If you’re looking for a fresh, crunchy, and utterly satisfying side dish, this Low Carb Broccoli Salad Recipe is going to become your new kitchen favorite. It’s packed with vibrant broccoli and cauliflower florets, creamy tangy dressing, and the perfect hit of crispy bacon and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re managing carbs or simply craving something healthy and delicious, this salad hits every mark with its bold textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this salad truly shine is the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a key role — from the crispness of the fresh broccoli and cauliflower to the creamy tang of Greek yogurt mixed with mayonnaise, plus the subtle sweetness of honey and the savory crunch of bacon. Together, they create a dish that’s balanced, colorful, and bursting with flavor.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds a creamy texture with a tangy kick and increases protein content.
- Mayonnaise: Gives the dressing a smooth richness that carries the flavors beautifully.
- Clover honey: A natural sweetener that gently balances the acidity and saltiness.
- Red wine vinegar: Provides brightness and a mild tang to enliven the dressing.
- Granulated sugar (optional): Enhances sweetness if you prefer a slightly sweeter salad.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate all the ingredients.
- Broccoli florets: The star vegetable here, delivering crunch and vibrant green color.
- Cauliflower florets: Adds complementary texture and a mellow, nutty flavor.
- Bacon slices: Crispy, smoky bites that add a savory depth to every forkful.
- Colby Jack cheese: Cubed for melty pockets of cheesy delight throughout the salad.
- Red onion: Brings a sharp, slightly sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing.
How to Make Low Carb Broccoli Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, clover honey, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar if using in a medium bowl until smooth. Cover this luscious dressing and pop it in the fridge to let all the flavors meld while you prep the rest of the salad.
Step 2: Combine the Vegetables and Cheese
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in the chopped broccoli and cauliflower florets along with the diced red onion. Add half of the crispy bacon and all of the Colby Jack cheese cubes. These ingredients create the backbone of your salad, offering contrasting textures that make every bite a delight.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Pour the chilled dressing over your vegetable and cheese mixture, and gently toss until every piece is generously coated. The creamy dressing brings all the elements together, clinging to each floret and cube for maximum flavor in each mouthful. Finish by sprinkling the remaining bacon on top for an extra crunch and visual appeal.
Step 4: Serve Immediately or Chill
This salad can be enjoyed right away, allowing the freshness and crispness to shine through, or refrigerated for a bit to let the flavors deepen and meld perfectly. It’s versatile enough to satisfy whether served immediately or after chilling.
How to Serve Low Carb Broccoli Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of flair, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. A few toasted nuts like almonds or pecans also add a wonderful crunch and a subtle earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with this salad.
Side Dishes
This Low Carb Broccoli Salad Recipe works wonderfully alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, or even a juicy steak. It’s a refreshing contrast that balances rich proteins and makes for a colorful, healthy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or mini cabbage cups to create eye-catching appetizers. Alternatively, layer it in a clear glass bowl to show off the beautiful colors and textures—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any party!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the broccoli and cauliflower might soften slightly as they absorb the dressing, but the flavors will often become even more pronounced.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or chilled. Freezing is not recommended since the texture of fresh vegetables and cheese can become watery and lose their crispness when thawed.
Reheating
Because this is a fresh salad, reheating is unnecessary. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature for the best taste and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Colby Jack?
Absolutely! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp Swiss cheese would all work wonderfully in this salad. Choose a cheese you enjoy that melts well and complements the other flavors.
Is this Low Carb Broccoli Salad Recipe suitable for keto diets?
Yes, it’s low in carbs due to the fresh vegetables and high-fat dressing, making it a great choice for most keto-friendly meal plans. Just be cautious with the amount of honey or sugar you add if you’re strictly tracking carbs.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! Preparing the dressing in advance allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and pour over the salad right before serving for the freshest taste.
How do I make the bacon crispy?
For perfectly crispy bacon, bake the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes. Let them cool and crumble to keep that ideal crunch for your salad.
Can I substitute cauliflower with another vegetable?
Yes, if you want to mix it up, chopped celery or radishes are crunchy, low-carb alternatives that maintain the salad’s refreshing texture while adding unique flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Low Carb Broccoli Salad Recipe that makes it a standout at family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals. It’s fresh, flavorful, and a wonderful way to enjoy wholesome ingredients without sacrificing taste. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself coming back to it time and again!
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Low Carb Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A refreshing and crunchy low carb broccoli salad featuring a creamy, tangy dressing made with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, and red wine vinegar, combined with crisp broccoli and cauliflower florets, smoky bacon, Colby Jack cheese, and red onion. Perfect as a side dish or light meal for those looking to enjoy a tasty, low carbohydrate option.
Ingredients
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
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, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing to let the flavors meld while you prepare the salad.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli florets, chopped cauliflower florets, half of the cooked and crumbled bacon, cubed Colby Jack cheese, and chopped red onion. Gently toss these ingredients together to mix evenly.
- Add the dressing and toss: Pour the chilled dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Toss the salad thoroughly but gently to coat all the vegetables evenly with the creamy dressing.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the remaining cooked and crumbled bacon on top of the salad for garnish and added texture. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh crunch and creamy flavors.
Notes
- If you prefer a slightly less sweet dressing, omit the granulated sugar as the clover honey adds sweetness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt and Colby Jack cheese with suitable alternatives.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead; keep refrigerated and add bacon topping just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Feel free to customize with additional crunchy nuts or seeds for extra texture.
