Loaded Broccoli Salad
Your family will love this Loaded Broccoli Salad with a sweet yogurt base dressing, packed with cauliflower, bacon, onions, cheese and more.
Friends, this Loaded Broccoli Salad is a crisp, creamy, refreshing, anytime salad! I say to serve this anytime of the year, because it’s a crowd-pleaser and full of easy-to-buy ingredients. If you love my Broccoli Bacon and Cashew Salad, then you will love this salad, too.
Why we love this broccoli salad
For any potluck or party, this Loaded Broccoli Salad is a favorite side dish that gets devoured quite quickly. Just think picnic, a weeknight meal, a camping salad, and just about any potluck for bringing this delicous salad.
Or, it’s perfect for the Fourth of July! Get the grilling going for Best Grilled Chicken Thighs, Watermelon Kalamata Burrata Salad, and this crunchy broccoli salad.
Loaded Broccoli Salad
This salad also pairs well with any other grilling that you may be doing (burger, hot dogs, steak, kebabs).
It’s a great side dish, or quite honestly, main dish. I love to eat a bowl of broccoli salad for lunch. You can even make it for a luncheon as the main dish, and serve a side of hot crunchy bread (and butter, of courses). :)
This time of year, everyone seems to be searching for the best summer salad. So nab this amazing Loaded Broccoli Salad, which is full of color, crunch, and the best flavor.
Why is it called “loaded broccoli” salad?
This salad is call “loaded broccoli salad” because it’s packed with delicious, vibrants ingredients. And you can always add more! Load the salad up with all your favorite crunchy bites!
We really love the homemade dressing!
Gather these ingredients for Loaded Broccoli Salad
Let’s get started with these easy ingredients (get the full printable recipe below):
- Broccoli + cauliflower
- Seedless red grapes (make sure they are seedless)
- Bacon
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Red onion
- Toasted almonds
For the Greek yogurt dressing:
The sweet dressing is so amazingly good!
- Greek yogurt + mayonnaise
- Honey
- Red wine vinegar
- Granulated sugar
- Salt and pepper
Should we blanch the broccoli?
It’s really up to you if you want to blanch the broccoli and cauliflower first, or keep it rase. Either way works.
Some people find that raw broccoli is hard on the stomache, so you can blanch it to make it softer and more pleasant to eat.
If you want to blanch the broccoli, get a large bowl with ice water ready. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and cook the broccoli for or 2 minutes, and then drain. Add the broccoli to the ice water bath.
Leave the broccoli in the ice water bath or 3-5 minutes, until it’s completely cooled down.
Drain very well before adding to the salad!
Tips and substitutions:
- The flavor is amazing in this salad, and the longer it sits, the better it gets.
- Add dried fruit: Any kind of chopped dried fruit is fantastic to add, and of course beloved Craisins or raisins.
- Mix up the nuts: Add walnuts or pecans in place of the almonds.
- Just add berries: For summer, we love to add blueberries or even chopped strawberries.
- Add seeds: Sunflower seeds are an all-time favorite in this salad.
- For more crunch (and perfect for fall), add a Honeycrisp red apple (leave the skin on).
- Make it vegetarian and leave out the bacon.
How do you make Loaded Broccoli Salad?
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients (Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper). Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, grapes, bacon, cheese, onion, and sliced almonds.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Top the salad with the remaining bacon, cheese, red onion, and almonds.
- Chill and serve!
How long does a broccoli salad last in the fridge?
This salad will stay fresh 1-2 days in the fridge. The flavors get even better, the longer it sits.
Yes, this salad is a great alternative a Potato Salad at a party. Change up the usual, and bring something vibrant and memorable. :)
Toss it with the homemade dressing and it will be a delicious side dish for your next summer BBQ!
And don’t be surprised if your family and guests request this salad over and over!
Enjoy!
Craving more salads? Try these recipes:
Summer Italian Spaghetti Salad Recipe
Sweet Asian Slaw with Apple and Corn
Get the Recipe:
Loaded Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
Dressing:
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Salad:
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 4 cups cauliflower florets, chopped
- 2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes (yellow)
- 1 red onion, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup toasted, sliced almonds
Instructions
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients (Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper). Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, grapes, and then 2/3 of the bacon, cheese, onion, and sliced almonds.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Top the salad with the remaining bacon, cheese, red onion, and almonds.
- Chill and serve!
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
