If you think raw broccoli is boring, this salad is here to change your mind. I never thought I’d crave a raw broccoli dish, but the combination of crunchy florets, salty bacon, and a creamy, tangy-sweet dressing is absolutely irresistible. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. Trust me, you’ll be going back for seconds!
Ingredients
• 1 pound / 450g broccoli florets, roughly chopped
• 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
• ½ cup / 50g slivered almonds
• ¼ cup / 40g chopped red onions
• ¼ cup / 30g sugar-free dried cranberries
• ⅓ cup / 75g mayonnaise, or more if desired
• 2 tablespoons / 30ml apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon / 12g powdered erythritol, optional
• ½ teaspoon / 3g sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon / 1.5g ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Directions
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, crispy bacon, slivered almonds, red onions, and dried cranberries.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, optional erythritol, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. For best results, chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Facts
• MAKES: 10 servings · PREP TIME: 15 minutes
• PER SERVING
• CALORIES: 148
• FAT: 12.8g
• PROTEIN: 4.9g
• TOTAL CARBS: 4.5g
• FIBER: 1.9g
• NET CARBS: 2.6g
Pro Tips
• For the best texture, chop broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure they absorb the dressing and make the salad easier to eat.
• This salad tastes even better after the flavors meld. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, but add the bacon and almonds just before serving to keep them crisp.
• If omitting the erythritol for a less sweet dressing, reduce the apple cider vinegar by half to maintain a balanced, tangy flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can you make this raw broccoli salad ahead of time
A: Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. For the best results and texture, prepare the salad base and dressing up to 24 hours in advance, but wait to add the crispy bacon and slivered almonds until just before serving to ensure they stay crunchy.
Q: Is this a keto broccoli salad recipe
A: Absolutely. With only 2.6g of net carbs per serving, this recipe is designed to be low-carb and keto-friendly. It uses sugar-free dried cranberries and optional erythritol to keep the sugar content minimal while delivering a delicious, creamy flavor.
Q: What is the best way to cut broccoli for salad
A: For the best texture in a raw broccoli salad, chop the florets into small, bite-sized pieces. This allows the creamy dressing to coat each piece evenly and makes the salad much easier to eat.
