Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe

By FoodfaithfitnessAug 1, 2024Jump to Recipe

Creamy and oh-so-dreamy. This broccoli salad is both crunchy and smooth thanks to the sunflower seeds, broccoli and velvety Greek yogurt.

Looking for a beautiful summer or autumn salad? This healthy broccoli salad recipe might just be the one! It offers a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. With just the right texture and flavor, the seeds, chewy dried cherries, and fluffy yogurt work together to deliver a dish you’ll want in your salad rotation. Its colorful aesthetic makes for a great dinner party spread, and even better this salad is easy to prep ahead of time. Plus, it tastes better the longer it chills in your fridge!

Is broccoli salad Healthy?

This broccoli salad has it all—it’s nutritious and delicious—a salad for the books! Broccoli, the cruciferous vegetable and star of the show, has fiber, vitamins (C, and K), minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, and antioxidants. The supporting character, sunflower seeds, contains vitamin E, magnesium, protein, and linoleic fatty acids. These seeds are highly underestimated if you ask me.

Greek yogurt – A not-so-secret Ingredient!

Let’s talk dressing and sauces. Whether it’s a creamy Caesar, a sweet honey mustard or a tangy vinaigrette, dressings are essential to some of my favorite recipes. And yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a dressing. Its creamy texture and neutral flavor make it a versatile base for creating some delicious salads. So give it a try!

INGREDIENTS

1 lb broccoli chopped into small florets
1/2 cup red onion diced
1/3 cup roasted sunflower seeds
1/3 cup dried cherries or cranberries chopped
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 2% or full fat
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tbsp white vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine

Mix broccoli, onion, seeds, and cherries in a bowl.

Dress

Whisk yogurt, oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.

Toss & Serve

Coat with dressing, adjust flavors and let sit.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Once assembled, store in the fridge for up to 4 days. This salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a day, soaking up the seasonings. I also recommend that you plate and serve it chilled!

chop, dice & shred…

I prefer more finely chopped broccoli. Rather than keeping it whole, I like bite-size pieces. Smaller elements mix better with the seeds and other ingredients in the salad, and you get more flavor in each bite. You can even shred your broccoli, creating the same texture as a shaved Brussels sprout salad.

more greens?

Mix in other greens, such as shredded Brussels sprouts, chopped kale, or a handful of spinach. The more greens, the better, if you ask me.

Serving Suggestions

I am a colorful foodie! I try to think of ingredients that blend well, not only flavor and texture but also color. As mentioned, the colors in this salad are truly spectacular. You get an idea from the pictures. IG worthy all the way. With that said, depending on the vibe you’re going for, I suggest you pair the salad with roasted eggplant, which also has a deep purple skin and flows beautifully with the shades in this salad. Or you can top your salad with pomegranate seeds and serve with a lemon peel garnished Wine Spritzer. If you prefer something more meaty, try a lightly seared white fish like cod or halibut. This Poached Fish recipe is perfect!

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