Broccoli Crunch Salad
Are you looking for a delicious, refreshing, and satisfying side dish to complement your meal? Look no further than this Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon. This crowd-pleasing salad combines the fresh crunch of broccoli with the savory, smoky flavor of bacon, all brought together by a rich and creamy dressing.
As a Registered Dietitian with over 25 years of experience, I specialize in crafting recipes that cater to the dietary needs of individuals with CKD. My goal is to make kidney-friendly eating enjoyable and accessible, using evidence-based guidelines to ensure optimal health. This crispy crunchy broccoli salad recipe reflects my commitment to providing nutritious, flavorful options for those managing kidney health.
Not only is it packed with flavor, but it's also loaded with nutrients, making it a tasty and healthy addition to any table. Whether you're planning a family dinner, a picnic, or a potluck, this salad is sure to be a hit. Let's dive into this delightful recipe that balances taste and nutrition perfectly!
You could easily pair this side dish with our Cashew Chicken with Broccoli or any of our other kidney friendly chicken entrees. You can also eat this by itself, just like our other kidney friendly salads. Our steak sliders make a perfect entree to enjoy with this broccoli salad as well. Try it as part of our healthy meal for chronic kidney disease for the new year.
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Ingredients for the Best Broccoli Crunch Salad
This Broccoli Crunch Salad is a crowd-pleasing salad combines the fresh crunch of broccoli with the savory, smoky flavor of bacon, all brought together by a rich and creamy dressing.
- Mayonnaise, reduced fat, with olive oil - Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the dressing while keeping it light.
- Honey, strained or extracted - Introduces a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Lemon juice, canned or bottled - Provides a tangy kick that brightens up the overall taste.
- Lemon peel, raw - Adds a zesty and aromatic note to the dressing.
- Pepper, black, ground - Brings a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
- Onion, raw, sliced - Adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch to the salad.
- Broccoli, raw, chopped - Serves as the nutritious and crunchy base of the salad.
- Bacon, broiled, less salt, pan-fried or roasted, cured- Infuses a smoky, savory flavor that complements the fresh vegetables.
- Parsley, raw - Offers a burst of freshness and vibrant color.
- Sunflower seed, toasted, no added salt, kernels - Contributes a nutty crunch that enhances the salad's texture.
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Crunchy Broccoli Salad
Now that we've gathered all our fresh and flavorful ingredients, it's time to bring this delicious Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon to life. Follow these simple steps to combine the perfect blend of textures and tastes, resulting in a salad that's sure to impress and satisfy.
- To make the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, and zest in a small bowl. Season with pepper, to taste. Set aside.
2. Add the broccoli florets to a large, microwave-safe dish and add 2-3 T. water. Cover and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, or until florets are crisp tender. (Check after 3 minutes and adjust cooking times accordingly). Remove from microwave and drain excess liquid. Set aside, uncovered, and allow steamed florets to cool.
3. Pan fry bacon to be moderately crispy and chop into small pieces.
5. Top with ½ dressing and toss again until ingredients are thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes or overnight before serving. Cover and reserve remaining dressing, as well.
4. In a large glass or other non-reactive bowl, combine the red onion, broccoli, crumbled bacon, and fresh parsley. Toss gently to combine.
6. Toss chilled salad with remaining dressing right before serving, or serve on the side for those who prefer a little extra dressing. Sprinkle with the sunflower seeds right before serving to keep them crunchy. * 1 tablespoon of honey contains up to 17 grams of carbs, or approximately 4¼ grams per serving. If this is too high for your needs, you can use a very small amount of stevia powder or liquid as a substitute.
Hint: For an extra creamy texture, mix your dressing separately and chill it before combining it with the salad.
Substitutions
Whether you're looking to customize the salad to your dietary preferences or simply want to try something new, we've got you covered. Here are a few easy substitutions that maintain the delightful flavors and textures of the original recipe, while offering some variety.
- Greek Yogurt for Mayonnaise: Swap the reduced-fat mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that still delivers a creamy texture.
- Maple Syrup for Honey: Use maple syrup instead of honey to introduce a different natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Turkey Bacon for Regular Bacon: Replace regular bacon with turkey bacon to reduce the fat content without sacrificing that smoky, savory flavor.
With these simple steps and thoughtful substitutions, you can easily prepare a delicious and nutritious Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon that suits your taste and dietary needs.
Variations on Healthy Broccoli Crunch Salad
Looking to add a twist to the classic Broccoli Crunch Salad? Here are three delightful variations that introduce new flavors and textures while keeping the essence of this beloved salad intact.
- Cheddar Broccoli Salad: Add shredded cheddar cheese for an extra layer of savory richness that pairs wonderfully with the smoky bacon and crisp broccoli.
- Cranberry Almond Broccoli Salad: Toss in dried cranberries and sliced almonds to introduce a sweet-tart flavor and a delightful crunch, adding both visual appeal and taste complexity.
- Avocado Broccoli Salad: Incorporate diced avocado for a creamy, nutrient-dense addition that enhances the salad's texture and provides healthy fats.
Storage
To keep your Creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon fresh and flavorful, follow these handy storage tips:
- Refrigerate Promptly - After preparing the salad, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the ingredients from wilting or becoming soggy.
- Separate Dressing - If you're planning to store the salad for an extended period, consider keeping the dressing in a separate container. Mix the dressing with the salad just before serving to preserve the crisp texture of the broccoli and other ingredients.
- Use Within 3 Days - For the best taste and quality, consume the salad within three days of preparation. This ensures that the ingredients remain fresh and the flavors stay vibrant.
- Refresh Before Serving - If the salad has been stored for a day or two, give it a gentle toss and add a bit more dressing or fresh ingredients like parsley or sunflower seeds to revitalize its taste and appearance.
Top tip
For an extra burst of flavor and crunch, lightly toast the broccoli in the oven for a few minutes before adding it to the salad. This slight roasting enhances the natural sweetness and adds a delightful texture, taking your salad to the next level!
FAQs for Broccoli Crunch Salad
Absolutely! You can prepare the components of the salad ahead of time and store them separately. For the best results, store the dressing in a separate container and mix it with the salad just before serving. This will help maintain the crispness of the broccoli and the crunchiness of the other ingredients.
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the bacon or substituting it with a plant-based bacon alternative. You can also add extra nuts, seeds, or even some roasted chickpeas for added protein and crunch.
More Kidney Friendly Salads
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing with these Side Dishes
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Creamy Broccoli Salad Crunch:
If you tried this Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Broccoli Crunch Salad
If you have the time, make this recipe the night before. The extra time will allow the flavors to blend more thoroughly.
Ingredients
- ½ cup MAYONNAISE REDUCED FAT, W/OLIVE OIL
- 1 tablespoon HONEY STRAINED OR EXTRACTED
- 2 tablespoon LEMON JUICE canned or bottled
- 1 tablespoon LEMON PEEL RAW
- 1 teaspoon PEPPER BLACK, GROUND
- ¼ cup ONION RAW, sliced
- 2 cup BROCCOLI RAW, CHOPPED
- 2 slice BACON BROILED, LESS SALT, pan-fried or roasted, cured
- ¼ cup PARSLEY RAW
- ⅓ cup SUNFLOWER SEED TOASTED, NO ADDED SALT, kernels
Instructions
- 1. To make the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, and zest in a small bowl. Season with pepper, to taste. Set aside.
- 2. Add the broccoli florets to a large, microwave-safe dish and add 2-3 T. water. Cover and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, or until florets are crisp tender. (Check after 3 minutes and adjust cooking times accordingly). Remove from microwave and drain excess liquid. Set aside, uncovered, and allow steamed florets to cool.
- 3. Pan fry bacon to be moderately crispy and chop into small pieces.
- 4. In a large glass or other non-reactive bowl, combine the red onion, broccoli, crumbled bacon, and fresh parsley. Toss gently to combine.
- 5. Top with ½ dressing and toss again until ingredients are thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes or overnight before serving. Cover and reserve remaining dressing, as well.
- 6. Toss chilled salad with remaining dressing right before serving, or serve on the side for those who prefer a little extra dressing. Sprinkle with the sunflower seeds right before serving to keep them crunchy. * 1 tablespoon of honey contains up to 17 grams of carbs, or approximately 4¼ grams per serving. If this is too high for your needs, you can use a very small amount of stevia powder or liquid as a substitute.
The broccoli salad was absolutely delicious. I've not kept up with you and now I'm paying for it. My creatinine levels are up. I will follow you more closely. Thanks for this recipie.
This recipe is so good! The broccoli is tender and the dressing is so creamy! I'd recommend making this if you get the chance.