Low Carb Broccoli Salad

Featured in Refreshing Salads.

This quick and easy salad combines crisp vegetables with bacon and cheese in a creamy dressing. Ready in 15 minutes for a satisfying low-carb side dish.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:34:11 GMT
A close-up of a bowl of broccoli salad mixed with diced chicken, red onions, and bacon pieces. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl of broccoli salad mixed with diced chicken, red onions, and bacon pieces. | recipesim.com

My loaded broccoli salad has become such a hit at family gatherings. It's fresh crunchy and has the most amazing creamy dressing. Plus with crispy bacon cheese and lots of veggies it works perfectly as a side dish or light meal on its own.

Keeping It Light and Delicious

I love that this salad lets me enjoy all my favorite flavors while keeping things low carb. It's my go to when I want something that tastes indulgent but still fits into a healthy eating plan.

What You'll Need

  • For the Dressing: I mix Greek yogurt and mayo for the perfect creamy base.
  • Sweet Touch: Just a bit of sugar and honey or use your favorite sweetener.
  • Vinegar: I use red wine vinegar but any kind works great.
  • Fresh Veggies: Grab broccoli cauliflower and some red onion.
  • Bacon: Cook it nice and crispy that's the secret.
  • Cheese: Colby is my favorite but use what you love.

Let's Put It Together

Start With The Dressing
Mix up your yogurt mayo sweeteners and vinegar until smooth pop it in the fridge.
Toss Your Salad
In your biggest bowl combine all those colorful veggies bacon and cheese.
Bring It All Together
Pour that creamy dressing over everything give it a good toss. I like to add extra bacon on top right before serving.
A colorful bowl of broccoli salad mixed with red apple slices, and a creamy dressing. Pin it
A colorful bowl of broccoli salad mixed with red apple slices, and a creamy dressing. | recipesim.com

Make It Your Way

Sometimes I use all mayo or swap in sour cream it's totally up to you. Adding nuts or sunflower seeds gives it an amazing crunch too.

Keeping It Low Carb

If you're watching your sugar just use your favorite low carb sweetener. I've tried stevia and monk fruit both work beautifully in the dressing.

What to Serve It With

This salad goes with everything. We love it alongside grilled chicken or burgers. It's always the first thing gone at summer BBQs.

Keeping It Fresh

Store your salad in a sealed container in the fridge. If you're making it ahead keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve keeps everything nice and crisp.

A variety of fresh vegetables including broccoli and cauliflower, along with bacon, a bowl of yogurt, honey, and cooking oil, arranged on a white surface. Pin it
A variety of fresh vegetables including broccoli and cauliflower, along with bacon, a bowl of yogurt, honey, and cooking oil, arranged on a white surface. | recipesim.com

Perfect for Gatherings

Every time I bring this to a potluck people ask for the recipe. Something about that creamy crunchy combination just works magic.

Getting Those Veggies Just Right

Make sure to dry your veggies really well after washing them. Nobody likes watery dressing and this keeps everything perfectly crisp.

Making the Dressing Lighter

Using Greek yogurt in the dressing keeps things creamy but lighter. When I want it extra rich I'll use more mayo or add some sour cream.

All The Best Flavors

There's something about tangy dressing crispy bacon and fresh veggies that just works. Each bite gives you a perfect mix of flavors.

A bowl of mixed vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, and topped with cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Pin it
A bowl of mixed vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, and topped with cheddar cheese and bacon bits. | recipesim.com

Great for Keto

My keto friends love this salad. Just swap in your favorite low carb sweetener and use full fat ingredients it fits right into their meal plan.

Even The Kids Love It

The bacon and cheese in this salad win over even the pickiest eaters. It's my sneaky way of getting more veggies into their diet.

Quick and Easy

This is my go to when I need something fast but delicious. Comes together in no time perfect for busy days or last minute guests.

Looking Pretty

I love serving this in my favorite glass bowl the colors look so beautiful. A sprinkle of extra bacon and cheese on top makes it look extra special.

A large bowl of mixed salad featuring broccoli, purple cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing, with a wooden serving spoon resting on the edge. Pin it
A large bowl of mixed salad featuring broccoli, purple cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing, with a wooden serving spoon resting on the edge. | recipesim.com

Extra Crunch Please

Sometimes I toss in some sunflower seeds or sliced almonds. That extra crunch takes it to the next level.

Even Better the Next Day

The flavors get even better after sitting in the fridge overnight. I always make extra just for leftovers.

Switch Up Your Dressing

Sometimes I use ranch or balsamic dressing for something different. This salad works with so many flavors you can't go wrong.

A Recipe to Share

This broccoli salad has become such a special part of our family meals. It's one of those recipes that brings everyone together and always leaves them smiling.

A vibrant bowl of mixed salad featuring broccoli, cheese, bacon, and colorful vegetables, garnished with a creamy dressing. Pin it
A vibrant bowl of mixed salad featuring broccoli, cheese, bacon, and colorful vegetables, garnished with a creamy dressing. | recipesim.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead, but add the dressing and bacon just before serving to maintain crispness. Keep ingredients separate until ready to serve.

→ How do I keep the broccoli crisp?

Use fresh broccoli and cauliflower, and don't add dressing until just before serving. This helps maintain the vegetables' natural crunch.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Colby Jack with cheddar, mozzarella, or your preferred cheese. Just make sure to cut it into small, bite-sized cubes.

→ Is this really low carb with honey?

For a lower carb version, you can reduce or omit the honey and sugar in the dressing. The vegetables themselves are naturally low in carbs.

→ How long will leftovers keep?

Dressed salad will keep for 1-2 days in the refrigerator, though the vegetables may lose some crispness. For best results, eat within 24 hours.

Low Carb Broccoli Salad

Fresh broccoli and cauliflower tossed with bacon, cheese, and red onion in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for picnics or barbecues.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Vibrant Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (10 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt.
02 1/2 cup mayonnaise.
03 1/2 cup clover honey.
04 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar.
05 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional).
06 1/2 teaspoon salt.
07 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
08 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped.
09 4 cups cauliflower florets, chopped.
10 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled.
11 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, cubed.
12 1 red onion, chopped.

Instructions

Step 01

Whisk together yogurt, mayo, honey, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Refrigerate.

Step 02

Mix broccoli, cauliflower, half the bacon, cheese, and onion in large bowl.

Step 03

Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss until well coated.

Step 04

Top with remaining bacon and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Best served fresh.
  2. Can prep ingredients ahead.
  3. Add dressing just before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium mixing bowl.
  • Large mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 372
  • Total Fat: 27 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 13 g