Craving a salad that bursts with flavor while keeping it light? This sweet broccoli salad is just what you need! Perfect for those warm days when you want something satisfying yet guilt-free. With its crisp broccoli, sweet raisins, and crunchy almonds, this dish is a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Whether you’re looking for a side dish for your next barbecue or a healthy lunch option, this salad fits the bill. It’s not only quick to prepare, but it also packs a nutritious punch, making it a favorite for anyone trying to watch their calorie intake.
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Ingredients That Shine
This salad is characterized by a few standout ingredients that come together to create a delightful eating experience. The bright green broccoli florets not only provide a vibrant color but also offer a satisfying crunch.
Complementing the broccoli are plump raisins, which add a touch of sweetness to each bite. When mixed with toasted almonds, their nutty flavor enhances the overall profile of the dish, giving it a lovely texture that keeps you coming back for more.
The Perfect Dressing
A creamy yogurt-based dressing takes this salad to the next level. The combination of Greek yogurt, honey, and apple cider vinegar results in a light yet flavorful sauce that perfectly balances the sweetness of the raisins and the crunch of the nuts.
Whisking these ingredients together creates a velvety texture that clings beautifully to the broccoli, ensuring every portion is deliciously coated.
Simple Preparation Steps
Preparing this vibrant salad is quick and straightforward. Start by washing and chopping the broccoli into bite-sized pieces, which ensures that every forkful is packed with flavor.
Next, toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet until golden brown. This simple step enhances their flavor and adds an additional layer of crunch to the salad.
Mixing It All Together
Once all components are prepped, it’s time to combine them. Toss the chopped broccoli, sweet raisins, and toasted almonds in a large bowl.
Drizzle the creamy dressing over the top and mix everything together until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. The salad can be served immediately or chilled for a little while to let the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful salad makes an excellent side dish for summer barbecues or a light lunch option. Its refreshing taste and appealing presentation are perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying on a sunny day.
Consider complementing it with grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded meal. This salad not only satisfies cravings but also contributes to your nutritious eating goals.
Nutrition Insights
With just 180 calories per serving, this salad is a guilt-free choice that packs in essential nutrients. It contains a good balance of protein and healthy fats, making it a smart addition to any meal.
Each bite offers a mix of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, promoting overall health while keeping you satisfied. Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated, and this salad is proof of that!
A Healthy Sweet Broccoli Salad with Under 250 Calories
This sweet broccoli salad is a refreshing medley of crunchy broccoli florets, sweet raisins, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a light dressing. It’s crisp, slightly tangy, and pleasantly sweet, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Toast the Almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds until golden brown, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the broccoli, raisins, and toasted almonds. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for a more refreshing taste.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
Table of Suitable Diets and Adjustments
Here’s a table listing what diets this recipe is suitable for and any explanations or adjustments needed to make it suitable:
| Diet | Explanation / Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Suitable as is. All ingredients are plant-based, with no meat or animal products beyond dairy (Greek yogurt). |
| Gluten-Free | Suitable as is. The recipe does not contain gluten or any wheat-based ingredients. |
| Low-Calorie | Suitable as is. The recipe is under 250 calories per serving, making it appropriate for a low-calorie diet. |
| Low-Carb | Adjustments needed: Replace raisins with a lower-carb alternative (e.g., chopped fresh berries or unsweetened coconut flakes) and use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey. |
| Keto | Adjustments needed: Replace raisins with chopped nuts or seeds (e.g., sunflower seeds), use full-fat Greek yogurt, and substitute honey with a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia. |
| Dairy-Free | Adjustment needed: Substitute plain Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative (e.g., almond or coconut yogurt). |
| Vegan | Adjustments needed: Replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make the recipe fully vegan. |
| Paleo | Adjustments needed: Replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and ensure honey is used as the sweetener. |
| Nut-Free | Adjustment needed: Omit the almonds or replace them with toasted seeds (e.g., sunflower or pumpkin seeds). |
| Whole30 | Adjustments needed: Replace Greek yogurt with compliant coconut yogurt and omit honey (use a date-based puree or leave out the sweetener entirely). |
