Low-Point, Easy, and Delicious Broccoli Salad

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Introduction

Embark on a culinary journey with our Low-Point, Easy, and Delicious Broccoli Salad—a symphony of vibrant colors, textures, and flavors meticulously crafted to delight your taste buds. This recipe seamlessly combines health-conscious choices with culinary indulgence, offering a refreshing twist to the classic broccoli salad. Join us as we explore the intricacies of each ingredient, the art of preparation, and the nutritional benefits that make this salad a must-try addition to your repertoire of wholesome dishes.

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, blanched
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

  • 1/2 cup carrots, julienned

  • 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
    4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
    1/2 cup reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled
  • For the Dressing
    1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
    2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
    2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
    Salt and pepper to taste
    Instructions
    Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
    Blanch the Broccoli:Bring a pot of water to a boil and prepare an ice bath.
    Add broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes.
    Quickly transfer the broccoli to the ice bath to halt the cooking process and retain its vibrant color.
    Drain and set aside.
    Combine Salad Ingredients:In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, cherry tomatoes, red onion, carrots, raisins or dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, turkey bacon, and crumbled feta cheese.
    Step 2: Crafting the Dressing
    Whisk the Dressing:In a separate bowl, whisk together non-fat Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
    Adjust the seasonings to taste.
    Step 3: Merging Flavors
    Dress the Salad:Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients, ensuring an even coating.

  • Gently toss the salad, allowing the dressing to harmonize with the vegetables and create a delightful medley of flavors.
    Step 4: Chilling and Serving
    Refrigerate:Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
    Garnish and Serve:Before serving, garnish with additional sunflower seeds, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
    Nutritional Information
    Per Serving (1 cup):
    Calories: 120
    Carbohydrates: 15g
    Protein: 7g
    Fat: 5g
    Fiber: 4g
    Smart WW Points: 3

  • Tips for the Perfect Broccoli Salad
    Blanching Technique:Blanching the broccoli not only retains its bright green color but also gives it a tender-crisp texture that is perfect for salads.
    Customizing the Ingredients:Feel free to substitute the raisins or cranberries with other dried fruits like apricots or dates for a different flavor profile.
    Adding Crunch:For extra crunch, consider adding nuts such as almonds or walnuts along with the sunflower seeds.
    Vegetarian Option:Replace turkey bacon with plant-based bacon or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version.
    Serving Suggestions:This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light and nutritious meal.