Skinny Creamy Broccoli Salad

This Skinny Creamy Broccoli Salad is packed with broccoli, bacon, red onions, sunflower seeds and tossed together with a creamy ranch dressing!! The combination of all the flavors makes this Broccoli Salad irresistible!

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 heads of broccoli, or about 5 cups, cut into bite size pieces
  • 8 slices center cut bacon or Hormel precooked bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed ( I use Velveeta Shreds)
  • 1/3 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup dry and roasted sunflower seeds
  • handful of craisins, optional

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/2 ( .5 oz.) dry ranch dressing packet
  • 1/2 cup Kraft light mayo
  • 1 cup non fat plain yogurt
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond or skim milk
  • 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • pinch of sugar sweetener ( I use Lakanto Classic Monkfruit Sweetener)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl combine broccoli pieces, red onion, sunflower seeds and cheese.
  2. Meanwhile make the dressing: In a small bow combine, mayonnaise, vinegar, dry ranch mix, salt, sweetener, unsweetened almond or skim milk, and yogurt. Whisk until well combined.
  3. Pour dressing over broccoli salad mix. Toss until all ingredients are well combined.
  4. Sprinkle the salad with cooked bacon crumbles. Toss just before serving.
  5. Garnish with handful of craisins, if desired for addtional points.
  6. Store in an airtight container the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Makes 7 ( 1 cup) servings

3 Points® per serving

Smartpoints: Green, Blue, and Purple: 4 SmartPoints per serving

What other ingredients could I add to this salad?

Cubed cheese
Raisins
Cashews
Pecans
Cherry tomatoes
White onion rather than red onion

Nutrition Information:

YIELD:7

SERVING SIZE:1

Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 177TOTAL FAT: 13gSATURATED FAT: 3gTRANS FAT: 0gUNSATURATED FAT: 0gCHOLESTEROL: 26mgSODIUM: 342mgCARBOHYDRATES: 6gNET CARBOHYDRATES: 5gFIBER: 1gSUGAR: 3gPROTEIN: 10g

Skinny Creamy Broccoli Salad

Introduction:

Indulge in the refreshing flavors of this Skinny Creamy Broccoli Salad, where crisp broccoli florets mingle with savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and the delightful crunch of sunflower seeds. Tossed in a creamy ranch dressing that’s lightened up with yogurt and mayo, this salad is not only bursting with flavors but also healthier with reduced-fat ingredients. Perfect for a potluck, picnic, or as a side dish for any meal, this salad is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

Salad:

  • 2 heads of broccoli, or about 5 cups, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 8 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed
  • 1/3 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup dry-roasted sunflower seeds
  • Handful of craisins (optional)

Dressing:

  • 1/2 (0.5 oz) packet dry ranch dressing mix
  • 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
  • 1 cup non-fat plain yogurt
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or skim milk
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of sugar sweetener (e.g., Lakanto Classic Monkfruit Sweetener)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Salad:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli pieces, diced red onion, sunflower seeds, and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
  1. Make the Dressing:
  • In a small bowl, whisk together light mayonnaise, non-fat yogurt, white wine vinegar, dry ranch dressing mix, salt, sweetener, and unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk) until smooth and well combined.
  1. Combine and Toss:
  • Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli salad mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy ranch dressing.
  1. Add Bacon and Optional Ingredients:
  • Sprinkle the salad with crumbled cooked bacon just before serving to maintain its crispness and flavor.
  • Optionally garnish with a handful of craisins for a touch of sweetness and color contrast.
  1. Storage and Serving:
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring the salad remains fresh and crisp.
  • This recipe yields approximately 7 servings, with each serving measuring about 1 cup.

Additional Ingredients:

Enhance your Skinny Creamy Broccoli Salad with additional ingredients like cubed cheese for extra creaminess, raisins or craisins for a burst of sweetness, cashews or pecans for added crunch and nutty flavor, cherry tomatoes for freshness, or white onion for a milder onion flavor.

Nutrition Information:

Each serving provides approximately:

  • Calories: 177
  • Total Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 26mg
  • Sodium: 342mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Protein: 10g

Conclusion:

This Skinny Creamy Broccoli Salad offers a balance of flavors and textures that make it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether served as a side or enjoyed as a light lunch, its creamy ranch dressing, combined with the freshness of broccoli and the savory notes of bacon and cheese, ensures each bite is a delight. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this salad is a testament to how wholesome ingredients can create a dish that is both nutritious and satisfying. Incorporate your favorite additions and enjoy this salad as a versatile addition to your menu rotation.