High-Protein Loaded Bean & Broccoli Salad is a creamy protein salad. It contains bacon, whole-milk plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, fresh dill, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, broccoli florets, cannellini beans, sharp Cheddar cheese, and scallions. We would easily prepare this salad in 25 minutes, good for preparing on a busy day. This loaded bean & broccoli salad is perfect to prepare for picnics, potlucks, meal prep, and as a satisfying side dish or light lunch. Serve this High-Protein Loaded Bean & Broccoli Salad with grilled chicken breast, lemon herb salmon, garlic shrimp, or tomato soup.
STATS:
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Duration for Prep: Fifteen minutes
- Cook Duration: Ten minutes
- Total Duration: Twenty-five minutes
- Serving Size: 1 & ¼ cups
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Salad, Side Dish, Lunch
- Diet: High-Protein
- Servings: 6
EQUIPMENT:
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife
- Large serving bowl
- Colander
INGREDIENTS:
- 5 slices bacon
- â…“ cup Greek yogurt (whole-milk plain)
- â…“ cup mayonnaise
- 2 & ½ tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp. chopped fresh dill
- ¾ tsp. garlic powder
- ¾ tsp. onion powder
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 can no-salt-added cannellini beans
- ¾ cup sharp Cheddar cheese shreds
- 5 medium scallions
INGREDIENT NOTES:
BACON:
- Add the thick-cut bacon to prepare this loaded bean & broccoli salad. It will provide the crispy texture and smoky flavor that make this salad delicious. Utilize the turkey bacon instead for a leaner option.
GREEK YOGURT:
- Add the whole-milk plain Greek yogurt to provide the creamy texture and protein in the dressing. It will also add a tang that balances the indulgence of mayonnaise. We would also utilize the low-fat Greek yogurt instead to offer a light version.
MAYONNAISE:
- It is added to provide the indulgent, smooth, & creamy dressing. Utilize the additional Greek yogurt instead to make the dressing lighter to maintain the creamy consistency.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR:
- Include the apple cider vinegar to provide the bright & tangy flavor in the dressing. It will balance the rich flavor of creamy items, and we would also utilize the white wine vinegar instead.
FRESH DILL:
- Add the fresh dill to provide the fresh herby taste in the salad. It also deepens the taste of the creamy dressing, and we would also utilize the dried dill instead.
BROCCOLI:
- Add the fresh broccoli florets to provide the crisp texture, fiber, & nutrients in the salad. They should be cut into bite-sized pieces, and we would also utilize the lightly blanched broccoli instead to provide a softer texture.
CANNELLINI BEANS:
- Add the cannellini beans to provide the protein, fiber, & creamy texture in the salad. They also make the salad satisfying, and we would also utilize the Great Northern beans or navy beans instead.
CHEDDAR CHEESE:
- Add the sharp Cheddar cheese to offer the indulgent cheesy taste & extra protein. It also improves the creamy texture of the salad, and we would also utilize the mild Cheddar instead if preferred.
SCALLIONS:
- Add the scallions to provide the light onion taste and fresh crunch in the salad. They also improve the flavor, and we would also utilize the chopped chives instead.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Add the bacon to the pan & cook on the moderate flame till crispy, then add it to the plate.
- Include the Mayonnaise, dill, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and seasonings, and mix to make it smooth.
- Then add the cannellini beans, cheddar cheese shreds, broccoli florets, bacon, and scallions.
- Mix all the items till all the items get coated with the dressing.
- Cover the dressing and chill for around 20 to 30 minutes, then serve.
- Sprinkle the black pepper and dill, then serve.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
MAIN PROTEIN DISHES:
- Grilled Lemon Chicken
- Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
- Garlic Butter Salmon
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Balsamic Grilled Steak
SOUPS:
- Tomato Basil Soup
- Chicken Vegetable Soup
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Creamy Cauliflower Soup
- Lentil Soup
SANDWICHES & WRAPS:
- Turkey Avocado Wrap
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Roast Beef Sandwich
- Ham and Swiss Wrap
- Veggie Hummus Wrap
BREAD & ROLLS:
- Whole Grain Dinner Rolls
- Garlic Bread
- Sourdough Bread
- Multigrain Rolls
- Cheddar Biscuits
LOW-CARB PAIRINGS:
- Bunless Turkey Burgers
- Grilled Chicken Thighs
- Roasted Pork Tenderloin
- Herb-Roasted Cauliflower
- Garlic Butter Mushrooms
FRESH SALADS:
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Mixed Green Salad
- Spinach Strawberry Salad
- Coleslaw
- Arugula Parmesan Salad
PICNIC & BBQ FAVORITES:
- Deviled Eggs
- Fresh Fruit Salad
- Corn on the Cob
- Grilled Vegetables
- Dill Pickles
BEVERAGES:
- Unsweetened Iced Tea
- Sparkling Water with Lemon
- Fresh Lemonade
- Cucumber Mint Water
- Iced Green Tea
TIPS:
- Chill the salad, then serve to provide good taste.
- Dry the bacon properly so the salad doesn’t become oily.
- Make the broccoli pieces small and equal in size.
- Include the bacon before serving so they get crisp.
- Add the sunflower or pumpkin seeds to make them crunchier.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Add the salad to a tight vessel and store for four days.
FREEZER:
- Don’t freeze the salad as the dressing and broccoli texture will be ruined.
FAQs:
Could I prepare the salad in advance?
- Yes, we would easily prepare the salad in advance as it has a better taste.
Would we use frozen broccoli to make this salad?
- Yes, we would utilize the frozen broccoli, but defrost and drain it well; however, it is best to use the fresh one for good texture.
How to prepare the light version of this dish?
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to make the light version of the dish.
How to make the vegetarian version of salad?
- Yes, exclude the bacon or add the roasted chickpeas or vegan bacon instead for this purpose.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Calories: 345 kcal
Net Carbs: 12 g
Serving Size: 1 & ¼ cups
Total Carbohydrates: 17 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 18 g
Servings: 6
Total Fat: 22 g
Calcium: 0.22 g
Iron: 0.002 g
Vitamin A: 0.00018 g
Sodium: 0.52 g
Potassium: 0.52 g
