Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Salad

This side dish offers a healthier and lighter alternative to the usual cookout side dish potato salad. It is low in calories, fat, carbs, cholesterol, and sugar. It is full of fiber and flavor. The two slices of bacon satisfy that unhealthy craving without adding on all of the unnecessary calories. For all those health conscious seniors out there, this side dish will satisfy all of your summertime cookout needs.

Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Serves 6

1. 2 strips low-sodium bacon
2. 1/2 cup ice cubes
3. Half of a medium red onion, thinly sliced
4. 1/2 cup buttermilk
5. 1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream
6. Quarter teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
7. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
8. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
9. 6 1/2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 pound), cut into bite-size pieces
10. 1/3 cup golden raisins
11. 2 tablespoons salted roasted sunflower seeds

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cook the bacon in a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain, and reserve 1 teaspoon drippings for the dressing. Finely chop the bacon strips and reserve.
2. Combine 1 cup water, the ice cubes and onions in a small bowl. Let the onions soak for 10 minutes while preparing the rest of the salad, and then drain and pat dry.
3. Whisk the buttermilk, sour cream, lemon zest and juice, reserved bacon drippings, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl. Add the broccoli, onions and golden raisins to the dressing. Toss well, cover and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
4. Before serving, toss well and season with additional salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and top with the chopped bacon and sunflower seeds.

Per Serving: Calories: 107; Total Fat: 4.5 grams; Saturated Fat:2 grams; Protein: 5 grams; Total carbohydrates: 14 grams; Sugar: 7 grams; Fiber: 3 grams; Cholesterol: 9 milligrams; Sodium: 198 milligrams