Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe
If you’re searching for a salad that’s both a feast for the eyes and a nourishing treat for your body, look no further than this Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad. Loaded with crunchy broccoli, juicy tomatoes, creamy feta, and fresh herbs, all wrapped up in a tangy yogurt dressing, this salad is vibrant enough to wow at any gathering and simple enough to whip up for a healthy weekday lunch. Prepare for bold Mediterranean flavors and a boost of veggie goodness in every single bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad is wonderfully easy, and each one plays a starring role. Fresh veggies bring color and crunch, briny olives add depth, feta and dill infuse iconic Greek flavor, and the creamy yogurt dressing ties it all together in delicious harmony.
- Broccoli florets (4 cups): The crisp, green base that soaks up the dressing and gives the salad its signature crunch.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): These little gems burst with juicy sweetness and vibrant color in every bite.
- Cucumber (1/2 cup, diced): Provides a cool, refreshing texture that balances the richness of the feta and olives.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Offers a zippy zing and a pop of color—slice thinly for the best flavor distribution.
- Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, pitted and halved): Salty and briny, they deliver a true taste of the Mediterranean.
- Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): The creamy, tangy accent that brings all the other flavors together beautifully.
- Fresh dill (2 tablespoons, chopped): Delivers a fragrant, herby brightness that makes this salad unmistakably Greek.
- Greek yogurt (1/4 cup, plain): Serves as the creamy base for the luscious, protein-rich dressing.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds healthy richness and makes the dressing silky-smooth.
- Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brings zesty acidity that cuts through the richness for a balanced bite.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Gives the dressing a gentle kick and lovely depth of flavor.
- Garlic (1 small clove, minced): A hint of garlicky warmth for the ultimate savory dressing.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for tuning each ingredient to its brightest flavor.
How to Make Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad
Step 1: Combine the Veggies and Herbs
Start by adding your broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and fresh dill to a large mixing bowl. I like to toss everything gently with my hands or salad tongs to help the veggies and cheese mingle. This colorful mix is already beautiful, and you can practically taste the freshness!
Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Greek Dressing
In a separate small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, rich olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this dressing is the secret behind the salad’s irresistible tang and creaminess.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Pour the homemade dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Use tongs or a big spoon to toss everything together thoroughly, making sure that every morsel of broccoli and tomato is coated in that luscious, zesty dressing. Toss until the salad looks evenly dressed and lively!
Step 4: Let the Flavors Meld
For the very best Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad, let it sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. This short rest gives all those vibrant flavors time to blend, and it also softens the broccoli slightly—making the salad even more irresistible. You can pop it in the fridge or let it sit at room temperature while you set the table or prep other dishes!
Step 5: Serve Up and Enjoy
When you’re ready, give your salad one final toss and transfer it to your serving platter or bowl. Now comes the best part: digging in and experiencing just how much flavor this “simple” salad holds. Each forkful is fresh, zesty, and perfectly balanced—an absolute win for any mealtime.
How to Serve Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad
Garnishes
A finishing flourish transforms this salad from fabulous to unforgettable! For extra sparkle, sprinkle a bit more crumbled feta and a few fresh dill fronds across the top. A dusting of cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of olive oil brings out even more Mediterranean magic. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for anyone who loves a citrusy punch.
Side Dishes
Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad is bold enough to stand on its own but also makes a delightful companion to so many meals. Try serving it with warm pita bread, grilled chicken or fish, or alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or bulgur. It also makes a perfect addition to a mezze spread with hummus, dolmas, or roasted veggies!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or picnics, think beyond a simple bowl: spoon the salad into mason jars for individual servings, or stuff scoops into endive leaves or mini pitas for elegant handheld bites. If you’re meal-prepping, layer the salad in wide-mouthed containers—just keep the dressing separate until it’s time to enjoy for maximum crunch. However you present it, those jewel-bright veggies always turn heads!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually get even better as they meld, and the broccoli stays pleasantly crisp without becoming soggy. For best texture, give it a quick toss before serving again.
Freezing
While freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the fresh veggies and dairy-based dressing can become watery and lose their snap, you can always prep the components ahead. Chop the broccoli and other veggies and store them separately in the fridge, then toss with the dressing fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
No reheating needed for Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad—this dish shines when served chilled or at room temperature! If you’ve stashed it in the fridge, just let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to bring out the best flavors. Give it a quick toss to reincorporate any dressing that may have settled.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad?
Fresh broccoli is strongly preferred for this recipe since it keeps its texture and vibrant color. Frozen broccoli tends to become too soft and watery once thawed, which can make the salad mushy. If you’re in a pinch, briefly blanch and cool the broccoli before adding, but fresh will deliver the best crunch!
What’s the best way to soften the broccoli without losing its crunch?
If you prefer a slightly softer bite but still want that trademark crunch, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for just 1–2 minutes, then rinse immediately with cold water to lock in the color and texture. Pat it dry before tossing it with the other salad ingredients.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad is a dream for meal prep. The hearty veggies and creamy yogurt dressing hold up well, meaning you can make a batch in advance and enjoy it for lunch or as a side through the week. For the freshest flavor, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you need a dairy-free or vegan option, swap in a crumbly vegan cheese or even diced avocado for a creamy texture. Ricotta salata or goat cheese can also be a nice twist if you’re looking for a flavor change!
Can I make the Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad fully vegan?
Definitely! Replace the feta with your favorite plant-based cheese or some chopped, lightly salted almonds for crunch. For the dressing, use a non-dairy yogurt (such as coconut or cashew based), and you’ll still end up with that creamy tangy finish everyone loves.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad in your own kitchen—it’s crunchy, colorful, and overflowing with Mediterranean flavor. Whether you’re looking for a fresh side, a make-ahead lunch, or a new picnic staple, this salad is sure to bring joy to your table. Give it a try and share it with friends—every vibrant bite is proof that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious!
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Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish packed with vibrant flavors and textures. The combination of fresh broccoli, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and olives, tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, creates a delightful salad that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fresh Broccoli Salad:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: Combine broccoli, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and dill in a large bowl.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well to coat, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a softer texture, lightly blanch the broccoli before using.
- This salad can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
