Best 3 Broccoli Salad Cooking Light Recipes

In the realm of healthy and refreshing salads, broccoli salad stands out as a vibrant and delectable dish that offers a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. This versatile salad can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or even as a healthy snack. With its vibrant green broccoli florets, crunchy celery, sweet red onion, and a tangy dressing, broccoli salad is a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This article presents a collection of carefully curated broccoli salad recipes that cater to a variety of dietary preferences and culinary expertise. From classic recipes with mayonnaise-based dressings to lighter versions with vinaigrette dressings, and even a unique Asian-inspired recipe with a flavorful sesame dressing, this article has something for every palate. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, these recipes will guide you in creating a delicious and nutritious broccoli salad that will be the star of your next gathering.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

LIGHTENED-UP CREAMY BROCCOLI SALAD

Lightened-Up Creamy Broccoli Salad image

Healthy eating is about moderation! Two strips of bacon are all you need for a little indulgence that goes a long way flavor-wise. Buy the best quality bacon you can, nitrate-free if possible--it'll have tons of flavor and really punch up this healthy take on a classic side dish.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories side-dish

Time 1h35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 strips low-sodium bacon
1/2 cup ice cubes
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 1/2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 pound), cut into bite-size pieces
1/3 cup golden raisins
2 tablespoons salted roasted sunflower seeds

Steps:

Combine the ice cubes, onions and 1 cup water in a small bowl. Let the onions soak for 10 minutes while preparing the rest of the salad, then drain and pat dry.
Cook the bacon in a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain, reserving 1 teaspoon drippings for the dressing. Finely chop the bacon strips and reserve.
Whisk the buttermilk, sour cream, lemon zest and juice, reserved bacon drippings, 3/4 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl. Add the broccoli, onions and golden raisins to the dressing. Toss well, cover and chill for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
Before serving, toss well and season with additional salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and top with the chopped bacon and sunflower seeds.

LIGHT AND EASY BROCCOLI SALAD

Light and Easy Broccoli Salad image

This is light broccoli salad is easy to make and delicious. The chopping, shredding, and slicing give it a nice variety of textures. Not the typical broccoli salad, sorry. No raisins!

Provided by JonMichel

Categories Broccoli Salad

Time 1h20m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

3 heads broccoli with long stems
3 medium carrots
½ medium sweet onion, minced
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup olive oil
½ cup white wine vinegar
1 medium lemon, juiced
½ cup salted roasted sunflower seeds
salt to taste

Steps:

Remove broccoli stems and set aside. Chop broccoli into small florets.
Attach the shredder blade to a food processor. Shred 1/2 of the broccoli stems and 1/2 of the carrots. Switch to the slicer blade and slice remaining broccoli stems and carrots. Dump contents of the food processor bowl into a large bowl with broccoli florets and onion.
Whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Pour in with the veggies and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Taste and season with salt. Add sunflower seeds just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 260.7 calories, Carbohydrate 11.1 g, Cholesterol 4.2 mg, Fat 23.9 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 4.5 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 107.2 mg, Sugar 2.9 g

BROCCOLI SALAD (COOKING LIGHT)

Broccoli Salad (Cooking Light) image

This rivals any of the fuller fat versions I've ever had. If you really need bacon in your broccoli salad then just use turkey bacon, but I honestly think it's delicious without.

Provided by Brookelynne26

Categories < 60 Mins

Time 1h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

4 cups small broccoli florets (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 cup seedless grapes, halved
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 cup raisins
1/4 cup salted sunflower seeds
1/3 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Steps:

Combine the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl.
Combine mayonnaise and remaining ingredients, stirring with a whisk. Pour dressing over broccoli mixture, and toss well. Chill for 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 160.8, Fat 5.8, SaturatedFat 0.8, Cholesterol 3.6, Sodium 102.8, Carbohydrate 27, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 19.8, Protein 3.3

Tips:

Use a sharp knife to cut the broccoli into small florets. This will help them cook evenly.
Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. This will help to tenderize them and preserve their bright green color.
Immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This will help to keep them crisp.
Use a variety of vegetables in your salad. This will add color, flavor, and texture.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different dressings. A simple vinaigrette is always a good option, but you can also try a creamy dressing or a tangy yogurt-based dressing.
Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Broccoli salad is a delicious and healthy side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make a broccoli salad that is sure to impress your friends and family.