Description
This Loaded Broccoli Salad is a crunchy, flavorful mix of broccoli, cauliflower, crispy bacon, and Colby Jack cheese tossed in a creamy honey and Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a refreshing side dish, it balances tangy, sweet, and savory notes with a delightful texture in every bite.
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 until smooth. Cover and refrigerate to meld flavors while you prepare the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, half of the crumbled bacon, Colby Jack cheese cubes, and diced red onion. Mix gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss well until all components are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon on top for an extra crispy and flavorful finish. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with coconut yogurt and avocado mayo respectively.
- To lower sugar, replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener and omit the optional granulated sugar.
- Add crunch by tossing in toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pecans.
- Change up the cheese with cheddar, feta, or blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
- For added protein, include grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs.
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best freshness, keep dressing separate and mix before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for cooking bacon)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Loaded Broccoli Salad, broccoli cauliflower salad, bacon salad, creamy dressing salad, summer side dish, easy salad recipe
