Easy Broccoli Salad – Low Carb/Keto
Introducing a culinary delight that’s as flavorful as it is nutritious – our Easy Broccoli Salad – Low Carb/Keto! This dish is a harmonious blend of vibrant, crisp broccoli florets, crispy bacon bits, and a medley of complementary ingredients, all dressed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Not only does it tantalize the taste buds with its rich and smoky flavors, but it also caters to those seeking a low-carb, high-flavor option. Packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, this salad is a testament to the fact that eating well need not compromise on taste. It’s a perfect addition to your repertoire of wholesome, satisfying recipes. Get ready to savor the freshness and savoriness in each delightful bite. Your taste buds and waistline will thank you!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE IT:
Combined, these ingredients create a creamy broccoli salad that is both flavorful and nutritious, perfect for any occasion from picnics to family gatherings.
- Broccoli (8 Cups): Fresh broccoli serves as the base of this salad, providing a crunchy texture and vibrant green color. Broccoli is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
- Purple Onion (1 small): Purple onion adds a sharp and slightly sweet flavor to the salad. It also contributes a pop of color and texture, complementing the other ingredients well.
- Bacon (½ Cup): Crispy bacon adds a savory and salty element to the salad, providing a contrast to the creamy dressing and crunchy broccoli. You can adjust the amount of bacon based on personal preference.
- Cheddar Cheese (4 oz, cubed): Sharp cheddar cheese adds richness and depth of flavor to the salad. Cubing the cheese allows it to be evenly distributed throughout the salad, providing pockets of cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Cranberries (¼ Cup): Dried cranberries add a tart and slightly sweet flavor to the salad, balancing out the richness of the dressing and the saltiness of the bacon. They also provide a chewy texture and a burst of color.
- Walnuts or Almonds (¼ Cup): Chopped walnuts or almonds add crunch and nuttiness to the salad, as well as additional protein and healthy fats. You can use either nuts based on personal preference or dietary restrictions.
DRESSING:
- Mayonnaise (1 Cup): Mayonnaise serves as the creamy base for the dressing, adding richness and tanginess. You can use regular or light mayonnaise based on preference.
- Vinegar (2 Tbsp): Vinegar provides acidity and brightness to the dressing, balancing out the richness of the mayonnaise.
- Sugar: Original recipes call for 2 tablespoons of sugar for sweetness, but you can use a sugar-free alternative like Swerve for a low-carb option.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Salt and pepper are added to season the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the salad.
HOW TO PREPARE BROCCOLI SALAD?
Time needed: 30 minutes
- Prepare the Ingredients:
Wash and cut the broccoli into small bite-size pieces. Also, dice the purple onion, cube the cheddar cheese, and chop the bacon. In a large bowl combine the broccoli, onion, cheddar cheese, nuts, and cranberries.
- Prepare the Dressing:
Measure one cup of mayonnaise, add two tbsp vinegar, and add two tbsp sugar/swerve. Stir until smooth and creamy. - Combine Dressing and Veggies:
Add the dressing to the broccoli mixture. - Toss Ingredients Together:
Toss the veggies and homemade mayo dressing together. - Refrigerate:
Place in the refrigerator for at least one hour to marinate the flavors. - Serve and Enjoy!
Indulge in the creamy goodness of broccoli salad at your next BBQ or weeknight meal. This refreshing side dish, featuring crisp broccoli florets, crunchy bacon, and a tangy creamy dressing, adds a burst of flavor and texture to any spread. Whether served alongside grilled favorites or as a satisfying standalone dish, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
No, you do not need to blanch the broccoli. However, you want the broccoli to be nice and crunchy for this salad. Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets, so even the tougher pieces are easy to chew.
Yes, you can prepare creamy broccoli salad ahead of time. It often tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight for the best flavor.
Fresh broccoli is typically preferred for preparing creamy broccoli salad because it offers a crisp texture and vibrant flavor. However, frozen broccoli can also be used as a convenient alternative. While fresh broccoli provides a better texture, frozen broccoli can work well if properly thawed and drained to remove excess moisture.
A classic creamy dressing for broccoli salad often consists of mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, vinegar (such as apple cider or white wine vinegar), sugar or honey, and salt and pepper. Adjust the ingredients to taste, and consider adding a splash of lemon juice or mustard for extra flavor.
Absolutely! Creamy broccoli salad is highly customizable. Feel free to add ingredients like crispy bacon, cubed cheeses, dried cranberries or raisins, chopped nuts, red onion, or sliced grapes for added flavor and texture.
Creamy broccoli salad will typically keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container. However, the texture may become softer over time as the dressing marinates the vegetables.
WHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH BROCCOLI SALAD?
Creamy broccoli salad pairs deliciously with many main dishes and sides, making it a versatile addition to any meal. At BBQs and picnics, it often goes with grilled favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue chicken, or steak, adding to their smoky flavors. For weeknight dinners, broccoli salad can be served alongside roasted meats like roasted chicken or pork chops to provide a flavorful and nutritious accompaniment to the main course.
Looking for MORE VEGETABLE SIDE DISHES? Try these!
Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole: Whether it’s Christmas dinner or a regular Tuesday night the Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole can be the star of the show. Well even if they aren’t necessarily meant to, they surely take over and people keep going back for seconds.
Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts: These Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts are guaranteed to become a new favorite side dish for weeknight dinners! They’re tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and exploding with flavor!
Honey Garlic Glazed Roasted Carrots: Honey Garlic Glazed Roasted Carrots are a classic side dish that my family loves. There is nothing better than eating a sweet side dish and knowing it’s also healthy. The combination of carrots, garlic, honey, and butter brings the sweetness you want without the guilt.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE?
Your family will love creamy crisp broccoli salad for its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The creamy dressing coats each crisp broccoli floret, creating a luscious and indulgent bite. The addition of crispy bacon adds a savory crunch, while sweet raisins or dried cranberries provide bursts of sweetness. With its vibrant colors and refreshing taste, creamy crisp broccoli salad is sure to become a beloved favorite at family gatherings, BBQs, picnics, or weeknight dinners. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit everyone’s preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
HOW IS THIS SALAD A GOOD LOW-CARB/KETO OPTION?
This creamy salad can be a good low-carb or keto option depending on how it’s prepared. Broccoli itself is low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, making it suitable for low-carb diets. Additionally, the creamy dressing can be made with low-carb ingredients by using avocado mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and sugar-free sweeteners. You can also omit the sweeter ingredients like raisins or dried cranberries to reduce the carb content. However, it’s important to be mindful of the other ingredients used in the salad, such as chopped nuts or any additional toppings, as they may contribute to the overall carb count. With careful ingredient selection and portion control, creamy crisp broccoli salad can be enjoyed as a delicious and satisfying low-carb or keto-friendly option.
CAN LEFTOVER FRESH CREAMY BROCCOLI SALAD BE FROZEN?
Creamy crisp broccoli salad is not typically recommended for freezing due to the creamy dressing and the texture of the broccoli. Freezing may cause the dressing to separate and become watery upon thawing, while the broccoli can become mushy and lose its crispness. Additionally, ingredients like bacon and raisins may not freeze well and could affect the overall quality of the salad. It’s best to enjoy creamy crisp broccoli salad fresh or refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
Easy Broccoli Salad- Low-Carb/Keto
Ingredients
- 8 Cups Broccoli
- 1 Purple Onion (small)
- ½ Cup Bacon
- 4 oz Cheddar Cheese (cubed)
- ¼ Cup Cranberries
- ¼ Cup Walnuts or Almonds
Dressing
- 1 Cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Sugar Sugar-Free: Swerve
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Wash and cut the broccoli into small bite-size pieces.
- Dice the purple onion and cube the cheddar cheese.
- In a large bowl combine the broccoli, onion, cheddar cheese, nuts, and cranberries.
Prepare the Dressing:
- Measure one cup of mayonnaise, add two tbsp vinegar, and add two tbsp sugar/swerve. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add the dressing to the broccoli mixture and toss well.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour to marinate the flavors.