Broccoli Bacon Salad

This salad is crispy and crunchy thanks to the broccoli, red onion, and pumpkin seeds. With a hint of saltiness from the bacon and a touch of sweetness from the honey!

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Chill Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings

Calories 125kcal

Author Anne Clark

Equipment

glass mixing bowls non-reactive material (no metal)
measuring cup(s)
measuring spoons

Ingredients

For the Dressing

¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1-2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon for a slight lemony flavor or 2 tablespoons for a more robust lemony flavor.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
salt and pepper (a very small amount)

For the Broccoli Salad

12 ounce bag of fresh broccoli florets, cut into small bite-size pieces (or two heads of broccoli - do not use the stems, only the florets). about 4 cups of broccoli, more or less
¼ cup red onion, sliced very thin
6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and broken into small pieces
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
salt and pepper (a very small amount)
⅓ cup roasted pumpkin seeds (unsalted)

Instructions

To make the dressing, combine the Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a small sprinkling of salt and pepper. Set aside.
In a large glass bowl, combine the broccoli, red onion, bacon, and parsley. Sprinkle a small amount of salt and pepper, to taste.
Add the Greek yogurt dressing to the broccoli mixture and toss until combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight. If desired, transfer the salad to a glass or ceramic serving bowl.
Right before serving, give the salad a good stir. Top with roasted pumpkin seeds and serve.

Notes

Bacon - The easiest way to cook bacon is the oven method. While the bacon is cooking, make the salad and the dressing.

Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad - use 2 cups fresh broccoli florets and 2 cups of fresh cauliflower, chopped into bite-size pieces.

Leftovers - cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Lemon - you can usually get about 2 tablespoons of juice from a medium lemon. To get the most juice, roll the lemon around on your countertop with the palm of your hand to loosen up the pulp inside.

Substitutions

Roasted sesame seeds instead of the pumpkin seeds.
Fresh chopped cauliflower instead of the broccoli (or use a combination of both).
Chopped pecans or slivered almonds instead of the seeds.
Store-bought coleslaw dressing if you don't want to make the dressing (but I really want you to make this fabulous homemade dressing!).
If you are really short on time, you could use store-bought real bacon bits and pieces.

Nutrition