Keto Crispy Bacon Broccoli Salad
Fresh broccoli and cherry tomatoes tossed with a creamy avocado-yogurt dressing brightened by lemon and Dijon mustard, then topped with crispy bacon. This quick salad balances cool vegetables with warm, salty bacon for textural contrast. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or protein-forward dinner component. The Greek yogurt keeps the dressing lean while avocado adds richness without heavy mayo.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Cook bacon in a large heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium heat until crisp, then set aside on paper towels.
- 2
Blend avocado, lemon zest and juice, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard and sea salt until smooth.
- 3
Combine broccoli, cherry tomatoes and red onion in a large bowl.
- 4
Pour avocado dressing over vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
- 5
Crumble bacon and sprinkle over the salad.
- 6
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready.
Tips
Cook bacon to full crispness for maximum textural contrast against creamy dressing; render fat completely so bacon stays crunchy when added.
Make dressing just before serving to prevent browning of avocado; if prepping ahead, store dressing separately and dress salad within 1 hour.
Toast broccoli florets lightly in the bacon fat for deeper flavor, though raw is also excellent and faster.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftover salad (without bacon) in an airtight container up to 2 days. Store bacon separately and add just before serving to maintain crispness. Dressing keeps 1 day covered.
Prepare dressing up to 4 hours ahead; store covered. Cook bacon and chop vegetables the morning of serving. Do not dress salad until 30 minutes before eating to prevent wilting.
Serve at room temperature or chilled. Pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or hard-boiled eggs for added protein. Works as a substantial side to roasted meats.
Common Mistakes
Do not dress salad too far in advance to avoid soggy vegetables and oxidized avocado.
Do not skip cooling bacon before crumbling to prevent grease from pooling in dressing.
Do not use overripe avocado; choose firm fruit that yields slightly to pressure.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes, prepare components separately: dressing up to 4 hours ahead, vegetables chopped and stored in containers, bacon cooked and cooled. Assemble within 30 minutes of eating. Undressed salad keeps 1 day maximum.
What if I don't have a blender for the dressing?
Mash avocado by hand in a bowl, then whisk in remaining dressing ingredients until mostly smooth. Texture will be slightly chunkier but flavor identical. Takes 2 minutes.
Can I freeze the bacon or dressing?
Bacon freezes well up to 1 month; reheat briefly to recrisp. Do not freeze avocado dressing; avocado breaks down and separates when thawed. Yogurt base alone freezes but texture changes.