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Light and Easy Broccoli Salad

★★★★★ 30 Reviews Recipe Print
gf
By: ErinPosted: 4/13/21Updated: 4/13/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Light and Easy Broccoli Salad
Light and Easy Broccoli Salad

Pair tonight’s entrée with Light and Easy Broccoli Salad for a chilled and refreshing dish complete with bacon, sunflower seeds, garlic, and honey!

broccoli salad

A flavorful side (or main dish!)

Sometimes steamed broccoli as a side dish can get old. When this happens, my go-to is always a fresh, crisp, light and easy broccoli salad! Not only does this recipe give us a different way to enjoy broccoli, it also provides a refreshing and satisfying taste.

This dish uses all of the classic broccoli salad ingredients (onion, mayo, bacon), but with a slight twist. I made a couple of swaps to keep things on the healthier side, which you can read about below!

Broccoli salad requires only _ minutes of prep time, and it lasts for up to 5 days in the fridge. It’s a great option for enjoying throughout the week. Let’s dive in!

making broccoli salad

Everything used in simple broccoli salad

Simple broccoli salad uses so many delicious, savory ingredients. We’ll start off with a broccoli base before adding on turkey bacon, raisins, sunflower seeds, and many other goodies!

  • Broccoli: First up on the ingredient list is 1 lb of broccoli, chopped into small pieces. 1lb should amount to roughly 2 medium heads.
  • Red onion: For onion, diced up 1/2 cup. I love to use red, but white or yellow will work too!
  • Sunflower seeds: Next up, add texture and subtle flavor with 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds.
  • Raisins: The same goes for raisins! Add a dash of sweetness with 1/2 cup.
  • Turkey bacon: Add 6 slices of cooked and chopped turkey bacon for a delicious and savory touch.
  • Greek yogurt: We’ll be using 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt to help reach the desired consistency.
  • Mayonnaise: Next up, match the yogurt with another 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Add a slight (but not overpowering!) bite with 3 tbsp of apple cider vinegar.
  • Honey: 2 tbsp of honey will serve as a yummy all-natural sweetener.
  • Garlic: Include 1 clove of minced garlic.
  • Salt: Add 1/2 tsp of salt for flavor.
  • Pepper: Last but not least, finish things off with 1/4 tsp of pepper.

Tools needed to create this dish

To make easy broccoli salad with bacon, you will need a cutting board, chopping knife, small mixing bowl, large mixing bowl, and stirring utensil.

For measuring, you will need 1/2 tsp, 1 tbsp, and 1/2 cup.

making broccoli salad

How to make light and easy broccoli salad

This is one of the simplest side dishes, because absolutely zero cooking time is required! Just chop, mix, and combine. Oh, and don’t forget to let it sit in the fridge for a bit!

To begin, pour the chopped broccoli into a large mixing bowl.

Add the onion, sunflower seeds, raisins, and chopped turkey bacon.

In a small bowl, mix the remainder of the ingredients until well incorporated. This will be the dressing.

Pour the dressing over the bowl of broccoli and other ingredients.

Stir really well, coating each piece in dressing.

Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

Here are some quick tips for making the best quick broccoli salad.

Let it sit for longer than 30 minutes
The recipe recommends letting the salad sit for at least 30 minutes, but it tastes even better when it’s refrigerated for 2-3 hours! This gives the ingredients and flavors time to combine and really set in.

Finely chop the broccoli
Some people leave large florets in their broccoli salad, but I recommend chopping it into very small pieces. This gives you the opportunity to mix things thoroughly and to enjoy all of the flavors in each bite.

Add cheese
Cheese is always a good idea, including in this salad! Add cubes or small pieces of your favorite. Provolone, cheddar, Swiss, and pepper jack are all great options!

Storing leftovers
Broccoli salad should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 5 days.

making broccoli salad dressing

How this simple broccoli salad is healthier

I made a few swaps in this broccoli salad to make it healthier than what you may find otherwise. With just 3 ingredient substitutes, there’s a world of difference nutrient-wise!

Turkey bacon
First, I swapped regular bacon with turkey bacon. This is an easy swap that has far less calories but still packs a flavor punch.

Green yogurt
Next, I used Greek yogurt to replace part of the mayonnaise. This contributes the same consistency while adding less calories. Because we’re still using part of the mayo, the correct flavor remains.

Honey
Finally, I used honey as my sweetener of choice. This all-natural option is far healthier than granulated sugar in calories, nutrients, and its lower glycemic properties.

making broccoli salad

Ways to enjoy broccoli salad

Serve up broccoli salad alongside your favorite main course — it works with practically anything! Here are some of my favorite pairings.

Broccoli salad paired with Apple Turkey Burgers is a great way to satisfy cravings and sneak in feelings of summer.

Broccoli salad also works really well with chicken entrées, particularly Caprese Chicken Quinoa Bake and One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta!

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Want some more delicious side dish recipes? Here are some flavorful options featuring yummy garlic sesame green beans and deliciously fruity cranberry quinoa salad.

  • Easy Veggie Fried Cauliflower Rice
  • Garlic Sesame Green Beans
  • Cranberry Quinoa Salad
  • Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa

making broccoli salad
broccoli salad
★★★★★ 5 from 30 reviews

Light and Easy Broccoli Salad

Pair tonight’s entrée with Light and Easy Broccoli Salad for a chilled and refreshing dish complete with bacon, sunflower seeds, garlic, and honey!

Prep: 10Cook: 30Total: 40 minutes
Yield 10 servings 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

  • 1 lb broccoli, chopped small (roughly 2 medium heads)
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 6 slices cooked turkey bacon, chopped
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (I used 0%)
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Pour broccoli into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add onion, sunflower seeds, raisins, and chopped turkey bacon.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the remainder of the ingredients. This will make the dressing.
  4. Pour the dressing over the bowl with the broccoli and other ingredients.
  5. Stir really well, coating each piece in dressing.
  6. Let sit in fridge at least 30 minutes before serving.
  7. Keep in fridge for up to 5 days.
Author: ErinCategory: sides, holiday, gluten-free, dinnerMethod: no-bakeCuisine: AmericanDiet: Gluten Free
broccoli salad

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

You May Also Like...

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    Cranberry Quinoa Salad
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    Healthy Chicken Caesar Salad
  • chicken parmesan on plate
    Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan
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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Tina says

    Posted on 6/13 at 4:46 pm

    I made this for a Memorial Day bbq and everyone loved it!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/14 at 2:11 pm

      Hi Tina, so happy you liked the salad!

      Reply
  2. Kara says

    Posted on 6/13 at 3:26 pm

    Made this lighter version of a classic recipe. So delish! Will definitely be making again. I did craisins instead of raisins.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/13 at 8:17 pm

      Hi Kara, so glad you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  3. Allison says

    Posted on 6/13 at 2:13 pm

    This was so good! I would definitely recommend to let it sit for a couple hours so the flavors meld. Thank you for another great recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/13 at 8:08 pm

      Hi Allison, so glad you loved it!

      Reply
  4. Jenny says

    Posted on 6/13 at 2:11 pm

    So easy and so delicious!! Made it for a pool party to add some veggies to the mix and it was a winner!! Can’t wait to make it (aka eat it) again!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/13 at 8:07 pm

      Hi Jenny, so glad everyone loved it!!

      Reply
  5. Sarah says

    Posted on 6/13 at 12:05 pm

    🙌🙌 sooo good! My husband can’t believe it’s not all Mayo. I like to change it up and add cranberries from time to time.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/13 at 2:02 pm

      Hi Sarah, so glad you liked it and make it your own!!

      Reply
  6. Nikki Thompson says

    Posted on 6/13 at 11:20 am

    This salad is amazing!!! I omitted the raisins and used monk fruit sweetener in place of the honey because I am keto and it was still so good!! Highly recommend!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/13 at 1:50 pm

      Hi Nikki, so glad you liked it and made it your own!

      Reply
  7. Jessica MacConchie says

    Posted on 6/13 at 10:51 am

    I’ve made this a few times already this summer and it’s SO delicious. My fiancé’s grandmother makes a version that is loaded with sugar, so it’s a win that my fiancé loves this just as much with 90% less sugar! Highly recommend as a side dish for your summer bbqs!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/13 at 1:44 pm

      Hi Jessica, so glad you and your family enjoyed the salad!!

      Reply
  8. Bethany says

    Posted on 5/30 at 8:19 pm

    I just made this last night and am already planning to make another batch for Memorial Day tomorrow! Thank you for this delicious recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/1 at 4:59 pm

      Hi Bethany, so glad you loved it!!

      Reply
  9. Rachel says

    Posted on 5/30 at 4:43 pm

    I never really had broccoli salad in general before, but I made this and I can’t stop eating it! So good and so easy!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/1 at 4:57 pm

      Hi Rachel, so glad you tried and enjoyed it!! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Casey Colodny says

    Posted on 5/12 at 3:58 pm

    This is perfect for summer and tastes so fresh. The creamy dressing and crisp broccoli pair so well! Then the raisins add the perfect touch of sweetness.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/12 at 5:07 pm

      Hi Casey, so glad you loved it so much! Thanks for your kind words!

      Reply
  11. Alexis says

    Posted on 5/11 at 4:40 pm

    On my third week in a row making this. Used dairy free yogurt and it is still delicious!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/12 at 4:58 pm

      Hi Alexis, so happy you enjoyed the salad!

      Reply
  12. Julie S. says

    Posted on 4/28 at 8:46 pm

    Awesome!! Went great with turkey burgers for supper. Didn’t have raisins so I used dried cranberries. Will make again!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/29 at 4:24 pm

      Hi Julie, so glad you liked it and great sub!!

      Reply
  13. Sarah Beth says

    Posted on 4/26 at 4:41 pm

    Really enjoyed this recipe! Came together super easily and was perfect for a cookout side dish. I subbed pork bacon, avocado mayo and dried cranberries. The salad had a little bit of a tang to it – maybe from the yogurt or because I didn’t use regular mayo. Next time, I’ll try regular mayo, but either way, the salad was delicious and one to keep around!

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/26 at 7:50 pm

      Hi Sarah Beth, so glad you loved the salad and made it your own!

      Reply
  14. Mary says

    Posted on 4/25 at 5:41 pm

    Loved this recipe! Perfect for summer. I did not have raisins, so I substituted diced honey crisp apple. I also added pumpkin seeds instead of sunflower seeds because thats what I had on hand. So delicious!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/26 at 7:46 pm

      Hi Mary, so happy you loved it and made it your own!!

      Reply
  15. Kellyn says

    Posted on 4/25 at 7:45 am

    Delicious recipe!! Perfect for a summer bbq side.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/25 at 12:05 pm

      Hi Kellyn, I am so glad liked it!

      Reply
  16. Michelle says

    Posted on 4/14 at 6:14 pm

    Amazing recipe! Love the sweetness of the raisins. Definitely making this for our next family get together.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/15 at 9:16 am

      Hi Michelle, so happy you love it!!

      Reply
  17. Marlise Lombardo says

    Posted on 4/14 at 11:36 am

    12/10. This was SO delicious and super easy to make. I doubled the batch and it was perfect! Instead of sunflower seeds/raisins I substituted cheese lol, and it was even more indulgent. Couldn’t even tell the dressing was “lightened up”. Thanks Erin ❤️

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/15 at 9:12 am

      Hi Marlise, so glad you loved it!!

      Reply
  18. Sheila Turner says

    Posted on 4/13 at 9:07 pm

    SO good!! Love this and so remember this salad growing up as a kid

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/15 at 9:04 am

      Hi Sheila, so glad you liked it and had it growing up too!

      Reply
  19. Shelby says

    Posted on 4/13 at 7:46 pm

    I saw this recipe post and knew I had to make it today! This salad is delicious. Reminds me of one of my childhood favorites! Can’t wait to make it again later this summer!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/15 at 9:02 am

      Hi Shelby, so happy you loved it!

      Reply
  20. Kay says

    Posted on 4/13 at 9:57 am

    Hi! This sounds SO good. Is there a suggested sub for the raisins? Maybe dried cranberries? Raisin hater over here 🙂

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/13 at 12:38 pm

      Hi Kay, thanks and yep! Anything like that will do! Your choice! Let me know how your salad comes out!

      Reply
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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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