This Creamy Broccoli Ranch Salad is crisp, refreshing, and loaded with texture—crunchy broccoli, sweet cranberries, nutty seeds, and a tangy homemade ranch-style dressing. Perfect as a side dish, potluck salad, or light lunch.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Salad Base
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
Creamy Ranch Dressing
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tbsp milk or water (to thin, optional)
\ Instructions
1. Prep the Broccoli
- Wash broccoli well and cut into small florets.
- Optional: For softer texture, blanch broccoli in boiling water for 30–60 seconds, then transfer to ice water and drain well.
2. Make the Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, olive oil, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add milk or water if you prefer a thinner dressing.
3. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, carrots, red onion, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
4. Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Toss again just before serving.
Nut & Allergy Information
- Nut-free by default
- Contains seeds (pumpkin seeds/pepitas)
- Dairy present (Greek yogurt, mayonnaise may contain dairy)
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
- Dairy-free:
- Use dairy-free yogurt + vegan mayo
- Seed-free:
- Omit pumpkin seeds or replace with crispy chickpeas
- Lower-fat:
- Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayo
Nutrition Highlights (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: ~7–9 g
- Fiber: ~4–5 g
- Rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants
- Gut-friendly & filling
Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It keeps well for 2–3 days refrigerated. The flavor improves as it sits.
Q: Will the broccoli get soggy?
A: No—raw or lightly blanched broccoli holds up well in creamy dressings.
Q: Can I add protein?
A: Definitely! Try:
- Grilled chicken
- Crispy turkey bacon
- Chickpeas or white beans
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Yes—use plant-based yogurt and vegan mayo.
Q: Is this good for weight loss?
A: Yes—high fiber, low sugar, and satisfying fats help keep you full.
Optional Add-Ins
- Shredded cheddar or feta cheese
- Sunflower seeds
- Chopped apples or grapes
- Fresh parsley or chives
Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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