Smoky Gouda and Broccoli Delight Salad
This Smoky Gouda and Broccoli Delight Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the nutritious crunch of fresh broccoli with the creaminess of Gouda cheese. Enhanced by the subtle sweetness of grape tomatoes and the robust flavor of red onions, this salad is further elevated with the delight of toasted almonds. Drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette of extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side dish at your next gathering. Easy to make and visually appealing, it's a healthy choice packed with flavor and texture.
4
Servings
160
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Broccoli florets
3 cups (small florets)
Red onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
Grape tomatoes
1/2 cup (halved)
Toasted slivered almonds
1/2 cup (or pine nuts)
Gouda cheese
6-8 ounces (cut into 3/4-inch cubes (smoked or regular))
Extra virgin olive oil
1/8 cup (for dressing)
Red wine vinegar
1/3 cup (for dressing)
Sugar
1/4 teaspoon (for dressing)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground for dressing)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 1 minute until vibrant green and slightly tender.
2
Immediately drain the broccoli and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside to cool completely.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled broccoli, chopped red onion, halved grape tomatoes, toasted slivered almonds (or pine nuts), and Gouda cheese cubes.
4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and a pinch of salt until fully emulsified.
5
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
6
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Toss gently again just before serving.
Nutrition Information
13.5g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Gouda and Broccoli Delight Salad?
This is a vibrant salad that combines the crunch of fresh broccoli with the creaminess of Gouda cheese, grape tomatoes, red onions, and toasted almonds.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving of the Smoky Gouda and Broccoli Delight Salad contains 160 calories.
Is this broccoli salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is categorized as a vegetarian dish.
How long should I cook the broccoli florets?
The broccoli florets should be cooked in boiling salted water for 1 minute until they are vibrant green and slightly tender.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 to 8 ounces of Gouda cheese, which can be either smoked or regular, cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
Can I substitute the almonds with another nut?
Yes, the recipe suggests you can use toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts.
What are the ingredients for the salad dressing?
The vinaigrette consists of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 13.5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad provides 5 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this salad contain fiber?
Yes, there are 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be chopped, and you will need 1/4 cup for the recipe.
How do I prepare the grape tomatoes?
You should use 1/2 cup of grape tomatoes and cut them into halves.
Why should I rinse the broccoli under cold water?
Rinsing under cold water immediately after draining stops the cooking process to keep the broccoli crisp.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
It is recommended to let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What size should the Gouda cheese cubes be?
The cheese should be cut into approximately 3/4-inch cubes.
How much broccoli is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 cups of small broccoli florets.
What kind of vinegar is best for the dressing?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/3 cup of red wine vinegar.
Is there any sugar in the dressing?
Yes, the dressing includes 1/4 teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
What type of oil is used in the vinaigrette?
The recipe uses 1/8 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients in the Smoky Gouda and Broccoli Delight Salad.
What seasoning is used in the dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste.
Is this salad good for parties?
Yes, it is described as a colorful side dish perfect for gatherings and party food.
Is the broccoli used in this salad raw?
No, the broccoli is briefly blanched for one minute to ensure it is slightly tender but still crunchy.
What is the primary flavor profile of the salad?
The salad features a smoky flavor from the Gouda combined with a tangy vinaigrette and subtle sweetness from tomatoes.
How much Gouda cheese is used?
The recipe uses between 6 and 8 ounces of Gouda cheese.
Can I use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin?
While extra virgin is specified for its flavor, you can use regular olive oil if necessary.
What is the recommended serving occasion for this dish?
It is perfect for a light lunch or as a colorful side dish for any meal.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
The crunch comes from the fresh broccoli florets and the toasted slivered almonds.