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

• Lightened Up Eggnog by The Redhead Baker
• Low Calorie Pumpkin Pie Malted Milkshake by Kudos Kitchen by Renee

Appetizer or starter

• Gruyere Cheese Puffs by Sustainable Dad
• Lighten-up Sausage Rolls by Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Spicy Eggplant Dip by Cooking Chat
• Carciofi alla Trapanese by Manu's Menu
• Fresh Salmon Carpaccio by Food Lust People Love

Main Dishes

• Holiday Beef Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes and Corn by Family Foodie
• Grandma's Mac n' Cheese by What Smells So Good?
• Lean Mean Cheeseburger Soup by The Foodie Army Wife
• Roasted Butternut Squash & Chicken Sausage Soup by Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• Lightened-Up Fettuccine Alfredo by Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts by Brunch with Joy
• Butternut Squash Orzo Pasta by Life Tastes Good
• Hearts of Palm, Artichoke, Avocado and Butter Lettuce by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Quick and Easy Sweet Potato by The Educators' Spin On It
• Lentil & Mushroom Stuffing by Foxes Love Lemons
• Tangy, Spiced Red Cabbage by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Green Beans with Rosemary Garlic Butter by Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Spiced Tri-Colored Carrot Salad by Take A Bite Out of Boca
• Horiatki Salata by Peaceful Cooking
• Farro Stuffing with Cranberries and Walnuts by The Dinner-Mom
• Roasted Parsnip and Apple Soup by Curious Cuisiniere

Desserts

• Light and Luscious Chocolate Cheesecake by A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Pumpkin Pie Pudding by The Life and Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch
• Healthy Brownie Recipe | Applesauce Brownies by The Perfect Brownie
• Peanut Butter Coconut Mini Bars by Basic N Delicious
• The Blondie Recipe by Wallflour Girl
• Cinnamon Roll Granola Bars by Pies and Plots
• Skinny Ninja Cheesecake by NinjaBaker.com
• Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pumpkin Blondie by Sue's Nutrition Buzz

Be 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 board. Would 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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