Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh broccoli florets | 4 cups |
| Cheddar cheese, diced small | 1 cup |
| Turkey or beef bacon, cooked & chopped | ½ cup |
| Red onion, finely chopped | ¼ cup |
| Raisins or dried cranberries | ½ cup |
| Sunflower seeds or chopped almonds | ⅓ cup |
For the Dressing
| Dressing Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Greek yogurt (optional but recommended) | ¼ cup |
| Honey or sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar | 1–2 tbsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
Instructions
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Prep broccoli: Rinse, dry, and chop into bite-size florets.
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Cook bacon: Pan-fry until crispy, drain, cool, then chop.
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Make dressing: Mix mayo, yogurt, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Combine: In a bowl, add broccoli, cheese, bacon, onion, raisins/cranberries, and seeds/nuts.
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Toss & chill: Pour dressing over salad, mix well, and chill at least 30–60 minutes before serving for best flavor.
❓ Q&A
1. Can I make it without mayo?
Yes! Replace it with:
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All Greek yogurt, or
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A mix of yogurt + cream cheese, or
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Hummus for a healthier twist.
2. Can I store leftovers?
Yes, keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Nuts/seeds may soften a bit, so add extra before serving.
3. Why chill the salad?
Chilling helps the broccoli absorb the dressing and balances the sweetness, making it more flavorful.
4. Is this salad healthy?
Very! High in fiber, antioxidants, and protein (if you add yogurt and bacon). To make it even healthier:
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Reduce honey/sugar
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Add more seeds
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Use low-fat cheese
5. How do I keep broccoli from tasting bitter?
Use fresh bright green broccoli and pair it with the sweet elements like honey + raisins/cranberries in the dressing.
6. Can kids eat it?
Absolutely! Make it milder by skipping onions, or replacing them with grated carrot for color and sweetness.
7. Can I add vegetables?
Yes, great additions:
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Carrot (grated or diced)
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Corn
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Cucumber
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Cherry tomatoes (add last to avoid wateriness)
8. What protein can I add instead of bacon?
Try:
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Grilled chicken cubes
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Boiled eggs
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Chickpeas
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Tuna (drained well)