Healthy & Easy Lightened Up Broccoli Salad with Greek Yogurt: Your Perfect Summer Side Dish
There’s a certain magic that comes with the arrival of warmer weather. For me, it signifies the official start of my favorite eating season: a time for light, fresh, and vibrant meals. It’s when my cravings shift from hearty stews and comforting casseroles to crisp salads, grilled delights, and an abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables. This period perfectly aligns with a desire for dishes that are not only delicious but also feel good for you.
A few weeks ago, I found myself with an undeniable craving for broccoli salad. It might seem like an unusual specific craving, but this classic side dish holds a special place in my heart. Its blend of crunchy broccoli, savory additions, and a creamy dressing is incredibly satisfying. Despite my love for it, I realized I had never actually made a homemade version. This realization sparked an idea: to create a “lighter” interpretation of this beloved salad, specifically by incorporating Greek yogurt into the dressing. The result was absolutely delightful – a vibrant, refreshing salad that retained all the familiar flavors and textures without feeling heavy.
What truly elevates this lightened up broccoli salad are the thoughtfully chosen add-ins. A touch of sweetness from plump raisins, a savory kick from sharp cheese and fresh green onions, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans all come together in perfect harmony. While traditional broccoli salads often feature bacon, I personally find this vegetable-forward version so compelling that it doesn’t need the extra saltiness. However, if you’re a bacon enthusiast, feel free to crisp up some savory bits and add them in – it’s entirely up to your preference! This recipe truly celebrates the natural goodness of its ingredients.
This Lightened Up Broccoli Salad proved to be a resounding success when I served it alongside my husband’s delicious smoked ribs at a recent family barbecue. It held its own against the richer main course, offering a refreshing and texturally interesting counterpoint. It’s the kind of versatile dish that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply as a healthy and satisfying weeknight side. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do. Wishing you a fantastic week filled with good food and great company!
This recipe transforms a classic into a healthier, equally delicious alternative. By swapping out a significant portion of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, we achieve a dressing that’s not only lower in fat and calories but also boasts a wonderful tang and a boost of protein. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy the flavors they love while making more mindful dietary choices.
Lightened Up Broccoli Salad
Author: Aggie Goodman
This Lightened Up Broccoli Salad recipe offers a healthier twist on a classic, creamy side dish, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches. By using Greek yogurt in the dressing, we cut down on calories and fat while boosting protein, creating a refreshing and satisfying salad. Packed with crunchy broccoli, savory cheese, sweet raisins, and nutty pecans, it’s a vibrant mix of flavors and textures that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. This recipe emphasizes fresh, wholesome ingredients and provides a bright, crisp alternative to traditional, heavier versions of broccoli salad. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats and other summer favorites.
Ingredients
- 1 lb broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 4-5 cups)
- 4 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced
- 4 oz Colby Jack or sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes or shredded for convenience
- 1/2 cup raisins (a mix of 1/4 cup regular and 1/4 cup golden raisins adds visual appeal and nuanced sweetness)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted for enhanced flavor (optional but recommended)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat work well, opt for plain to avoid added sugars)
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (reduced-fat olive oil mayo is a great choice for keeping it light)
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar, for a bright, tangy counterpoint
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, to balance the acidity and enhance sweetness
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add your bite-sized broccoli florets to the boiling water and blanch them for exactly 1 minute. This brief cooking time is crucial; it helps to tenderize the broccoli slightly, enhance its vibrant green color, and remove any raw bitterness, while still keeping it crisp. Immediately after 1 minute, use a slotted spoon or colander to transfer the florets into a large bowl filled with ice water. This “shocking” process stops the cooking instantly and locks in that beautiful color and crisp texture. Once cooled (about 2-3 minutes), drain the broccoli thoroughly and spread the florets out onto a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels to dry completely. Excess moisture will dilute your dressing, so ensure they are as dry as possible.
- Make the Dressing and Combine: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (using reduced-fat olive oil mayo helps keep it lighter), white vinegar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This forms the creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet base of your salad dressing. Next, add the chopped scallions, raisins (both regular and golden for a nice contrast), and your cubed or shredded cheese to the dressing. Stir gently to coat. Now, add the dried broccoli florets to the bowl. Carefully fold all the ingredients together, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed over every piece of broccoli and the add-ins. Finally, incorporate the chopped pecans (if you’ve toasted them, ensure they’ve cooled), along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix gently one last time to fully combine all the wonderful textures and flavors.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor and texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate the broccoli salad for at least one hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the salad even more delicious and refreshing. While an hour is sufficient, letting it chill for 2-3 hours, or even overnight, will further enhance the depth of flavor. Before serving, give it a quick stir. If desired, you can garnish with a few extra pecan pieces or a sprinkle of fresh scallions for presentation. Serve cold and enjoy!
Tips for Success & Variations
Toasting your pecans before adding them to the salad truly elevates their flavor, bringing out their natural nuttiness and adding an extra layer of crunch. Simply spread them on a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Let them cool completely before chopping and adding to the salad.
Feel free to customize this Lightened Up Broccoli Salad with your favorite additions. Other great options include:
- Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts, slivered almonds, or even roasted sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
- Dried Fruit: Dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots can be used in place of or in addition to raisins.
- Vegetables: Finely diced red onion (if you prefer a sharper onion flavor), shredded carrots, or chopped bell peppers can add more color and nutrients.
- Protein Boost: For a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked, shredded chicken breast or chickpeas.
- Cheese: Any firm, flavorful cheese like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked gouda would be delicious.
The Benefits of a Lightened Up Version
Traditional broccoli salads, while delicious, often come laden with heavy amounts of mayonnaise and sugar. Our “lightened up” version significantly reduces the overall fat and calorie count by substituting a portion of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt not only provides a creamy texture and a delightful tang but also adds a beneficial boost of protein, making the salad more satisfying. This approach allows you to enjoy all the beloved flavors and textures of a classic broccoli salad without the guilt, aligning perfectly with a healthy lifestyle.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile Lightened Up Broccoli Salad is more than just a side dish; it can easily be the star of your meal. Its refreshing crunch and creamy texture make it an excellent companion to a wide array of main courses. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, complementing the smoky flavors of a barbecue. Think grilled salmon, lemon-herb chicken breasts, or even grilled shrimp skewers. For heartier meals, it cuts through the richness of smoked ribs, pulled pork, or beef brisket, offering a much-needed fresh counterpoint. Beyond barbecues, it’s a fantastic addition to potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. You can also enjoy it as a light and satisfying lunch on its own, perhaps topped with a few extra roasted nuts or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.
Storage Tips
To keep your Lightened Up Broccoli Salad fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for 3-4 days. While the flavors will continue to meld and deepen over time, the pecans might lose some of their crispness after the first day. If you prefer maximum crunch, you can add fresh pecans just before serving leftovers. Stir well before serving, as the dressing may separate slightly.
Beyond the joy of creating delicious, healthy recipes like this Lightened Up Broccoli Salad, I also enjoy reflecting on broader life lessons. I recently shared 10 Things I’ve Learned over at Gimme Some Oven. It’s always nice to change things up and share a bit about life outside the kitchen too – feel free to check it out for a different perspective!
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