Description
Italian Broccoli Salad is a vibrant, refreshing side dish that combines crisp broccoli, tangy Italian dressing, and a variety of crunchy vegetables. It’s quick to make and perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a healthy snack.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 heads of broccoli)
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or sunflower seeds (optional)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- For Homemade Italian Dressing (optional):
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and cut the broccoli into small florets. Steam or blanch the broccoli until bright green and slightly tender. Drain well and set aside.
- If using homemade dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until fully combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, red onion slices, black olives, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, Parmesan cheese, and optional pine nuts or sunflower seeds.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. It can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs, if desired, and serve chilled.
Notes
- This salad can be made vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese and using a vegan-friendly dressing.
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas to the salad.
- For a spicier version, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños to the salad.
- For more crunch, swap pine nuts with chopped almonds, cashews, or walnuts.
- Make this salad ahead of time; the flavors develop as it sits in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for steaming or blanching)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
