There are few things as refreshing and tasty as enjoying the juicy, sun-ripened, citrus fruits that grow here in the Golden State. Whether freshly squeezed into a cocktail, added to guacamole, or mixed into a sauce or dressing, nothing brightens up a beverage or dish the like fresh citrus. This sweet, lemony yogurt sauce is the star of the show in this recipe. I’m not going to lie – I definitely savored a few spoonfuls by itself before adding it to the veggies!
The touch of lemon in the sauce creates a tangy, bright finish that will leave you wanting another bowl. Adding a salty sprinkle of bacon and cheese on top really brings out all the flavors and complements the the sweetness of the sauce. This healthy salad is simple to make, filling, and oh so tasty! It’s packed with fiber, flavor and vitamins that are perfect for any healthy diet, but if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, this dish is especially perfect as a nutrient powerhouse. Between the yogurt, broccoli, cheese and bacon, this salad contains about 12.5 grams of protein per cup. A one cup serving of this salad is also packed with Vitamin C, Vitamins A and B-6 as well as Magnesium, Iron and Calcium. This makes for a great afternoon snack or as a healthy side dish for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
4 cups bite size broccoli florets (time-saver: buy pre-packaged. already chopped)
1/3 c. shredded carrots (time-saver: buy pre-packaged)
1/2 c. diced red onion (time saver: use vegetable chopper)
1/2 c. diced red bell pepper (time saver: use vegetable chopper)
1/4 c. raisins
1/4 c. + 2 tbsp bacon bits
3/4 c. shredded cheddar
Sweet Citrus Yogurt Sauce:
1 c. fat free Greek yogurt (Fage brand – I’ve found it to be less watery than other non-fat yogurts. I also love the brand ZOI).
1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice (time saver: use pre-squeezed juice)
1 tbsp White Moderna Vinegar (Trader Joe’s)
2 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
Dice broccoli florets to bite-sized pieces or buy pre-packaged chopped broccoli and place in a large mixing bowl. Dice the onion and red pepper in vegetable chopper and add to bowl with shredded carrots and raisins. Leave the bacon bits and cheese to top on individual servings.
Mix ingredients for the yogurt sauce. The White Moderna Vinegar from Trader Joe’s used in this recipe is a mixture of white wine vinegar and a touch of concentrated grape juice, so anything akin will work if the ingredients are similar. (A good substitute would include a white balsamic vinegar).
Add the yogurt sauce to coat salad and mix thoroughly.
Serve up a bowl, top with cheddar and bacon bits, and enjoy!
Caloric content: 120 calories per cup, including 2 tbsp shredded cheddar and 1 tbsp of bacon bits sprinkled on top each serving
(Makes 6 servings/ 6 cups)
