There are some recipes that just taste like childhood, and broccoli salad is one of those for me. I can remember my mom making this often when I was growing up, and it has always been one of those side dishes I look forward to.

The traditional version is usually made with a mayonnaise based dressing, which is delicious, but now that I’m trying to be more mindful of my calories, I wanted to make a lighter version that I could still enjoy.

Instead of all mayo, I use nonfat Greek yogurt for the dressing and a smaller amount of a light mayo. I didn’t change anything else about the recipe because, honestly, I didn’t want to! The bacon, raisins, and sunflower seeds are what make this salad so good.

And the result? A creamy, tangy, crunchy side dish with the perfect combination of sweet and savory.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Salad

This isn’t one of those recipes where you have to convince yourself that the “lighter” version is just as good. It’s genuinely delicious on its own.

The broccoli gives you plenty of crunch, the bacon adds a salty, savory flavor, the sunflower seeds add even more texture, and the raisins bring a little sweetness to balance out the tangy dressing.

It’s also a great option when you’re in a calorie deficit and want something more interesting than a plain salad or a heavy carb based side dish. With 8 grams of protein per serving and plenty of fiber from the broccoli, it’s a side dish that brings a little more to the table nutritionally, too.

What to Serve With Broccoli Salad

This is one of those sides that goes with just about everything.

I especially love serving it alongside:

, Burgers
, Grilled chicken
, Pulled pork sandwiches
, Pasta dishes
, Summer BBQ favorites
, Holiday dinners
, Potluck meals

It’s also an easy dish to bring to a dinner party because you can make it a few hours ahead of time and simply pull it out of the refrigerator when you’re ready to eat.

How to Make Lighter Broccoli Salad

Start by cutting the broccoli into small, bite sized pieces. I like the pieces fairly small so they’re easy to eat and you get a little bit of everything in each bite.

Add the broccoli to a large bowl along with the crispy diced bacon, raisins, and sunflower seeds.

For the dressing, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss everything together until the broccoli is evenly coated.

Then refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours before serving. Don’t skip this step! The salad is best when it’s really cold and the flavors have had some time to come together.

Can You Make Broccoli Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, and I actually recommend it.

I like making this about three hours before serving, especially when I’m taking it to a BBQ, potluck, or dinner at a friend’s house.

I wouldn’t recommend making it a full day ahead, though. The broccoli starts to lose its crunch and can get soggy by the next day. For the best texture, make it the same day you’re planning to serve it.

Easy Substitutions

Want to switch things up? You can easily substitute Craisins for the raisins or use walnuts instead of sunflower seeds.

You could even try both!

The basic combination of crunchy broccoli, salty bacon, something sweet, and a creamy tangy dressing is what makes this salad work so well.

A Lighter Take on a Classic

For me, that’s really what this recipe is about. I don’t want to give up the foods I grew up eating just because I’m trying to lose weight. I want to find ways to make them work for the way I eat now.

This broccoli salad is a perfect example. It’s still the nostalgic side dish I remember from my childhood, just with a simple swap that makes it fit a little more easily into a calorie deficit.

And honestly, I don’t miss all the mayo.

If you’re looking for a crunchy, creamy, sweet and savory side dish for your next BBQ, potluck, or family dinner, this one is definitely worth making.

Recipe at a Glance

Serves: 8
Serving size: Approximately .5 cup
Calories: 196
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 20.5g
Fat: 9.5g

Macros are estimates and will vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use.