This high-protein broccoli salad is creamy, crunchy, and packed with 30 grams of protein per serving, making it as satisfying as it is delicious. With a Greek yogurt dressing, edamame, bacon, and hemp seeds, it’s a better-for-you take on the classic that sneaks in superfoods while keeping all the nostalgic flavor.
This isn’t your average broccoli salad. We’ve taken the classic deli counter staple and upgraded it with nourishing ingredients and superfoods that deliver both on taste and nutrition.
Packed with high-protein additions like edamame, hemp seeds, bacon, and almonds, this healthy broccoli salad recipe will keep you full for hours while still tasting indulgent.
It’s the kind of delicious salad you’ll want to keep on repeat during the summer months for family gatherings, weekday lunches, and easy meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Broccoli Salad
This recipe takes everything you love about traditional broccoli salad and upgrades it with smart, protein-rich swaps. It’s nourishing, meal prep–friendly, and just as craveable as the classic but will all kinds of additional health benefits.
- Packed with 30g of protein per serving
- Creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory
- Great for meal prep or summer cookouts
- Naturally gluten-free and easy to customize
- Stays fresh in the fridge for days
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this broccoli salad so satisfying? A mix of crunchy vegetables, savory mix-ins, and a tangy dressing, all boosted with high-quality protein sources like edamame, almonds, and hemp hearts — guaranteed to make your taste buds happy.
Fresh Ingredients
- Fresh broccoli florets
Chopped broccoli for a crunchy, fiber-rich base that holds up beautifully to creamy dressing. - Red onion
Finely diced for a sharp bite and color contrast that livens up the mix. - Dried cranberries
Sweet, chewy, and tart, they balance the savory, creamy elements perfectly.
Protein Boosters
- Shelled edamame
Mild and tender with a serious plant-protein punch. - Turkey or center-cut bacon
Cooked until crispy and crumbled in for smoky, salty flavor and extra protein. - Roasted almonds
Toasted if you like, for extra crunch and a nutty boost of healthy fats and protein. - Grated Parmesan cheese
Adds a layer of savory, salty umami that pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing. - Hemp hearts
These tiny seeds are nutty and packed with protein. They blend right in for a superfood upgrade and protein boost. - Cooked quinoa
Another great high-protein booster, quinoa adds protein and fiber and makes the salad even that much more satisfying.
Creamy High-Protein Dressing
- Plain non-fat or 2% Greek yogurt
Tangy, creamy, and high in protein, it forms the base of a lighter, better-for-you dressing. - Mayonnaise
For that classic rich texture and balanced flavor. - Apple cider vinegar
Brightens and sharpens the creamy dressing for a punch of acidity. - Maple syrup
Just a touch of sweetness to round things out.
Looking for more high-protein salad inspiration? Don’t miss these 13 Easy Summer Salad Ideas, perfect for meal prep or easy lunches.
How to Make High-Protein Broccoli Salad
Step 1: Make the dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, and maple syrup until evenly combined.
Step 2: Combine the salad
In the same bowl, add the rest of the ingredients (broccoli, edamame, red onion, cranberries, bacon, almonds, Parmesan, hemp seeds, and quinoa).
Step 3: Toss with the dressing
Toss the broccoli mixture and dressing together until everything is evenly coated and combined. Season with additional salt to taste.
Step 4: Serve or chill
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld and broccoli to slightly soften. Plus, it gets even better the next day!
Looking for more healthy lunch ideas? Check out our post with 7 High-Protein Lunch Box Ideas. Each requires no cooking, comes together in 10 minutes or less, and has 30+ grams of protein.
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Tips & Variations
- Use regular bacon, vegan bacon, or skip altogether as preferred
- Sub crunchy sunflower seeds for almonds if nut-free
- Try shredded rotisserie chicken breast for extra protein
- Add collagen peptides to dressing for a sneaky protein boost
- Use vegan mayo, plant-based yogurt, and nutritional yeast to make it dairy-free
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
High-Protein Broccoli Salad Nutrition Information
Curious about the nutrition for this high-protein broccoli salad? A typical serving with edamame, bacon, almonds, and dressing contains approximately:
- Calories: 498
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 33g
- Fat: 29g
- Fiber: 7g
These values may vary slightly depending on your ingredients, but this salad is reliably high in protein, fiber-rich, and full of healthy fats. It’s a filling, flavorful option perfect for lunch or meal prep and provides many of your daily values for vitamins and minerals, making it an easy way to enjoy your favorite things without compromising on flavor.
Looking for more high-protein recipes? Check out this Easy High-Protein Tuna Pasta Salad that has over 50 grams of protein per serving.
FAQ
Nope! This salad uses raw broccoli for crunch and freshness. Just chop it into small florets. If you prefer a softer bite, you can blanch the broccoli for 30 seconds and then chill it in an ice bath before adding it to the salad.
Yes, raw broccoli is perfectly safe (and delicious) in salads. It adds crunch and holds up well to creamy dressings, making it ideal for meal prep.
Classic broccoli salads often include ingredients like red onion, dried cranberries, bacon, and sunflower seeds. This version adds high-protein twists like edamame, almonds, hemp seeds, and Greek yogurt dressing.
Whisk together plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey. It’s creamy, tangy, and much higher in protein than traditional versions.
Easy High-Protein Broccoli Salad Recipe
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the DressingIn a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.
- Combine the SaladTo the large bowl, add:– 6 cups of broccoli– 1 cup of shelled edamame– ¼ cup finely diced red onion– ½ cup dried cranberries– 8 strips of crumbled bacon– ½ cup roughly chopped almonds– ½ cup grated Parmesan– 4 tablespoons hemp seeds– 1 cup of cooked and cooled quinoa (if adding)
- Toss with the DressingToss well until everything is evenly coated in the dressing. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve or ChillServe immediately or refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld and broccoli to slightly soften.
Nutrition
Notes
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