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Healthy Broccoli Apple Salad with Bacon and Greek Yogurt Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Broccoli Apple Salad combines crisp broccoli florets, sweet Fuji apples, and crunchy bacon for a delightful mix of flavors. Tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, it’s a refreshing and nutritious side perfect for any meal.

A large clear glass bowl contains a fresh salad with three main visible layers: at the base, light green broccoli florets cut into bite-size pieces; mixed within and on top, small cubes of red-skinned apples with creamy white flesh and bits of crispy brown bacon; sprinkled throughout are light beige sunflower seeds adding texture; the whole salad is coated with a creamy, pale dressing, giving a slight shine to the ingredients. Two silver spoons are inside the bowl, held by a pair of woman's hands, one on each side, stirring the salad gently. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface, with a wooden board to the right holding a sliced red apple and a vintage knife with a dark wooden handle. Some loose sunflower seeds are scattered on the white marbled surface near the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 strips bacon
  • 4 cups broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1/4 cup roasted salted sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 large Fuji apple, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • 4 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon strips until golden brown and crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and press gently to remove excess fat.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, sunflower seeds, red onion, and chopped Fuji apple. Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the bowl.
  3. Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and salt until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  5. Step 5: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the broccoli to absorb the dressing.
  6. Step 6: Serve chilled and enjoy this crisp, flavorful, and healthy salad.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra crunch, substitute sunflower seeds with chopped walnuts or almonds.
  • Use green or red apples if Fuji apples aren’t available; Granny Smith adds a tart touch.
  • Adjust honey in the dressing to taste for a sweeter or tangier salad.
  • Try adding raisins or dried cranberries for a hint of natural sweetness.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The broccoli may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed within the first day. If the dressing separates, simply toss the salad again before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a broccoli salad in a clear glass bowl placed on a white marbled surface, showing roughly four main layers: bright green broccoli florets with a slightly rough texture, creamy white dressing drizzled unevenly on top, small chunks of light yellow apple pieces with red skin edges scattered throughout, and crisp brown bacon bits interspersed within. Sunflower seeds dot the salad adding small cream-colored spots, and a metal spoon rests inside the bowl, partially buried in the layers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels of mustard and other condiments if you have a strict gluten sensitivity.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Absolutely. The salad tastes even better after refrigerating for a few hours as the flavors blend. Just keep it covered and consume within two days for best texture and freshness.

Print

Healthy Broccoli Apple Salad with Bacon and Greek Yogurt Recipe

A healthy and refreshing broccoli apple salad featuring crunchy broccoli florets, sweet Fuji apple, crispy bacon, and roasted sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing with honey and mustard for a perfect balance of flavors.

  • Author: Elena
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 21 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 strips bacon
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/4 cup roasted salted sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 large Fuji apple, roughly chopped

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • 4 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the bacon strips in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they become golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat and press gently to remove additional grease.
  2. Prepare Salad:** In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, thinly sliced red onion, roughly chopped Fuji apple, and roasted salted sunflower seeds. Crumble the cooled bacon strips and add them to the bowl.
  3. Whisk Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the nonfat plain Greek yogurt, honey, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and salt until smooth and well combined.
  4. Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to evenly coat everything with the dressing. Adjust salt to taste if needed.
  5. Refrigerate: Cover the salad tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and ensures the broccoli absorbs the dressing for enhanced taste and texture.
  6. Serve: After chilling, give the salad a final stir and serve chilled for a delicious, healthy side dish or light meal.

Notes

  • For best flavor, prepare the salad a few hours before serving to allow the dressing to soak into the broccoli.
  • You can substitute sunflower seeds with chopped walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add extra nuts or crispy roasted chickpeas for crunch.
  • Adjust honey quantity depending on your sweetness preference.
  • Use fresh, crispy broccoli for optimal texture and flavor.

Keywords: broccoli salad, healthy salad, apple salad, Greek yogurt dressing, bacon salad, low fat salad, easy salad recipe

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