Healthy Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Salad Recipe
This Healthy Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Salad is crunchy, creamy, salty, and slightly sweet — the perfect high-flavor, low-effort dinner side or light entrée. Packed with fresh broccoli, crisp bacon, cheddar cubes, cashews, and a customizable creamy dressing, it's naturally gluten-free, easily made low-carb, and ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- skillet
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- Small Whisk
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas, blanched and fully dried
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (Romaine or Iceberg)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
- 1/2 cup cashews, chopped (or almonds/pecans)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or half mayo, half Greek yogurt)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until perfectly crisp. Cool and chop into small pieces.
- Boil peas for 1–2 minutes, drain, rinse under cold water, and pat completely dry.
- Finely chop broccoli florets. Shred lettuce and dice cheddar cheese. Chop cashews.
- Whisk together the mayonnaise (or mayo/yogurt blend), garlic, dried basil, and lemon juice or vinegar if using. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, peas, lettuce, green pepper (if using), bacon, cheddar, and cashews.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until coated. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.
Notes
Variations:
• Lighten dressing with half Greek yogurt.
• Add dried cranberries for sweetness.
• Swap cashews for almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
• Add shredded chicken or hard-boiled eggs for more protein. Meal Prep:
Chop vegetables and cook bacon a day ahead. Store dressing separately and assemble 3–4 hours before serving. Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Do not freeze.
• Lighten dressing with half Greek yogurt.
• Add dried cranberries for sweetness.
• Swap cashews for almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
• Add shredded chicken or hard-boiled eggs for more protein. Meal Prep:
Chop vegetables and cook bacon a day ahead. Store dressing separately and assemble 3–4 hours before serving. Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Do not freeze.