Skinny Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Introduction: Welcome to a culinary journey where health meets indulgence with our Skinny Creamy Broccoli Salad. Bursting with vibrant flavors, this salad features crisp broccoli, savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and the delightful crunch of sunflower seeds. Tossed together with a creamy ranch dressing, this dish is not only irresistibly tasty but also a smart choice for those mindful of their wellness journey.

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 (Velveeta Shreds recommended)
  • 1/3 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup dry and roasted sunflower seeds
  • Handful of craisins, optional

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 1/2 (0.5 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
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Pinch of sugar sweetener (Lakanto Classic Monkfruit Sweetener recommended)

Instructions:

Step 1: Assembling the Salad Mix In a generous-sized mixing bowl, combine the vibrant broccoli pieces, diced red onion, roasted sunflower seeds, and the sharp cheddar cheese. This harmonious blend forms the foundation of our Skinny Creamy Broccoli Salad, promising a symphony of textures and flavors.

Step 2: Crafting the Creamy Dressing While the salad mix awaits its dressing, prepare the creamy ranch infusion. In a smaller bowl, whisk together light mayo, vinegar, dry ranch mix, salt, sweetener, unsweetened almond or skim milk, and yogurt. This velvety dressing is the key to transforming our salad into a luscious and guilt-free indulgence.

Step 3: Unveiling the Culinary Ballet Pour the creamy dressing over the broccoli salad mix, allowing it to cascade over each ingredient. Gently toss until every broccoli floret and cheese cube is lovingly coated in the creamy embrace of the ranch dressing.

Step 4: Bacon Bliss No Skinny Creamy Broccoli Salad is complete without a sprinkle of bacon bliss. Add the cooked bacon crumbles to the mix, introducing a savory, smoky dimension that elevates the entire culinary experience.

Step 5: Optional Garnish For those seeking an extra burst of sweetness, garnish the salad with a handful of craisins. This optional addition introduces a delightful contrast, marrying sweet and savory in every bite.

Step 6: Serving and Storage Serve this Skinny Creamy Broccoli Salad immediately or refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors continue to meld, creating a delectable experience with each passing day.

Nutrition Information: Per serving, this salad is a nutritional powerhouse, offering a balance of macronutrients and a calorie count that aligns with your wellness goals.

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

Customization Options: Explore your culinary creativity by incorporating additional ingredients such as cubed cheese, raisins, cashews, pecans, cherry tomatoes, or opting for white onion instead of red onion. The versatility of this salad allows you to personalize it to suit your taste preferences.

Conclusion: Our Skinny Creamy Broccoli Salad is a testament to the fact that healthy eating need not compromise on flavor. Elevate your dining experience with this delectable creation that combines freshness, crunch, and creaminess in every bite. Whether enjoyed as a standalone dish or as a vibrant side, this salad is a celebration of smart choices and indulgent satisfaction. Dive into the world of guilt-free culinary delights with our Skinny Creamy Broccoli Salad – a wholesome symphony for your taste buds.

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