Fresh & Flavorful: The Best Sugar-Free Broccoli Salad Recipe

Looking for a healthy, easy-to-make salad that’s full of flavor and perfect for any gathering? This broccoli salad recipe is a refreshing twist on a classic.

With a mix of crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, tangy red onion, sweet dried cranberries, nutty sunflower seeds, and creamy goat cheese, it delivers bold textures and balanced flavors, without any added sugar.

And the best part? It’s tossed in a creamy mayonnaise and yogurt dressing, making it lighter and more wholesome than traditional versions.

Why You'll Love This Salad

This dish is ideal for parties, potlucks, or barbecues—it holds up well at room temperature and even gets better as it sits.

The mix of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy keeps every bite interesting. It’s also customizable for different dietary needs, including a dairy-free option.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces

  • 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

  • ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced

  • ½ cup dried cranberries

  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds (shelled, unsalted)

  • ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled

For the Dressing:

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Wash and chop the broccoli into small florets. Cook and crumble the bacon. Thinly slice the red onion.

  2. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.

  3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon, onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and goat cheese.

  4. Add the dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

  5. Chill and serve: Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Dairy-Free Variation

To make this salad dairy-free, simply:

  • Use a plant-based yogurt (such as coconut or almond).

  • Substitute the goat cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or omit it altogether.

You’ll still get plenty of flavor and creaminess, without any dairy.

Helpful Tips

  • Make ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day.

  • Add-ins: Try tossing in a few chopped apples or sliced almonds for extra crunch.

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Enjoy Every Bite

This broccoli salad proves that you don’t need sugar to make something delicious and crowd-pleasing.

It’s easy, colorful, and packed with ingredients you can feel good about. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just prepping lunches for the week, this recipe is a winning choice.

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Source: Downshiftology

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