Revitalize your mealtime with this Vibrant and Nutritious Broccoli Salad, a fresh and flavorful dish that combines the crisp bite of fresh broccoli with the sweetness of blueberries and cranberries, the crunch of sunflower seeds, and the tanginess of a homemade dressing. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes with its colorful components but also a boon for your health, offering a rich array of nutrients, antioxidants, and textures. The homemade dressing, a creamy blend of Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds, envelops each ingredient in a tangy and sweet embrace, elevating the salad to a delightful experience. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing side dish at dinner, this broccoli salad promises to be a hit among those seeking taste as well as nutrition.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 ½ lbs fresh broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- 1 large apple, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Homemade Dressing:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
Instructions:
- Prepare the Salad Components: Begin by washing and cutting the fresh broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Chop the apple into similar-sized pieces and toss them with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning. Finely chop the red onion for a milder taste.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the broccoli, blueberries, red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and apple. Gently toss to mix the ingredients.
- Whisk Together the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess as desired.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. For the best flavor, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a standalone meal for a light and nutritious option.
This Vibrant and Nutritious Broccoli Salad is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and colors that come together in harmony. It’s a testament to how delicious healthy eating can be, with each bite offering a burst of sweetness, crunch, and tang. Enjoy this delightful salad at your next gathering or as a vibrant addition to your meal prep routine.