This Broccoli Blueberry Feta Salad is a colorful, nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side at your next dinner. The combination of crunchy broccoli, sweet blueberries, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing creates a balanced flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, blueberries, red onion, feta cheese, and slivered almonds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice and olive oil until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator before serving for a more refreshing experience.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Add Protein: To make the salad a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Nuts: Swap slivered almonds for other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or cashews for a different texture and flavor.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or Parmesan can be used as substitutes for a different taste.
- Dressing Variations: For a creamier dressing, you can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the lemon and olive oil mixture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but the flavors will continue to meld together if kept cold.
- Reheating: This salad is best served chilled and is not recommended to be reheated as the texture of the broccoli and blueberries will change.
10 FAQs
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain the crunch of the broccoli.
- Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture and flavor. Frozen broccoli can be used if necessary, but it will have a different texture when thawed.
- What other fruits can I add to this salad? You can add other fruits like strawberries, grapes, or apples to give the salad a unique twist.
- Can I substitute the feta cheese? Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese, mozzarella, or even a dairy-free alternative if you’re avoiding dairy.
- How can I make this salad vegan? To make the salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese and use a plant-based dressing.
- Is this salad good for meal prep? It can be part of meal prep but it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it when you’re ready to eat to keep the ingredients fresh.
- Can I use a different type of nut? Yes, feel free to swap slivered almonds for walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
- What can I use instead of olive oil for the dressing? You can use avocado oil or even a light vinaigrette if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Can I add more vegetables? Yes, feel free to add other veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, or carrots to the salad for added color and nutrition.
- Can I use bottled lemon juice? Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used if you don’t have fresh lemons available.
Conclusion
This Broccoli Blueberry Feta Salad is an easy-to-make, healthy dish that’s full of vibrant flavors and textures. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or as part of a larger meal. With its crunchy vegetables, juicy blueberries, and tangy dressing, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you serve it fresh or chill it for later, this salad is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.
PrintBlueberry Lemon Broccoli Summer Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Description
A refreshing and vibrant salad that combines the crunch of broccoli with the sweetness of blueberries, tangy feta cheese, and a touch of almonds for added texture. Perfect for a light meal or a side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, blueberries, red onion, feta cheese, and slivered almonds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil. Pour over the salad and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese for a slightly different flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add a teaspoon of honey to the lemon juice and olive oil mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes