Sunday, November 2, 2014

Lighten Up the Holidays #SundaySupper...Featuring Healthier Potluck Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad

It's officially November – which means that the two most calorie-dense months are now upon us. Between now and New Year’s Eve, it seems like there are non-stop parties and potlucks to attend…which are fun, but can lead to unwanted pounds if we’re not careful! To help you in your quest to fit into your jeans come January 1st, #SundaySupper is sharing a collection of healthy recipes that can be served at upcoming holiday parties -- or enjoyed between the high-calorie parties. Our hostess this week is Kathia from Basic n Delicious, and she asked us to share our favorite light dishes. My recipe is a lightened-up version of a Southern potluck staple: Healthier Potluck Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad.

This salad was served at nearly every potluck I attended growing up. There are many variations of this popular salad, but all feature broccoli and a tangy-sweet dressing. Most versions have bacon, onion, raisins, and sunflower seeds...and a few include cheddar cheese. I took my favorite components to create my ultimate version of this recipe, then I lightened it up. I used both broccoli and cauliflower for a color and flavor contrast. I also added dried cranberries and cashews. Because bacon, cheese, and cashews are higher in fat, I reduced their amounts by about half. That let me keep their essential flavor while saving fat and calories. To further shave fat and calories, I used fat-free Greek yogurt in place of mayo in the creamy dressing and sweetened it with no-calorie sweetener. The end result is a delicious salad that you can feel good about enjoying. 

Healthier Potluck Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad
adapted from Southern potlucks everywhere
Ingredients (makes 4 servings):
  • 2 cups bite-sized broccoli florets, blanched in boiling salted water for 3o seconds
  • 1.5 cups bite-sized raw cauliflower florets
  • 1/3 cup finely diced purple onion
  • 3 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup chopped cashews
  • 1/2 cup shredded 2% colby-jack cheese
For the dressing:
  • 6 ounces fat-free plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup measure-for-measure sugar substitute
  • 2 tbs. white balsamic vinegar
Directions:
Step 1: Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk well to combine and set aside. Add the broccoli and cauliflower to a large mixing bowl. Add the purple onion, dried cranberries, and cashews. [TIP: to take the sharp "bite" from the chopped onion, place it in a small mesh colander and rinse with cold water for 30 seconds before adding to the bowl.]
Step 2: Add the reserved dressing and use a spatula to ensure that the salad ingredients are evenly combined and completely coated with the dressing. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving -- I personally think that overnight is best.
Step 3: Just before serving, add the crumbled cooked bacon to the salad and give it a quick stir to combine. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and serve.
That’s it! This healthier version of a potluck classic tastes so great that nobody will guess that it's lower in fat and overall calories. It has the crunchy nuts, smoky bacon, cheese, and chewy dried cranberries that make this salad so great...but in proportions that are easier on your waistline. The dressing has the sweet and tangy flavor that makes this salad so popular -- with zero fat! This salad is a great side dish with grilled fish or chicken…but I’ve been known to eat just it for lunch. 

Be sure to check out all of the lighter recipes that our #SundaySupper participants are sharing today. We've got everything from drinks to appetizers...and mains, sides, and desserts! The recipes look mouthwatering this week.

Drinks
Appetizer or starter
Main Dishes
Side Dishes
Desserts
    Sunday Supper MovementBe sure to join us for some fun and lively #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter later today! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our lively and fun weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET/6:00 CST. Simply follow the #SundaySupper hashtag -- and remember to include it in your tweets to join in on the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, simply visit our website -- or check out our Pinterest boardWould you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy -- and we have a blast! You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

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