Bringing a little more spunk to this recipe classic! Loaded broccoli salad, perfect for a dinner side, or quick and easy backyard potluck.
Loaded Ingredients
Here’s the rundown on the nutrients behind this salad:
- Broccoli: most people don’t think vitamin C when talking broccoli, but it’s the #1 nutrient in this veggie, along with vitamin K, folate, vitamin A, and of course, fiber! It also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that our gut thanks us for.
- Walnuts: the most underrated salad ingredient in my opinion (nutritionally and flavor speaking). More antioxidants, omega-3s, iron, and calcium packed in these little guys. Plus, with the lean protein, we’re able to stay fuller, longer, and not have to have another serving of pie for dessert.
- Pepitas: most commonly known as the shelled pumpkin seed, are a good source of magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. Magnesium plays a role in improving our sleep and bone formation. Manganese helps with collagen production and skin and bone health. Iron is the transporter of oxygen to our cells. Zinc supports our immune system and metabolism, and phosphorus helps filter waste through our immune system, grow and repair tissue and cells, and maintain our body’s energy.
Loaded broccoli salad minus the loaded calories
When people think of broccoli salad, many think “sour cream and sugar”. Oh my! Here are some tips on making this salad without the added calories:
- Use light sour cream (I promise no one will be the wiser)
- Fry up some turkey bacon. So many will turn up their nose at the thought of turkey bacon. Since you’ll be chopping it up and mixing it into this salad, instead of just eating it by the slice, it’s a great alternative to the sodium- and fat-concentrated pork version.
- To get the sweet taste that 2 tbsp of sugar gives us, I’ve tried using agave and it makes a great swap! You also get a creamier dressing because of it.
Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats
Loaded Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 hardboiled eggs, sliced
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
- 4 pieces bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup pepitas
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp white vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine broccoli, red onion, walnuts, eggs, cheddar, bacon, and pepitas in large bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sweetener, salt and pepper until well-combined. Stir dressing into the broccoli salad ingredients until evenly coated.
- Chill for 1 hour. Serve cold.
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