If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, crunchy salad that’s bursting with flavor but won’t derail your healthy eating goals, this Low Carb Broccoli Salad Recipe is an absolute gem. It brings together fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets, a tangy-sweet dressing made with Greek yogurt and honey, plus savory bacon and melty cheese for a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or a side dish for your next gathering, this salad is refreshingly simple yet deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Low Carb Broccoli Salad Recipe shines because of its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each element plays an essential role—from the creamy Greek yogurt providing a light tang, to the crispy bacon adding irresistible crunch and smoky depth. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make this salad truly pop.
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: This adds creaminess and a subtle tang while keeping things light.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: For richness that balances the yogurt perfectly.
- 1/2 cup clover honey: Brings a natural sweetness that brightens the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Offers a sharp acidity to cut through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional): If you like a touch more sweetness, this is your go-to.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and warmth.
- 4 cups broccoli florets (chopped): The vibrant green star of the show, packed with crunch and nutrients.
- 4 cups cauliflower florets (chopped): Provides mild flavor and complements the broccoli’s texture.
- 12 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled): Crispy bits of smoky goodness that make every bite irresistible.
- 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese (cut into small cubes): Melts softly into the salad with a creamy, mellow flavor.
- 1 red onion (peeled and chopped): Adds color and a slightly sharp bite to balance richness.
How to Make Low Carb Broccoli Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
The magic starts with your dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, clover honey, red wine vinegar, and if you choose, the granulated sugar. Season with salt and black pepper. Give it a thorough mix until smooth and creamy. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for now—this lets the flavors meld while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Combine the Veggies and Cheese
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together the chopped broccoli and cauliflower florets. Add in half of the crunchy bacon bits, the cubes of Colby Jack cheese, and the chopped red onion. This colorful medley already looks tempting and promises a wonderful variety of flavors and textures.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Now for the fun part—pour that chilled dressing over your veggie mixture. Use a large spoon or spatula to toss everything together gently, making sure every floret and cheese cube is beautifully coated. This step brings all those fresh ingredients and the luscious dressing into delicious harmony.
Step 4: Top with Bacon and Serve
Finish your Low Carb Broccoli Salad Recipe by sprinkling the remaining crispy bacon on top for an eye-catching crunch burst. Serve it right away to enjoy that perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, savory, and sweet elements, or keep it chilled for a little while if you prefer the flavors to marry even more.
How to Serve Low Carb Broccoli Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh, herbaceous note that lifts the salad further. A few toasted nuts, such as almonds or pecans, add an extra dimension of crunch and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing.
Side Dishes
This Low Carb Broccoli Salad Recipe is wonderfully versatile as a side. It pairs amazingly well with grilled chicken or fish, making for a light yet satisfying meal. It also shines alongside barbecue dishes or as part of a picnic spread where its refreshing crunch is always a hit.
Creative Ways to Present
Brighten up your table by serving this salad in a large clear glass bowl to showcase the colorful mix of broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, and bacon. For a party twist, try portioning it into individual mason jars or small bowls for easy grab-and-go servings that look cute and practical.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once mixed, this salad likes to stay chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
Because this salad contains fresh vegetables and a creamy dressing, freezing is not recommended. Freezing would alter the texture of the broccoli and cauliflower and separate the dressing, losing that lovely crispness and fresh flavor.
Reheating
Since this dish is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. If you prefer, you can take it out of the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving to temper it slightly for tastier bites.
FAQs
Can I substitute the bacon for a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! Try crispy roasted chickpeas or smoked tempeh crumbles to maintain that smoky, crunchy element while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
Is there a way to make this salad keto-friendly?
This Low Carb Broccoli Salad Recipe is naturally low in carbs, but to make it stricter keto, simply omit the optional sugar and use a sugar-free honey substitute or reduce honey slightly.
Can I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower florets?
Using fresh florets is best for the crunch and texture. If frozen is your only option, thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
How long does the salad keep its crunch after mixing?
It stays pleasantly crisp for about 24 to 48 hours in the fridge. After that, the veggies start to soften, but the flavors remain delightful.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or cherry tomatoes make lovely colorful additions without compromising the low-carb balance.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Broccoli Salad Recipe has quickly become one of those dishes I reach for whenever I want something fresh, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. It’s an easy way to get your greens with a punch of taste and texture that feels indulgent without being heavy. Give it a try, and I promise it will earn a spot on your regular menu, just like it did on mine.
Print
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, low carb broccoli salad packed with crunchy vegetables, savory bacon, and creamy dressing. This salad combines fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets with crispy bacon, Colby Jack cheese, and a tangy, slightly sweet yogurt-based dressing for a delicious and healthy side dish or light meal.
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, clover honey, red wine vinegar, granulated sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing while you prepare the salad ingredients to allow flavors to meld.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli and cauliflower florets, half of the cooked and crumbled bacon, diced Colby Jack cheese cubes, and chopped red onion. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the chilled dressing over the combined salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to ensure all vegetables and cheese are well coated with the creamy dressing. This will bring the salad components together and enhance the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Top the tossed salad with the remaining crumbled bacon for an extra crunch and bacon flavor. Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste and best texture.
Notes
- You can omit the granulated sugar from the dressing if you prefer a less sweet salad.
- For a stronger bacon flavor, consider cooking the bacon until extra crisp before crumbling.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day; however, note that the broccoli and cauliflower might soften slightly.
- Feel free to substitute Colby Jack cheese with cheddar or your favorite cheese variety.
- This is a perfect low-carb, keto-friendly salad that fits well into a diabetic diet with moderate honey use.
