Description
This Greek Healthy Broccoli Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish featuring fresh broccoli, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, cucumber, and red onion, all tossed in a creamy cashew-based dressing infused with lemon, oregano, and garlic. It’s a wholesome, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly salad perfect for a refreshing side or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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 the Cashews: Drain the water from the soaked cashews after they have soaked overnight to soften them, making them easier to blend into a creamy texture.
- Make the Dressing: Place the soaked cashews into a high-powered food processor. Add water, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, minced garlic, sea salt, dried basil, dried thyme, and a pinch of black pepper. Begin blending on the lowest speed, gradually increasing to the highest speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, which should take about 2 to 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides as necessary to ensure even blending.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a very large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber, diced red onion, and halved kalamata olives.
- Toss With Dressing: Pour the prepared creamy cashew dressing over the mixed vegetables. Toss thoroughly until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the broccoli to absorb the dressing, enhancing the overall taste.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: After chilling, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning by adding extra salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Serve chilled and enjoy this flavorful and healthy Greek-inspired broccoli salad.
Notes
- Soaking cashews overnight is essential to achieve a creamy dressing without cooking or fermentation.
- This salad tastes best when allowed to chill overnight but can be served after at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an additional fresh flavor.
- For a richer flavor, a splash of extra virgin olive oil can be added to the dressing if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
