I have a confession: once I discovered this loaded broccoli salad recipe, plain slaws and limp greens lost all appeal. It’s crunchy, creamy, loaded with bacon and cheese, and barely takes 15 minutes to make. Whether you need a potluck side dish, a healthy low-carb lunch, or a meal prep hero—it checks every box.
Healthy Broccoli Salad
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
cookies10
minutes200
kcalIngredients
4 cups small broccoli florets (bite-sized)
6 slices crisp bacon, crumbled
½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
Optional: dried cranberries or apple chunks (for sweetness or potlucks)
Creamy Dressing:
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 tbsp sugar or sugar substitute (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Combine broccoli, bacon, cheddar, onion, and sunflower seeds in a large bowl.
- Whisk together the mayo, yogurt, vinegar, sweetener (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.
- Stir gently before serving—serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use real mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- Aim for small, bite-size broccoli pieces so it’s easy to eat and that crunch holds up.
- Add dressing slowly—you may not need full amount if you like it lighter.
- Don’t freeze broccoli salad—it holds best in the fridge.
Why Everyone Loves This Broccoli Salad
- Uses raw, crisp broccoli for ultimate crunch
- Bacon + cheddar + creamy dressing = irresistible
- Quick to prep and makes great leftovers
- Keto & low-carb friendly, but still crowd-pleasing
- Perfect for potlucks, summer BBQs, or weeknight dinners
Tips & Make-Ahead Tricks
- Make it healthier: Swap mayo with Greek yogurt or use light mayo → healthy broccoli salad
- Keep bacon crunchy: Add right before serving if prepping more than a few hours ahead
- Seed swap: Use sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, or pecans for extra protein and crunch
- Potluck-ready: Fold in diced apple or craisins for color and sweetness and skip mayo → broccoli salad no mayo
Why This Is the Best Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Crunchy, not soggy—broccoli stands up to dressing
- Creamy dressing with savory-sweet balance
- Loaded with bacon, cheddar, seeds, and flavor
- Quick & easy—only prep time, no cooking (unless frying bacon)
- Stays fresh for days when chilled—ideal for make-ahead broccoli salad
What Goes With Loaded Broccoli Salad
- Grilled meats: chicken, steak, pork
- Main dishes: lemon garlic chicken, burgers, or pulled pork
- Veggie bowls: add to quinoa grains or grain bowls
- Other salads: pair with simple green salad or tomato cucumber salad
This truly shines at summer picnics, BBQs, potlucks, or casual dinner sides.
Looking for a Brunch-Worthy Pairing?
If you’re loving this crunchy broccoli salad, you’ll want to try it alongside my Creamy Avocado Egg Toast with Chili Honey Drizzle. It’s sweet, spicy, and rich with flavor—perfect with a crisp salad on the side.
📌 It’s one of my most popular brunch recipes for a reason—easy, elevated, and full of healthy fats and protein. You’ll find it’s a total flavor match with this salad’s creamy-crunchy vibe.
Can I make this keto broccoli salad?
Definitely. Just use mayo-based dressing and skip sugar or cranberries.
How long does it last in the fridge?
About 3–4 days—stir before serving. Store bacon separate if you want to keep it crisp longer.
Healthy Recipes Blog
Can I prep ahead the night before?
Yes. Chop and combine everything, but stir in bacon and seeds just before serving for ultimate crunch.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Meals
One of the best parts about this loaded broccoli salad is how well it holds up in the fridge. The crunchy broccoli, creamy dressing, and hearty mix-ins like bacon and cheddar only get better after a few hours.
📅 Make it on Sunday, and you’ve got a flavorful, satisfying side ready to go for days. It travels well, doesn’t get soggy, and makes packed lunches feel like something to look forward to.
FAQs
Can I make this keto broccoli salad?
Definitely. Just use mayo-based dressing and skip sugar or cranberries.
How long does it last in the fridge?
About 3–4 days—stir before serving. Store bacon separate if you want to keep it crisp longer.
Can I prep ahead the night before?
Yes. Chop and combine everything, but stir in bacon and seeds just before serving for ultimate crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a classic, crowd-pleasing, loaded broccoli salad recipe, this is your go-to. It’s crunchy, creamy, bacon-charged goodness that’s perfect for every occasion—from potluck champs to weekday sides.
Made it? Let me know—did you swap nuts? Add apple? Which mix-in was your favorite? Drop a comment or tag me with your version—I love seeing your takes!
