Mediterranean Broccoli Feta Salad
Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Mediterranean Broccoli Feta Salad. Combining the crispness of fresh broccoli, the sweet flavors of raisins, the crunch of sunflower seeds, and the creaminess of feta cheese, this salad is a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Topped with a zesty yogurt-mayo dressing that incorporates a hint of lemon, it serves as a refreshing side dish or a light meal that's perfect for any occasion. Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, this salad is both healthy and satisfying, making it a must-try recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
broccoli
3 cups (raw, cut into bite-sized pieces)
red onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
sunflower seeds
1/4 cup (raw)
raisins
1/2 cup (uncooked)
feta cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
low-fat plain yogurt
1/2 cup (none)
light mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, chopped red onion, sunflower seeds, raisins, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to combine.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the low-fat plain yogurt, light mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a creamy dressing.
3
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently fold to evenly coat all the ingredients without mashing the broccoli.
4
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together and the salad chill.
5
Before serving, give it a gentle stir and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, if necessary. Enjoy your refreshing Mediterranean Broccoli Feta Salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Broccoli Feta Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring raw broccoli, red onion, sunflower seeds, raisins, and feta cheese, tossed in a creamy yogurt-mayo dressing.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Mediterranean Broccoli Feta Salad is completely vegetarian.
How should the broccoli be prepared?
The broccoli should be used raw and cut into small, bite-sized florets for the best texture.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?
It is not recommended as frozen broccoli becomes mushy when thawed; fresh, raw broccoli provides the necessary crunch.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
Red onion is best because it offers a mild, sweet flavor and a pop of color.
Can I substitute the sunflower seeds?
Yes, you can substitute them with pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds, or chopped walnuts if preferred.
What can I use instead of raisins?
Dried cranberries or dried cherries make excellent substitutes for raisins in this salad.
What kind of feta cheese should I use?
You can use any variety of feta, though crumbled traditional Greek feta works particularly well.
How do I make the dressing?
Whisk together low-fat plain yogurt, light mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until creamy.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used, though it will make the dressing slightly thicker and tangier.
Is it okay to use regular mayonnaise?
Yes, regular mayonnaise can be used instead of light mayonnaise for a richer flavor.
Can I make this salad sugar-free?
You can omit the sugar or use a sugar-free sweetener alternative like stevia or monk fruit.
How long does the salad need to refrigerate?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
While you can eat it immediately, the flavor improves significantly after chilling for a few hours.
How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator?
It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze Mediterranean Broccoli Feta Salad?
No, freezing is not recommended as the creamy dressing and raw broccoli will not thaw well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your mayonnaise and feta labels to be sure.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, use vegan mayonnaise, plant-based yogurt, vegan feta crumbs, and maple syrup instead of sugar.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, diced bell peppers or shredded carrots would be great additions to this recipe.
Is this a good dish for a potluck?
Absolutely! It is a crowd-pleaser that holds up well during transport and serving.
What are the health benefits of this salad?
It is high in fiber from the broccoli, contains healthy fats from the seeds, and provides protein from the cheese and yogurt.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including the salt and pepper.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice can be used, though it will give the salad a slightly different citrus profile.
How do I prevent the broccoli from getting mushy?
Fold the dressing in gently and ensure you use fresh, raw broccoli rather than cooked or frozen.
Can I add meat to this salad?
Yes, cooked bacon bits or grilled chicken strips would pair very well with these flavors.
Is the broccoli cooked or raw?
The broccoli is used raw to provide a crisp, crunchy texture.
Can I make this salad a day in advance?
Yes, making it the night before actually allows the flavors to develop even better.
What type of raisins should I use?
Either standard dark raisins or golden raisins work perfectly for this recipe.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, honey is a great natural substitute for the sugar in the dressing.
Does the recipe use low-fat ingredients?
The recipe specifically calls for low-fat plain yogurt and light mayonnaise to keep it lighter.