Clean Broccoli Raisin Salad

This tasty salad is perfect for a picnic or parties. I made this and had it as a side dish to my main meal. I “revamped” the normal recipe, which calls for mayo dressing, and substituted a honey-greek yogurt sauce instead, which cuts down on the fat and adds more protein.

Ingredients: (makes 5 1/2 cups)

• 4 cups broccoli florets, blanched* (I used a 12 oz pre-cut bag)
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup turkey bacon, cooked and chopped (preferably low-sodium nitrate free; I used 3 slices)
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup raw sliced almonds

Honey-Yogurt Dressing:

• 3/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• dash of salt and pepper

*I personally blanched the broccoli, which means I partially cooked it. This will give the broccoli a greener color and a little less “tough” texture than when keeping it raw. Sometimes too much raw broccoli can give you a stomachache too 🙁 So, it is up to you and your preference! Blanching is very easy, here is a link step by step:

http://www.wikihow.com/Blanch-Broccoli

Substitutions/Optional:

Feel free to use:

• cashews for sliced almonds
• cranberries for raisins
• regular bacon instead of turkey (or omit completely-be aware regular is higher in fat)
• Add 1/4 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• Add diced chicken breast; adds protein and makes this a complete meal!

Directions:

• Cut up your broccoli into bite-size florets (or whatever size you would like).
• Blanch your broccoli and set aside in a large bowl (link for instructions is above; skip if you would like to keep it raw).
• Cook your bacon slices until they are nice and crispy.
• While your bacon is cooking, chop up the onion and celery. Add to your broccoli (or to a small separate bowl).

• Once the bacon is done, chop finely and add to the broccoli mixture.
• Add the rest of your ingredients (seeds, nuts, raisins, and/or cheese).
• Prepare the yogurt dressing: take all ingredients and mix!
• Add the yogurt dressing to the broccoli salad and MIX thoroughly until the salad is evenly blended together and with the dressing.
• Enjoy immediately or cover and store in the fridge!

*If you keep the broccoli raw (not blanching it) the florets will stay a bit crisper for longer. You could also wait and mix the dressing together immediately before serving!

Nutritional Info (with no substitutions):

Per 1/2 cup serving:

85 calories-10g carbs-3.5g protein-3.5g fat