Description
This vibrant Broccoli Salad combines crisp broccoli florets with smoky turkey bacon and creamy plant-based cheese for a fresh, flavorful dish perfect for lunches, potlucks, or as a nutritious side. Enhanced by crunchy sunflower seeds, sweet dried cranberries, and a tangy natural mayonnaise dressing, this recipe balances textures and tastes effortlessly, making it a beloved favorite that is easy to prepare and customizable.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup plant-based cheese cubes
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (natural)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup natural mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon natural honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut into small, bite-sized florets to ensure an even balance of crunch and tenderness.
- Cook the Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Once cooked, let cool and chop into small pieces for easy mixing throughout the salad.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together natural mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, natural honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy and tangy dressing.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add broccoli florets, chopped turkey bacon, red onion slices, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and plant-based cheese cubes. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly without compromising the crisp texture.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the broccoli to soften slightly while retaining its crunch.
Notes
- Cut broccoli florets uniformly for even texture and easy eating.
- Cook turkey bacon until crispy but not burnt to enhance flavor and crunch.
- Chilling the salad after mixing helps the dressing infuse all ingredients.
- Use fresh broccoli and crisp onions to ensure vibrancy in flavor and texture.
- Taste the dressing before tossing and adjust the honey or vinegar to fit your preferred sweetness and acidity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: broccoli salad, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon salad, healthy salad, gluten free, crunchy salad