Broccoli never fails to surprise with its versatility and crunch. This Ultimate Broccoli Salad with Honey Yogurt Dressing is a fresh take on a classic favorite.
Crisp broccoli, sweet cranberries, and crunchy almonds are tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing that hits all the right notes. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish for any meal, this salad is both nourishing and delicious.
Prepare to fall in love with broccoli all over again!
Steps
- Make the dressing by mixing together Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Set aside after blending well.
- Cut broccoli crowns into small florets, ensuring they are bite-sized. Rinse the florets under cool water in a colander and allow them to drain.
- Peel a carrot and use a large-holed cheese grater to shred it. Thinly slice a quarter of a red onion into strips.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained broccoli, shredded carrot, sliced red onion, dried cranberries, and raw sunflower seeds.
- Pour the honey yogurt dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is coated with the dressing.
- Allow the salad to marinate for 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld. Stir the salad again just before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% fat)
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked pepper to taste
- 4 cups broccoli florets (from approximately 2 crowns)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1231.68kcal | Carbohydrates: 153.6g | Protein: 42.9g | Fat: 59.7g | Sodium: 2945.6mg | Fiber: 25.38g
FAQ
- Can I substitute mayo in the broccoli salad?
- While it’s possible to use only Greek yogurt, it’s not recommended. Mayo and Greek yogurt have distinct textures and flavors; a small amount of mayo adds the needed richness to the salad. Using reduced-fat Greek yogurt instead of fat-free will also enhance the flavor and texture.
- How long does broccoli salad stay fresh?
- Broccoli salad typically stays fresh for about three days in the refrigerator. Over time, the broccoli softens as it absorbs the dressing, which is desirable to some extent. However, after three days, it can become too mushy. Stir the salad daily to mix the dressing back in before serving.
- What’s the best way to prepare broccoli for the salad?
- Cut the broccoli crowns into very small florets, ensuring they are bite-sized and mix well with other ingredients. Rinse them with cool water and let them drain thoroughly before combining with the salad.
- Can I make the dressing in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the honey yogurt dressing ahead of time. Just combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and freshly cracked pepper, then store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
- Is this broccoli salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
- Yes, the broccoli salad with honey yogurt dressing is vegetarian-friendly. It includes ingredients like Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and honey, but no meat or animal-derived gelatin.
Tips
- Cut Broccoli into Small Florets: Ensure the broccoli florets are cut small enough to fit on a fork. This will help the salad ingredients mix well and make it easier to eat.
- Use Reduced-Fat Greek Yogurt: While fat-free Greek yogurt can be used, opting for a reduced-fat (2%) variety will enhance the salad’s flavor and texture, providing a richer taste.
- Marinate Before Serving: Allow the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes after mixing. This gives the dressing time to meld with the flavors of the other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste.
- Stir Before Serving: Just before serving, give the salad another stir to redistribute the dressing and ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
