Broccoli Salad with Greek Yogurt Recipe

Broccoli salad is a great make-ahead side dish for picnics, potlucks, or summer BBQ, and it’s a great game day addition too. This broccoli salad with Greek yogurt does not use mayo for a lighter and healthier option, but you’d never be able to tell! Packed with crunchy, delicious ingredients, it’s the perfect dish to bring to your next get-together or gathering!

Original post: May 2016 | Updated: May 2020 and September 2024

Why This Recipe Works

• Done in less than 20 minutes!
• I personally do not love super mayo loaded salads and this one feels so “light.” The Greek yogurt really helps with this (also helps to slim the recipe down).
• The Greek yogurt makes a tasty and tangy dressing
• Super easy to throw together.
• Great choice for any type of party, any time of the year.
• People always rave about this salad and tell me it’s their favorite broccoli salad recipe they’ve ever had.
• Party food, yes, but this also makes a delicious side dish for any meal!
• Swap out grapes for a dried fruit such as raisins, dried cherries, or dried cranberries.

I absolutely love this broccoli salad. Of all the summer salads, it’s my favorite. It’s crunchy, tasty, simple to make, and my favorite part? It’s not over-loaded with mayonnaise, or any at all. That’s right! It uses Greek yogurt instead to make it a lighter and healthier creamy dressing option that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor.

This is the best broccoli salad recipe and the perfect party or potluck recipe because it can be put together in under 20 minutes! It can also be customized the way you like it! It also makes the perfect side dish for ANY meal!

Make this delicious recipe for your next gathering. Trust me, it will get rave reviews and there won’t be a single morsel left in the bowl! It’s that good, and I just cannot recommend this classic broccoli salad recipe enough. Another great thing? It’s the perfect way to get the kids to eat their broccoli.

Fresh Broccoli Salad Ingredients

This easy broccoli salad recipe uses fresh ingredients for maximum flavor.

Broccoli – Use fresh crisp broccoli for best results.

Bacon – Cook and chop your own crispy bacon or packaged bacon bits work as well.

Red grapes – Green grapes can also be used. Cut grapes in half so they’re easier to pick up with your fork.

Green onions – Thinly sliced, white and light green parts only. Replace the green onions with finely chopped yellow or red onion, if desired (no more than 1/2 cup).

Celery – Adds such a nice crunch to the dish

Cheddar cheese – Any variety of shredded cheddar or even colby jack cheese works great

Plain Greek yogurt – To slim down the recipe even further, decrease the amount of yogurt used (I wouldn’t go under ½ cup)

Granulated sugar – LOVE the sweet touch the sugar adds, but you could definitely decrease this amount and/or replace a portion of the sugar with another sweetener such as honey or agave

Apple cider vinegar  – This is my favorite type of vinegar to use, but you could also use red wine vinegar 

How to Make This Creamy Broccoli Salad 

This delicious broccoli salad comes together so easily and in just four simple steps.

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, cooked bacon, grapes, green onions, celery and cheese. Mix well.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine yogurt, sugar and vinegar. Whisk these dressing ingredients until creamy. 

Step 3

Add the broccoli salad dressing to the salad ingredients and stir until combined. 

Step 4

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to let the flavors really mingle together and develop. This salad is amazing the next day!

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Soak or spray the heads of broccoli in cold water and pat them dry.
• Cut grapes in half so they’re easier to pick up with your fork.
• Cut larger broccoli florets to bite-size pieces
• Swap out grapes for a dried fruit such as raisins, dried cherries, or dried cranberries.
• Packaged bacon bits from the grocery store can be used instead of cooking bacon
• Use fresh broccoli florets for best results
• Use honey or agave in place of white sugar
• Sub red or white wine vinegar for the apple cider vinegar
• Use imitation bacon bits to make this recipe vegetarian friendly. 
• Freeze broccoli stems for later or use them for an easy broccoli slaw recipe.

Greek Yogurt vs Mayonnaise

Unflavored, plain Greek yogurt is a common substitute for mayonnaise. Greek yogurt is high in calcium and protein, while mayo is higher in fat and calories. And don’t get me started on the sodium.

One 1/2 cup serving of yogurt has 10 grams of protein and only 110 calories while the same amount of mayonnaise contains only 1 gram of protein and a whopping 770 calories! Using greek yogurt in place of mayo is a great way to eat healthier without sacrificing anything.

What to Put in Cold Broccoli Salad

There are all sorts of great extras that can be used as add-ins to make your broccoli salad 

• Crunchy sunflower seeds or slivered almonds
• Different types of dried fruit
• Cheese chunks instead of shredded cheese
• Sliced or diced ham pieces
• Chili Peppers or Pepperoncinis

What to Serve With Broccoli Salad

This Greek yogurt broccoli salad goes with just about everything! These are a just few of my family’s favorite dishes to eat it with.

• Grilled BBQ Chicken
• Instant Pot Ribs
• Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
• Instant Pot Sloppy Joes
• Pork Chops or Pulled Pork Sandwiches

How Long Does Broccoli Salad Last?

Store leftover broccoli salad in an appropriately sized airtight container for minimal air exposure. Stored properly, it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Toss or shake well before reserving.

Is It Safe To Eat Broccoli With Brown Spots    

It is not safe to eat broccoli with brown spots. Brown, white, or yellow spotting is an early indication that your broccoli has gone bad.

More Broccoli Recipes

Simple Roasted Broccoli
Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup