Description

A vibrant and crunchy Loaded Broccoli Salad featuring fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets, crispy bacon, tangy Colby Jack cheese, and a creamy, slightly sweet dressing made from Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, and red wine vinegar. This easy-to-make salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences.

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. Stir until smooth. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the salad to allow flavors to meld.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, half of the crumbled bacon, Colby Jack cheese cubes, and diced red onion. Toss gently to mix.
Mix Everything Together: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to coat everything evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top of the salad for an extra crispy texture and appealing presentation. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Notes

Make it Dairy-Free: Swap Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and avocado mayo.
Lower the Sugar: Replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener and omit the optional granulated sugar.
Add More Crunch: Include toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pecans to introduce additional texture.
Try Different Cheese: Substitute Colby Jack with cheddar, feta, or blue cheese for a flavor twist.
Add Protein: Enhance the salad by incorporating grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs for a complete meal.
Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to redistribute dressing.
Pro Tip: For best texture, keep dressing separate if making ahead and combine just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Broccoli Salad, Loaded Salad, Bacon Salad, Healthy Salad, Greek Yogurt Dressing, Summer Salad, Easy Salad Recipe, Gluten-Free Salad