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    Home » Diet » Gluten Free Recipes

    Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Cheese

    5 from 1 vote
    Posted August 26, 2017 (last updated July 31, 2018) by Wendy Polisi

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    This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar cheese is a healthy broccoli salad that doesn’t require sacrifice. With crunchy broccoli and almonds, crispy bacon, a touch of bite from red onion and a hint of sweetness from dried cranberries and the yogurt mayonnaise dressing, this crowd pleaser will soon become a favorite. Gluten free with a vegan option.

    Close up overhead shot of Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Cheese
    To me, few things are more satisfying than a delicious salad.

    So you might be surprised to learn that I rarely order a salad when eating out.

    I find that all too often, salads disappoint.
    Two bowls of Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Cheese - a healthy broccoli salad
    Bland dressings, produce that is slightly past its peak or flavorless. If you are a salad snob (totally a thing) like me, you know what I mean.

    Because of this, I make a looot of salads at home. Most of the time I stick to the same basic formula.

    Greens, healthy protein, three or four veggies that vary depending what I have on hand and a homemade dressing. Sometimes I add in a little cheese or half of an avocado.
    Horizontal shot of Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Cheese
    Lately, I've been trying to get more raw vegetables into my diet. The challenge is that after I've had a big salad for lunch, more raw vegetables for dinner just isn't appealing.

    Enter this Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Cheese.

    Overhead shot of Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Cheese

    It is the perfect side dish for any meal, and a crave-worthy salad. I like to make it with homemade mayo, but you can make it with purchased mayonnaise too. (Preferably organic.)
    Close up shot of Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Cheese
    And while I don't fear fat, if you are trying to avoid fat in your diet you can skip the mayo altogether and just use Greek Yogurt.

    Either way, you are going to love this healthy broccoli salad with bacon and cranberries!

    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar Cheese

    This Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheddar cheese is a healthy broccoli salad that doesn’t require sacrifice. With crunchy broccoli and almonds, crispy bacon, a touch of bite from red onion and a hint of sweet from dried cranberries and the yogurt mayonnaise dressing, this crowd pleaser will soon become a favorite. Gluten free with a vegan option.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time15 minutes mins
    Course: Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Gluten Free, Healthy
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 268kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi

    Ingredients

    • 12 ounces broccoli chopped
    • 8 ounces turkey bacon cooked (or cooked tempeh bacon)
    • ½ red onion chopped fine
    • 3 ounces grated cheddar or Daiya shreds
    • ¼ cup dried cranberries

    Dressing

    • ⅓ cup Greek yogurt dairy or non-dairy
    • ¼ cup mayonnaise or veganaise
    • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons Swerve or other sweetener
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

    For Topping

    • ⅓ cup sliced almonds

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl combine broccoli, bacon, onion, cheese, and cranberries in a large bowl.
    • In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
    • Add dressing to the large bowl and toss to combine.
    • Top with almonds and serve.

    Notes

    Variations:

    Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Pine Nuts

    Omit the almonds and substitute an equal amount of pine nuts. Toast the pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat for 7 to 10 minutes.

    Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Mozzarella Cheese

    Omit the cheddar cheese and use three ounces of cubed fresh mozzarella cheese.

    Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Sunflower Seeds

    Reduce the almonds to ¼ cup and add ¼ cup salted sunflower seeds.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 1067mg | Potassium: 320mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 370IU | Vitamin C: 38.4mg | Calcium: 126mg | Iron: 1.3mg

    If You Like This Broccoli Salad with Bacon You May Also Like:

    • Broccoli Slaw Salad
    • Sweet Mustard Broccoli Salad

    Filed Under:

    Gluten Free RecipesSalad Recipes

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    About Wendy Polisi

    Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, 5 time cookbook author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 16 & 17 and my late life princess is 9.

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    Comments

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      Your support means the world to me! If you loved this recipe, I would be grateful if you left a star rating while leaving a comment. Star ratings go a long way in helping other food enthusiasts discover and enjoy my recipes online.

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      Wendy

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      Rating




    1. Shannon Graham

      February 20, 2018 at 6:16 pm

      5 stars
      Now this right here s m y kind of salad.

      Reply

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