Description
This Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed side dish featuring fresh broccoli, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, cucumber, and red onion, all tossed in a creamy, tangy cashew-based dressing infused with lemon and Mediterranean herbs. Perfect for a light, refreshing addition to any meal, this salad is vegan, gluten-free, and full of bold flavors that meld beautifully when chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1 cup raw cashews (140g), soaked in water overnight
- 6 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 whole medium lemon
- 1 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Salad
- 5 cups broccoli, chopped into bite-sized florets
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
- 6 tablespoons red onion, diced
- 1 large cucumber, halved and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Cashews: Drain the water from the soaked cashews and place them in a high-powered food processor to prepare the creamy base of the dressing.
- Make Dressing: Add water, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, minced garlic, sea salt, dried basil, dried thyme, and black pepper to the cashews in the food processor. Blend starting on low speed, gradually increasing to high, until the dressing is completely smooth and creamy, about 2 to 4 minutes, scraping down the sides as necessary.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a very large bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli florets, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber, diced red onion, and halved kalamata olives.
- Toss With Dressing: Pour the prepared cashew dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor, allowing the broccoli to absorb the dressing’s flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: After chilling, taste the salad and add extra salt and pepper if desired before serving for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Soak cashews overnight for the creamiest dressing texture.
- Chilling the salad for at least an hour helps the flavors meld and softens the broccoli slightly.
- Use a high-powered food processor or blender for a smooth, creamy dressing.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and herbs to taste.
- Great as a vegan and gluten-free side dish for Mediterranean-themed meals.
