Broccoli and Feta Salad 🥦🧀
Overview:
I’ve got a vibrant, flavor-packed salad for you that’s a true crowd-pleaser—Broccoli and Feta Salad! 🌟 This recipe is a delightful creation that I first stumbled upon in the pages of “Canadian Living,” and it has since become a staple in my kitchen for gatherings, potlucks, or simply when I’m craving something fresh and satisfying. Bursting with the goodness of broccoli florets, juicy grape and cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, this salad is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for those busy days when you still want something deliciously nutritious on the table. 🥗✨
Time Breakdown:
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 1 minute | 16 minutes |
Ingredients:
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets 🥦
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 🫒
- 2 tablespoons wine vinegar 🍷
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 🌟
- 1 clove garlic, minced (adjust to taste) 🧄
- 1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 🌶️
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese 🧀
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved 🍅
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍒
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
Instructions:
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Prepare the Broccoli:
- Begin by cutting your fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. 🥦
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Steam the Broccoli:
- In a saucepan, pour enough water to come about 1 inch up the side, then bring it to a gentle boil.
- Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket over the saucepan, cover with a lid, and steam until they turn a vibrant green but are still delightfully crisp, which should take roughly 1 minute. 🌬️
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Whisk the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground pepper until everything is well combined and the flavors meld beautifully. 💫
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Combine Ingredients:
- To this flavorful dressing, add in the steamed broccoli florets, crumbled feta cheese, halved grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. 🌿🧅
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Toss It All Together:
- Gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring the dressing coats every nook and cranny of the broccoli, tomatoes, and feta cheese. 🥄💚
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Serve and Enjoy! 🍴:
- Your vibrant, nutritious Broccoli and Feta Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it up as a colorful side dish at barbecues, picnics, or alongside your favorite main course. 🎉
Tips and Tricks:
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Cheese Choice: For an extra burst of flavor, consider using herbed and garlic feta cheese. If you go this route, you can omit the minced garlic from the dressing and adjust according to your taste buds. 🧀🌿
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Make Ahead: Need to prep in advance? No problem! This salad can be made ahead of time and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to refresh the flavors. ⏰❄️
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Customize to Taste: Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Add in some toasted nuts or seeds for crunch, a drizzle of honey for sweetness, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an added layer of freshness. 🌰🍯🌿
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Perfect Pairings: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. It’s versatile, vibrant, and sure to become a favorite in your household! 🐔🐟🥔
So there you have it, a simple yet sensational recipe for Broccoli and Feta Salad that’s guaranteed to please a crowd! Whether you’re hosting a gathering, attending a potluck, or simply craving a nutritious and flavorful dish, this salad checks all the boxes. 🌟 Give it a try, and let the vibrant colors and zesty flavors brighten up your table! Bon appétit! 🥗✨
