Broccoli Salad

A popular summer side dish, this broccoli salad is tossed in a lightened greek yogurt dressing and mixed with cheese and bacon.

📝 Ingredients

• 3 quarts water (divided)
• 4 cups ice cubes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 pound broccoli florets (cut into 1" pieces, about 6 cups)
• 2 slices bacon (uncooked, thick-cut)
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/3 cup red onion (1/4" dice)
• 2 ounces sharp cheddar (cut into 1/4" cubes, about 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Boil a pot of water: Prepare the Water - In a large pot, bring 2 quarts (8 cups) of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon salt and stir to dissolve. In a medium bowl, add 1 quart (4 cups) of cold water and 4 cups of ice. Set aside.
2. 2Cook the Broccoli - Add broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook until bright green and crisp-tender but not too soft, about 1 to 2 minutes.
3. 3Shock the broccoli: Chill the Broccoli - Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer to the ice water bath. Cool for about 5 minutes. Drain the broccoli florets in a colander and shake to remove the excess water. Set aside.
4. 4Cook the Bacon - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined sheet pan to drain. Once cooled, chop into small pieces. It should yield about ¼ cup.
5. 5Combine the ingredients: Assemble the Salad - In a large bowl, add blanched broccoli, chopped bacon, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, red onion, and cheddar cheese.
6. 6Make the dressing: Make the Salad Dressing - In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, honey, water, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7Toss the salad: Serve the Salad - Drizzle half of the salad dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the remaining dressing on the side.