Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe (No Mayo)

This Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe with No Mayo is so easy and delicious! Made with fresh ingredients and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s the perfect side dish, guaranteed to be a huge hit at your next summer BBQ, potluck or just when you want a hearty and healthy salad to go with dinner. 

This classic favorite with a healthy twist – no mayo broccoli salad skips the mayo that you find in most recipes and instead is tossed with a super flavorful tangy Greek yogurt dressing you’re going to love! In fact, you may want to make extra dressing and use in your next potato salad or coleslaw recipe. It’s just that good!

After you try this version, I think you’ll agree that this is one of the most satisfying broccoli salads you’ll every make. And because it’s loaded with crispy bacon it packs enough protein and nutrients to serve as a light lunch on those days when you rather skip the fast-food salads and opt for something savory and delicious and homemade.

Simple salad recipes are a great way to get your veggies in and because you can make them with homemade dressings, they’re a great way to get in some healthy fats too. Some of my most popular salads are this Greek Quinoa Salad, this Easy Kidney Bean Salad and this Cold Green Bean Salad. 

Why We love This Recipe

• This is a super easy recipe using simple ingredients that you probably have on hand.
• Because this broccoli salad stores well for several days in the fridge, it’s the perfect recipe for meal prep.
• Cold broccoli salad is a great addition to your summer BBQs, potlucks or family gatherings during warm weather months.
• The homemade tangy dressing adds a fun twist on a traditional broccoli salad.

Recommended Tools

• Small bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Colander
• Large spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein: If you don’t have time to fry the bacon, you can use real bacon bits. If you want to make this an entree style salad, you can also add in some cooked shredded chicken!

• Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese goes great with this salad

• Fruit: If you like just a touch of chewy sweetness, try adding some dried fruit like raisins or craisins.

• Crunch: Instead of pumpkin seeds you can use crunchy sunflower seeds, toasted pecans or walnuts or even some poppy seeds.

• Dressing: Add a tablespoon to Dijon mustard to the dressing for a delicious homemade honey mustard dressing

What’s Needed to Make the Best Broccoli Salad Recipe

Creamy Dressing Ingredients:

• Full-fat, non-flavored Greek yogurt
• Honey, or one very small pinch Stevia powder
• Fresh lemon juice
• Fresh lemon zest
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Salad Ingredients:

• Small red onion- cut into thin slices
• Fresh broccoli florets
• Bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Toasted pumpkin seeds, unsalted

Instructions

Make the Dressing: To make the broccoli salad dressing, combine the Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, and zest in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.

Prepare the Broccoli: Add the raw broccoli florets to a large, microwave-safe dish and add 2-3 T. water. Cover and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, or until florets are crisp tender. (Check after 3 minutes and adjust cooking times accordingly). Remove from microwave and drain excess liquid. Set aside, uncovered, and allow steamed florets to cool. You may even want to place it in an ice bath or super cold water to stop the cooking process.

Mix other Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the red onion, broccoli, crumbled bacon, and fresh parsley. Toss gently to combine. Top with ½ Greek yogurt dressing and toss again until broccoli mixture is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes or overnight before serving. Cover and reserve remaining dressing, as well.

Toss Dressing and Serve: Mix the chilled salad with remaining dressing right before serving or serve on the side for those who prefer a little extra dressing. Sprinkle with the toasted pumpkin seeds right before serving to keep them crunchy.

FAQs

Do I Have to Blanch the Broccoli?

If you prefer the really crisp texture of raw veggies, you can just skip that step and add the raw crunchy broccoli straight into the salad without blanching.

Is Broccoli Healthy?

Broccoli is considered super healthy and is loaded with these vitamins and nutrients:

• 2.6 grams of protein
• 2.4 grams of fiber
• 135% of the RDI of vitamin C
• 116% of the RDI of vitamin K
• 14% of the RDI of vitamin B9  
• It’s also a good source of vitamin A, potassium, phosphorus and selenium.

Can I Make this in Advance?

You sure can! In fact, it is even better the next day. Just make sure you keep in in the fridge in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for up to several days.

Want More Healthy Side Dish Recipes?

• Spicy Garlic Hummus
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
• Cucumber Cups
• Keto Caprese Salad
• Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
• Spicy Roasted Cauliflower