Creamy Mediterranean Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad
This Creamy Mediterranean Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that's perfect for gatherings and meal prep. Packed with fresh vegetables, savory feta cheese, and a creamy dressing, this salad not only dazzles in presentation but is also bursting with flavors. The crunchy almonds add a delightful texture, while the sweetness of raisins balances the earthy vegetables. Ideal for summer picnics or as a side dish to complement any main course, this salad is best enjoyed after a few hours of chilling to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Feel free to modify the ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary needs—it’s a versatile recipe that welcomes creativity!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Broccoli florets
4 cups (small, fresh)
Cauliflower florets
4 cups (small, fresh)
Red onion
1 small (sliced)
Sliced almonds
1/2 cup (or use sunflower seeds as an alternative)
Raisins
1 cup (no preparation needed)
Feta cheese
1 cup (crumbled (can adjust amount to taste))
Salt
to taste (no preparation needed)
Black pepper
to taste (no preparation needed)
Plain yogurt
1 cup (no preparation needed)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (no preparation needed)
Sugar
3-4 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar (starting with 3 tablespoons), and lemon juice until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if desired.
2
In a large glass or mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, sliced red onion, sliced almonds (or sunflower seeds), raisins, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to mix.
3
Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, ensuring everything is well-coated. Toss everything together until evenly combined.
4
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to incorporate.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and enhance the flavors before serving. Stir again before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in this Mediterranean Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad?
The main ingredients include fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets, red onion, sliced almonds or sunflower seeds, raisins, and crumbled feta cheese.
How do I make the dressing for this salad?
To make the dressing, whisk together plain yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a medium bowl.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredient list provided, this Creamy Mediterranean Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is naturally gluten-free.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
It is recommended to cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
Can I substitute the almonds in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute the sliced almonds with sunflower seeds or other nuts like walnuts or pecans if preferred.
What can I use instead of sugar in the dressing?
You can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute to adjust the sweetness of the dressing to your personal preference.
Is it okay to use frozen broccoli and cauliflower?
For the best texture and crunch, it is highly recommended to use small, fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets rather than frozen ones.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be thinly sliced before being added to the vegetable mixture.
Can I adjust the amount of feta cheese?
Yes, the recipe allows you to adjust the amount of crumbled feta cheese to your taste.
What type of yogurt should I use?
The recipe calls for plain yogurt, though you can use Greek yogurt if you prefer a thicker dressing.
Are the raisins necessary in this recipe?
The raisins provide a touch of sweetness that balances the earthy vegetables, but they can be omitted or replaced with dried cranberries if desired.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is this salad suitable for a picnic?
Yes, this is an ideal picnic recipe because it is meant to be served chilled and the flavors improve over time.
Should I stir the salad again before serving?
Yes, you should give the salad a good stir after refrigeration to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed before serving.
How do I season this salad?
Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste after the dressing has been applied.
What is the first step in preparing this recipe?
The first step is whisking together the yogurt, mayonnaise, sugar, and lemon juice in a medium bowl.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep as it needs at least 2 hours to chill and can be kept in the fridge.
What kind of texture does this salad have?
This salad offers a variety of textures including crunchy vegetables, crispy almonds, and a creamy dressing.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
How much broccoli and cauliflower are needed?
The recipe requires 4 cups of small fresh broccoli florets and 4 cups of small fresh cauliflower florets.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Mediterranean Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad is a vegetarian dish.
What type of bowl is best for mixing this salad?
A large glass bowl or a mixing bowl is best to ensure you have enough room to toss the ingredients gently.
How much mayonnaise is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to create the creamy base.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, this is a versatile recipe that welcomes creativity; you could add shredded carrots or bell peppers if you like.
What provides the Mediterranean flavor profile?
The combination of feta cheese, red onion, and lemon juice gives the salad its signature Mediterranean flair.
Is the sugar amount fixed?
No, you should start with 3 tablespoons and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar to taste.
Do I need to cook the vegetables?
No, the broccoli and cauliflower are served raw to provide a fresh and crunchy texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including the vegetables, dressing components, and seasonings.
Can I use sunflower seeds instead of almonds?
Yes, the recipe explicitly suggests sunflower seeds as a great alternative to sliced almonds.
What makes this salad creamy?
The combination of plain yogurt and mayonnaise creates the creamy texture of the dressing.