Broccoli Salad {High Protein + Meal Prep}

This High Protein Broccoli Salad is perfect for meal prep – it’s so filling with lentils, bacon and quinoa in a creamy dressing!

I love a salad that’s actually exciting to eat, and this broccoli one totally hits the mark. Crunchy, sweet, savoury, and creamy all at once. Trust me, you’ll be going back for seconds.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Easy Make-Ahead: Prep it in advance for potlucks, lunches, or weeknight dinners. It gets better the longer it sits.
• Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with veggies, protein, and a creamy dressing, this salad hits the balance between wholesome and indulgent.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Broccoli – Cauliflower is the next best alternative.
• Carrot – Substitute with another vegetable of your choice, like bell peppers or cucumber.
• Bacon – Use turkey bacon for a lower-calorie option.
• Cheddar cheese – Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder flavour.
• Dry brown lentils – Cooked green lentils are best, but you can also use garbanzo beans or chickpeas.
• Red onion – White or yellow onion can be used but they have a milder flavour.
• Dried cranberries – Dried cherries or raisins would also work.
• Roasted sunflower seeds – Double up on the pumpkin seeds or try using pine nuts.

Dressing

• Sour cream – You could also try using Greek yogurt.
• Light mayonnaise – Try using low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead. You could also make your own mayonnaise with egg yolk, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
• Apple cider vinegar – Rice vinegar or white wine vinegar.
• Honey – Agave or maple syrup would also work.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic is best but jarred minced garlic will work in a pinch.

How to make broccoli salad

Step 1: Cook the bacon

Cook the bacon until crispy and set aside.

Step 2: Make the dressing

Mix the dressing ingredients and set aside.

Step 3: Prep the ingredients

Dice, shred and portion out all the ingredients into a large bowl.

Step 4: Add dressing

Add the dressing and mix until combined. Let site then serve and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions

Is broccoli salad healthy?

Yes! This salad is full of fresh veggies with lots of great nutrients and is high in protein. You can make the recipe even healthier by using turkey bacon instead of pork bacon and swapping out the mayonnaise for low-fat mayonnaise.

Do you need to cook the broccoli?

This salad calls for six cups of raw broccoli. You could steam the broccoli if you don’t like raw broccoli, but it would change the texture of the salad and make it less crunchy.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Totally! Swap bacon for roasted chickpeas or coconut bacon, use a vegan cheese, and replace the mayo and sour cream with plant-based versions. You’ll still get all the crunch, sweetness, and flavour.

What to serve with broccoli salad

This salad is great on its own but you can also serve it with soups, sandwiches, wraps or main dishes with protein. Here are some of my favourite options:

• Baked chicken breasts or chicken thighs
• Grilled fish like salmon, chicken or steak
• Grilled cheese, turkey wrap or burger
• Lentil, tomato or squash soup

Storing and reheating

Storing: Store the salad in the fridge for up to 3 days in airtight containers. Keep the dressing separate from the toppings to prevent sogginess, but it does taste better the longer it sits. You can also make the dressing ahead of time for up to 3 days.

Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this salad.

Frequently Asked Questions