perfectly okay.
I trim it down by using yogurt in the dressing and cutting back on the bacon and nuts - trust me, there are still plenty in there.
Do you cook the broccoli before adding it to the salad?
I like the broccoli raw, but if it is too crunchy for you consider blanching it for a few minutes (no more than that!). Just put it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes then strain and immediately dunk in ice water to stop the cooking and keep it bright green.
Ingredients for Creamy Bacon Broccoli Salad
As stated at the beginning, there are no required ingredients for this salad other than bacon and broccoli. And the bacon doesn't even need to be pork bacon: beef, turkey or vegetarian bacon can all be used if that's what you prefer.
In general the ingredients for my version are:
- broccoli
- bacon (your favorite kind)
- red onion (or white or yellow)
- nuts or seeds (almonds, pecans, raw sunflower seeds )
- raisins (or other dried fruit like cranberries or cherries)
- light mayonnaise (or full fat if you prefer)
- plain yogurt (low or non fat)
- stevia or sugar (or other sweetener)
- white wine vinegar (or other mild vinegar)
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Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli (cut into bite sized pieces)
- ยผ cup red or other sweet onion (chopped)
- ยผ cup chopped nuts (almonds or pecans or raw sunflower seeds )
- ยผ cup raisins
- 3 pieces turkey bacon or other lean bacon (cooked and crumbled)
DRESSING
- 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
- ยผ cup plain yogurt (low or non fat)
- 2 tablespoons stevia or sugar (or other sweetener)
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, combine dressing ingredients.
- Mix dressing with salad, let chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Sound fabulous? Share it!
Sarah Eliza @ devastateboredom
Ahhhhh where has this recipe been all my life?? Seriously, I was searching for one like this a couple of months ago in vain. Pinning it for sure!!
Finally made it to the party, yay! ๐
Heaven
I think my mother in law would love this salad. Pinning! Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving comments on both the recipes I linked up! I appreciate it!
Audrey
Glad you like it.
easypeasylifematters
We love broccoli salad at our house so would be fan to try! ๐
Pam
Mmmm, that salad looks delicious. I love bacon and broccoli. Pinning.
Audrey
It is one of my favorites. And I love your tips on bouncing the flash (any amateur photographer reading this needs to read it)
Krissy @ Pretty Wee Things
Yum! I loved broccoli salad growing up, thank you for the reminder! Delicious! Thanks for linking up with Pin Worthy Wednesday, hope to see you again this week ๐ xx
Kathy
This looks so good! Thank you for sharing at the Recipe Swap.
Leslie
This looks tasty! I love refreshing salads during the summer.
Wendy Klik
Broccoli salad is a favorite around here. I'm going to have to try this lightened up version. Thanks.
Terri Steffes
This looks like a dish that my family would love. I am saving this to make soon!
Cheese Curd In Paradise
I love the contrast in flavors with the savory and sweet in this salad! Yum!
Hezzi-D
I need to give this version a try! I love broccoli salad!
Inger @ Art of Natural Liivng
This is one of my all time favorite salads. Never thought of using Stevia in it--good idea!
Christie
So much crunch and deliciousness in this salad! I always go for the broccoli salad at the salad bar. Now I can just make this at home instead.