The Skinny Creamy Broccoli Salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings together a harmonious blend of fresh and flavorful ingredients. With two heads of broccoli cut into bite-sized pieces, the salad provides a generous crunch and vibrant green color. The inclusion of center-cut bacon adds a savory and satisfying element, complemented by the richness of reduced-fat cheddar cheese. The diced red onion contributes a hint of sharpness, while dry and roasted sunflower seeds provide a nutty texture. For those seeking a touch of sweetness, a handful of craisins can be added, elevating the salad’s complexity.
What truly sets this recipe apart is the creamy ranch dressing that ties everything together. Combining Kraft light mayo, non-fat plain yogurt, and unsweetened almond or skim milk, the dressing achieves a luscious texture without sacrificing health-conscious choices. The use of a dry ranch dressing packet, white wine vinegar, salt, and a pinch of sugar sweetener, like Lakanto Classic Monkfruit Sweetener, creates a flavorful dressing that enhances the overall taste experience. The dressing is poured over the broccoli mix, ensuring that every bite is infused with a burst of creamy goodness.
This Skinny Creamy Broccoli Salad is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a smart choice for those mindful of their nutrition. With just 4 SmartPoints per serving across all three color plans, it offers a guilt-free indulgence. Furthermore, the versatility of the recipe allows for personalization—whether adding cubed cheese, raisins, cashews, pecans, cherry tomatoes, or opting for white onion instead of red, individuals can tailor the salad to their liking. Easy to prepare and lasting up to 5 days in the refrigerator, this salad is a convenient and flavorful option for those looking to maintain a healthy and delicious diet.
Skinny Creamy Broccoli Salad
This Skinny Creamy Broccoli Salad is packed with broccoli, bacon, red onions, sunflower seeds and tossed together with a creamy ranch dressing!! The combination of all the flavors makes this Broccoli Salad irresistible!
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 heads of broccoli, or about 5 cups, cut into bite size pieces
- 8 slices center cut bacon or Hormel precooked bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed ( I use Velveeta Shreds)
- 1/3 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup dry and roasted sunflower seeds
- handful of craisins, optional
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 ( .5 oz.) dry ranch dressing packet
- 1/2 cup Kraft light mayo
- 1 cup non fat plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond or skim milk
- 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp salt
- pinch of sugar sweetener ( I use Lakanto Classic Monkfruit Sweetener)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl combine broccoli pieces, red onion, sunflower seeds and cheese.
- Meanwhile make the dressing: In a small bow combine, mayonnaise, vinegar, dry ranch mix, salt, sweetener, unsweetened almond or skim milk, and yogurt. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour dressing over broccoli salad mix. Toss until all ingredients are well combined.
- Sprinkle the salad with cooked bacon crumbles. Toss just before serving.
- Garnish with handful of craisins, if desired for addtional points.
- Store in an airtight container the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Makes 7 ( 1 cup) servings
3 Points® per serving
Smartpoints: Green, Blue, and Purple: 4 SmartPoints per serving
Cubed cheese
Raisins
Cashews
Pecans
Cherry tomatoes
White onion rather than red onion
Nutrition Information:
YIELD:7
SERVING SIZE:1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 177TOTAL FAT: 13gSATURATED FAT: 3gTRANS FAT: 0gUNSATURATED FAT: 0gCHOLESTEROL: 26mgSODIUM: 342mgCARBOHYDRATES: 6gNET CARBOHYDRATES: 5gFIBER: 1gSUGAR: 3gPROTEIN: 10g