Loaded Broccoli Salad Recipe

I recently made a Low Carb Broccoli Salad featuring fresh broccoli, tender cauliflower, and crispy bacon paired with cheddar cheese and red onion. I blended mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder to create an irresistible dressing that ties together the flavors in this refreshingly crunchy dish.

I stumbled on this Loaded Broccoli Salad recipe recently and it quickly became one of my favorites. I’ve always been on the lookout for delicious low-carb side dishes and this one really caught my attention with its crisp, creamy vibe.

It starts with 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets and 2 cups of cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized pieces that provide a great crunch in every forkful. Then comes the magic touch of 8 slices of crispy bacon crumbled over the top, along with a generous 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and some finely diced red onion.

The homemade dressing, made with 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and a sprinkle of garlic powder, really ties it all together. This salad is not only tasty but also fits perfectly in my low-carb lifestyle.

Give it a try and see how it transforms your everyday meal!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I love how the crunchy broccoli and cauliflower mix with the crispy bacon and melted cheddar. Its kinda like every bite gives a little surprise that makes me smile. Second, I’m totally into the creamy, tangy dressing. The way the mayo, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar come together really makes the salad pop in flavor. Third, I really appreciate that its a low-carb side dish so I can enjoy something delicious without feeling guilty. Fourth, I like how letting it chill in the fridge makes all the tastes blend together even more nicely.

This Loaded Broccoli Salad is so chill and simple. Its basically a mix of fresh broccoli and cauliflower tossed with red onion and a homemade creamy dressing that has a little kick from garlic and vinegar. Then you throw in some crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese and what you get is a salad thats equal parts crunchy and creamy. I mean, its not the fanciestiest dish out there but it tastes amazing and is perfect for a low-carb snack.

Ingredients

• Broccoli is full of fiber and vitamin C, addin a crisp healthy crunch.
• Cauliflower gives extra texture and nutrients, making the salad even more healthful.
• Bacon delivers savory umami and protein, but its kinda salty and fatty.
• Cheddar cheese adds a rich tangy note, boosting both flavor and texture.
• Red onion gives a sharp bite with its crunchy, lightly spicy character enhancin taste.
• Mayonnaise and sour cream make a creamy mix that balances tang and smoothness.
• Apple cider vinegar and garlic powder add zing, deepening the flavors without overpowerin.
• Each ingredient uniquely contributes to a salad thats both delicious and filling.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
• 2 cups cauliflower florets, in small pieces
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy then crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Begin by cooking the bacon until its nice and crispy then let it cool and crumble it into small pieces.

2. In a big mixing bowl, toss together the chopped broccoli florets and small pieces of cauliflower.

3. Add the finely diced red onion to the bowl with your veggies.

4. In a separate small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

5. Pour the dressing over the veggies and stir gently to ensure everything gets coated.

6. Next, add in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.

7. Toss the salad again until the bacon and cheese are evenly distributed.

8. Taste the salad and adjust the salt and pepper if you feel it needs more flavor.

9. Let the salad chill in the fridge for about 20 to 30 minutes so the flavors blend.

10. Give it one last stir before serving and enjoy your loaded broccoli salad!

Equipment Needed

1. Frying pan for cooking the bacon
2. Plate for letting the bacon cool and crumble
3. Large mixing bowl for tossing the veggies
4. Small bowl for mixing the dressing
5. Knife for chopping the broccoli, cauliflower, and red onion
6. Cutting board for all the chopping work
7. Measuring cups and spoons for the ingredients
8. Whisk or fork to mix the dressing well
9. Refrigerator to chill the salad before serving

FAQ

Loaded Broccoli Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have regular bacon on hand, try mixing in some turkey bacon or even a good quality bacon-flavored vegan alternative. It gives a pretty similar crunch and taste.
• Ditching cheddar? Pepper jack or even a mild Swiss cheese can work well and bring in a slightly different flavor that still complements the salad.
• If you want a lighter twist, swap out mayonnaise for an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt. It still gives that creamy texture without weighing down the salad.
• For sour cream, you could use a non-dairy version or even a bit more Greek yogurt if you prefer a tangy, lighter option.
• And if you dont have apple cider vinegar, lemon juice works fine as a substitute to keep that extra zing in the dressing.

Pro Tips

1. Pro tip: Let the bacon cool completely and crumble it once it’s cold. Warm bacon can make the salad soggy so its best if its fully crispy before you add it.

2. Pro tip: Try to cut your veggies into similar sizes so every bite gets a good mix of flavors. It may sound small but when its evenly chopped, its way more enjoyable.

3. Pro tip: If you want an extra flavor kick, sprinkle in a little smoked paprika or red chili flakes. It gives the salad a subtle warmth without overpowering the other tastes.

4. Pro tip: Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving. This not only brings all the flavors together, but also makes it extra refreshing on a warm day.