Description
Loaded Broccoli Salad is a vibrant and crunchy dish featuring fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets, crispy bacon, creamy Colby Jack cheese, and a tangy, honey-sweetened Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish, this salad combines textures and flavors in a wholesome, satisfying way.
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 while you prepare the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, chopped cauliflower, half of the crumbled bacon, Colby Jack cheese cubes, and diced red onion.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon on top for added crunch and flavor. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with coconut yogurt or avocado mayonnaise.
- Lower the Sugar: Replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener and omit the optional sugar.
- Add More Crunch: Add toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pecans for an extra crunch.
- Try Different Cheese: Use cheddar, feta, or blue cheese instead of Colby Jack for a flavor twist.
- Boost Protein: Include grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs to turn this salad into a full meal.
- Leftover Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon cooking, if not using pre-cooked)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: broccoli salad, loaded broccoli salad, holiday salad, bacon salad, vegetable salad, honey dressing, Greek yogurt dressing, easy salad recipe
