This Broccoli with Bacon Salad is the perfect way to switch up your average lettuce-based salad into something new and exciting! Filled with fresh, crunchy broccoli, and loaded with both sweet and salty toppings, This Salad is versatile, unique, and full of flavor!
From fruits and veggies, to seeds and vegan cheese all topped off with a drizzle of ranch dressing, this Broccoli with Bacon Salad has everything! Think dressing can’t be healthy? Let us prove to you that dressing can be healthy, creamy, and delicious with our Homemade Ranch Dressing. Let’s get into the details!
Broccoli with Bacon Salad
When most people think of salad, they think of lettuce, with some veggies, and maybe fruit on top. While lettuce-based salads can be incredibly versatile and full of flavor, they can also become redundant after some time. In the case of this recipe, I was simply ready for something new.
This Broccoli with Bacon Salad came about when I began searching for salad ideas without a lettuce base. After only a quick search for ideas, I was reminded of just how broad of a term “salad” really is. Dictionary.com’s definition of salad defines salad as: “any of various dishes consisting of foods, as meat, seafood, eggs, pasta, or fruit, prepared singly or combined, usually cut up, mixed with a dressing, and served cold.” The term “salad” really leaves so much room for imagination!
What to Put in a Salad
While I created this salad based upon my flavor preferences, as always, feel free to switch things out, add on, and really make this salad your own! Need some ideas? Here are a few of my favorite salad boosters!
Nuts: Nuts are an incredible source of plant-based nutrients and protein. Nuts are also often high in healthy fats, and full of antioxidants! Click here for more information on the benefits of nuts. They add a delicious crunch and texture to a salad, and are a fun way to spruce up a recipe!
Want a delicious nut mix recipe to add on top? Click here for this Sweet & Salty Nut Mix!
Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are nutrient-dense, and full of omega-3’s. They’re also a great source of fiber, and contribute a nutty, creamy flavor to whatever recipe they’re included in. Click here for more information on the benefits of flaxseeds.
Fruit: Although this recipe already includes apples and dried cranberries, there are so many other fruits you could add in for some extra flavor and nutrition! From blueberries, to mandarin oranges, and even pears, adding to fruit to salad is almost always a delicious addition! It also doesn’t hurt that fruit is full of phytonutrients, and incredibly healthy for you. Click here to learn more about phytonutrients!
Avocados: I have truly never had a salad that avocados don’t taste amazing in! Avocados are high in potassium, monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and more. Click here for more information on avocados. They’re also smooth, creamy, and incredibly filling! Want to add some extra nutrients and bulk to your salad? Avocados are the way to go!
My list could go on-and-on for days, so get creative, and enjoy personalizing your salads! Want more salad recipes without lettuce? We have plenty of those to go around here at Clean Cuisine! Keep reading for more details…
Salads without Lettuce Recipes
Salads don’t have to always include lettuce. Make it your goal to get creative, and switch it up! Here are some of our favorite salad recipes without any lettuce!
The BEST Egg Salad: This is seriously the BEST Egg Salad Recipe seasoned with smoked paprika, crushed garlic, creamy mayo, relish and sea salt.
Healthy 7 Layer Salad: Our healthy recipe for 7 layer salad also doubles as a 7 layer dip with fresh chopped vegetables (think carrots, celery and tri-colored peppers). Yum!
Recipe for Tomato Salad: Serving perfectly as a side dish, appetizer, or salad, this Recipe for Tomato Salad is fresh, flavorful, and a dish you just have to try!
Healthy Asian Seaweed Salad: Seaweed salad is clean and delicious. It can easily be made at home for a fraction of the cost. Made with garlic, ginger, rice wine and sesame.
Chopped Cabbage as Salad: Chopped Cabbage as Salad is the perfect crunchy summer salad. This recipe for Cabbage as Salad is a little tangy, a little sweet and savory.
Alright, I think we’ve spent plenty of time talking all about this delicious Broccoli with Bacon Salad. Let’s get into the details!
Kitchen Favorites
Broccoli with Bacon Salad
This Broccoli with Bacon Salad is loaded with fruits, veggies, and seeds, and drizzled with an easy, Homemade Ranch Dressing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1–2 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups raw broccoli
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped apples
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 3 slices turkey bacon
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons vegan feta cheese, crumbled, remove for Whole30 and SCD
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
- Homemade ranch dressing, to taste, remove for Whole30 and SCD
Instructions
- Begin by frying up turkey bacon in a skillet until thoroughly cooked. Set aside.
- While turkey bacon is frying, wash and dry all fruit and veggies. Set to the side as well.
- Chop raw broccoli and apple into small pieces, and place in a large salad bowl.
- Add remaining ingredients (except for the dressing), and toss to combine.
- Add in the Homemade Ranch Dressing, and toss one more time.
- Serve, and enjoy!
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