No-Cook Creamy Broccoli Bliss Salad

I’m so excited to share this highly requested recipe with you. It’s my Creamy Broccoli Bliss Salad, a colorful, nutritious bowl packed with rich flavors. This version not only beats store-bought options in taste and nutrition but also comes together in just 15 minutes. Simply toss crisp broccoli florets and other fresh, vibrant layers with a creamy homemade dressing, and you’ve got a dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner or weekly meal prep.

Bowl Insights

Next to broccoli, the dressing is what sets traditional broccoli salads apart. In my Broccoli Bliss Salad, there’s no mayonnaise. Instead, I use creamy Greek yogurt, which is full of good fats and protein. This simple swap enhances the texture while boosting the nutritional value. Combined with the crunch of broccoli, the sweetness of dried cherries and the nutty richness of sunflower seeds, the dressing brings everything together into a salad that’s as delicious as it is nourishing.

Let’s talk more about what makes this bowl a standout:

• Broccoli Florets: Crisp, crunchy and packed with fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. As a cruciferous vegetable, broccoli is rich in glucosinolates, compounds linked to reducing inflammation and promoting wellness.
• Red Cabbage: Brings satisfying crunch and great texture. Loaded with antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which support heart health and combat inflammation.
• Carrots: Naturally sweet and rich in beta-carotene, these orange beauties support healthy skin, vision and immunity while adding a pop of color.
• Red Onion: A bold layer that adds tangy flavor while delivering quercetin, a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Chickpeas: Provide a creamy texture that balances the crunchy veggies. A hearty source of plant-based protein and fiber that keeps you feeling full and satisfied.
• Sunflower Seeds: Nutty and crunchy, these tiny powerhouses are full of healthy fats, protein and essential nutrients.
• Dried Cherries: Sweet and slightly tart, they add bursts of flavor and antioxidants for a nutritious twist.
• Yogurt Dressing: Made with Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey, this dressing is light, tangy and packed with probiotics for gut health.

Bowl Building Blocks

This Broccoli Bliss Salad is the perfect blend of balance, nutrition and flavor. Packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients, it brings together hearty textures and vibrant tastes for a bowl that satisfies every craving. From the crunch of broccoli to the sweet-tart pop of dried cherries, each layer adds its own unique character and a touch of nourishment.

Base Bowl Blend

• 1 medium head of broccoli (about 3-4 cups), chopped into florets
• 1/4 medium red cabbage, shredded
• 2 carrots, shredded or julienned (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or julienned
• 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup dried tart cherries (dried cranberries work too)
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and chopped into bits (optional see recipe)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Creamy Yogurt Dressing

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (whole milk or 2% reduced fat)
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons pure honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, or to taste

Build Your Bowl

With the exception of the optional layer of homemade bacon bits, no cooking is required for this Broccoli Bliss Salad. Putting it together is quick and easy, requiring just a bit of chopping, mixing and tossing. In no time, you’ll have a vibrant, fresh and flavorful bowl that’s perfect as a main dish or side.

1. Prep Your Veggies: Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, shred or finely chop the red cabbage and julienne or shred the carrots. Slice the red onion thinly.
2. Rinse the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
3. Cook the Bacon: If using bacon, cook the strips until crispy, then chop them into small bits. For tips and instructions, check out my homemade bacon bits recipe, perfect for any type of bacon.
4. Make the Dressing: In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Blend or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, red cabbage, carrots, red onion and chickpeas. Toss everything together to mix evenly, then pour the dressing over the veggie mix and toss again until well coated.
6. Add the Extras: Sprinkle in the dried cherries, sunflower seeds and bacon bits if using. Toss again to distribute.
7. Chill and Enjoy: Let the salad chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Customize Your Bowl

This Broccoli Bliss Salad is extremely versatile, making it easy to adapt to your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re adding protein, adjusting textures or enhancing flavors, here are some ideas to inspire your own version.

• Blanch the Broccoli: For a softer texture, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to maintain their color and crunch.
• Boost the Protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu or hard-boiled eggs to make the salad a more filling meal.
• Enhance the Flavor: Toss in fresh herbs like parsley or dill, or add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
• Add More Crunch: Sprinkle in toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for extra texture and flavor.
• Make it Vegan: Use plant-based yogurt and maple syrup in the dressing, and skip the bacon or opt for a vegan alternative.

Let Me See Your Bowl

If you enjoy this Superfood Salad, which I’m quite sure you will, drop a comment below and share your pics on Instagram (@that.salad.lady) and TikTok (@thatsaladlady). Don’t forget to add the hashtags #thatsaladlady and #buildyourbowl. Add the hashtags #thatsaladlady and #buildyourbowl too.

Love it? Pin it on Pinterest and share it on Facebook using #thatsaladlady. I can’t wait to see your creations!

No-Cook Creamy Broccoli Bliss Salad

Recipe by That Salad Lady

5.0 from 4 votes

Course: Appetizers, MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep Time*

15

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Total Time

15

minutes

Rich in flavor and loaded with wholesome ingredients, this Broccoli Bliss Salad outshines store-bought options in both taste and nutrition.

Ingredients

• Base Salad Blend

• 1 large head broccoli (about 4 cups), chopped into florets

• 1/4 medium red cabbage, shredded

• 2-3 carrots, shredded or julienned

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or julienned

• 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1/2 cup dried tart cherries (dried cranberries work too)

• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds

• 4 strips bacon, cooked and chopped into bits (optional see recipe)

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

• Creamy Yogurt Dressing

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (whole milk or 2% reduced fat)

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 2 tablespoons pure honey

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, or to taste

Directions

• Prep Your Veggies: Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, shred or finely chop the red cabbage and julienne or shred the carrots. Slice the red onion thinly.
• Rinse the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
• Cook the Bacon: If using bacon, cook the strips until crispy, then chop them into small bits. For tips and instructions, check out my homemade bacon bits recipe, perfect for any type of bacon.
• Make the Dressing: In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Blend or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, red cabbage, carrots, red onion and chickpeas. Toss everything together to mix evenly, then pour the dressing over the veggie mix and toss again until well coated.
• Add the Extras: Sprinkle in the dried cherries, sunflower seeds and bacon bits if using. Toss again to distribute.
• Chill and Enjoy: Let the salad chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Time Saving Hack: Pre-chop your veggies and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days to streamline prep.
• Oil-Free Dressing Option: Skip the olive oil and use mashed avocado in the dressing for a creamy, nutrient-packed alternative.
• Storage Tip: Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits!

This information is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate. Please review my full disclaimer to get a clear understanding of the nutrition and health information and resources presented and written on my website.