This vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad is a celebration of fresh, crunchy vegetables, creamy feta, and a zesty, herb-infused dressing. Bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and tangy lemon, this salad is both healthy and delicious. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light meal, it’s easy to prepare and ideal for summer gatherings or weekly meal prep.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Optional Blanching Time: 2 minutes
Chill Time (for best flavor): 30 minutes
Total Time: 15–20 minutes (or up to 45 minutes with chilling)
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
2 cups cauliflower florets, chopped
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
¼ cup black or Kalamata olives, sliced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
½ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove garlic, minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions:
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and parsley.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayo), olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and oregano. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the salad with crumbled feta cheese and red pepper flakes.
Chill: For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve: Enjoy cold as a refreshing side dish or a light main meal.
Tips for Success
Blanching Option: For a slightly softer texture, blanch the broccoli and cauliflower in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality feta, fresh vegetables, and extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, making it a great make-ahead dish.
Add Protein: Turn it into a heartier meal by adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa.
Dairy-Free Dressing: Substitute Greek yogurt with tahini or mashed avocado for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.
Enjoy this fresh, flavorful salad that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!