Broccoli and Feta Cheese Salad 🥦🧀
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: Not specified
Calories: 257.1 per serving
Description:
This vibrant Broccoli and Feta Cheese Salad is a delightful addition to any meal, perfect as a side dish for sandwiches, BBQs, or as a light lunch. The combination of crisp broccoli, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy sunflower seeds, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing, creates a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or quick gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 12 broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Loosely mound broccoli on a steamer rack over 1 inch of boiling water in a 2-3 quart pan. Cover and steam over high heat until broccoli is barely tender when pierced, about 5 minutes. Then, rinse broccoli with cold water, drain well, and pat dry with paper towels. |
| 2 | While broccoli is cooking, prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, chopped chives, minced garlic, and dry mustard. Whisk vigorously to blend well, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. |
| 3 | Add the steamed broccoli florets, diced red bell pepper, and half of the crumbled feta cheese to the prepared dressing. Gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring that the broccoli and pepper are evenly coated with the dressing. |
| 4 | Sprinkle the salad with the remaining crumbled feta cheese and sunflower seeds just before serving. This adds a delightful crunch and an extra burst of flavor to the dish. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest and most vibrant state. |
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 257.1
- Fat: 22.5g
- Saturated Fat: 5.2g
- Cholesterol: 16.7mg
- Sodium: 235.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 9.8g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 2.1g
- Protein: 7.9g
Recipe Notes:
- To keep the broccoli a bright green color and ensure maximum freshness, it’s recommended to add the dressing just before serving.
- This salad can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add other vegetables or nuts such as sliced almonds or pine nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and taste.
- For a vegan version of this salad, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with your favorite dairy-free alternative. The salad will still be deliciously flavorful and nutritious.
