Description
Loaded Broccoli Salad is a vibrant and crunchy dish featuring fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets, tangy and creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, sweetened with honey, and finished with crispy bacon and cubed Colby Jack cheese. This refreshing salad is perfect as a side or a light meal, combining fresh vegetables with savory and sweet flavors for a deliciously balanced dish.
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. Stir until smooth. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the salad to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, half of the crumbled bacon, cubed Colby Jack cheese, and diced red onion, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to coat all the components evenly, enhancing every bite with the creamy, tangy dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon on top for a crispy, flavorful finish. Serve immediately for optimal crunchiness, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve for a chilled, refreshing salad.
Notes
- Make it Dairy-Free by substituting the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut yogurt or avocado mayo.
- Lower the sugar content by using a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey and omit the optional granulated sugar.
- Add extra crunch by tossing in toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pecans.
- Change up the cheese by swapping Colby Jack for cheddar, feta, or blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
- For added protein, incorporate grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs to make it a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking bacon fresh)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: broccoli salad, loaded broccoli salad, broccoli cauliflower salad, bacon salad, Colby Jack cheese salad, creamy broccoli salad, healthy side dish, summer salad
