Tired of the same old boring side dishes? Craving something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor? Then look no further! This Sweet Tomatoes Broccoli Salad is the perfect recipe for you. It's incredibly easy to make, requires minimal cooking, and is packed with healthy ingredients that will impress your family and friends. Whether you're searching for healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, or simply the best recipes, this one is a winner.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes a generous serving, perfect for a potluck or family gathering. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for a richer flavor)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the broccoli florets and pat them dry. Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. You can even use a food processor for quicker prep!
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the broccoli florets, halved tomatoes, sliced red onion, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries or raisins. If using, add the feta cheese now.
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Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. A little extra honey or vinegar might be needed depending on your preference.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently to coat evenly. Be careful not to over-toss, as this can bruise the broccoli.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for a truly delicious salad! Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for Homemade Cooking Success:
- Broccoli Florets: For a more tender broccoli, you can lightly steam or blanch the florets before adding them to the salad. However, it's perfectly delicious raw, too!
- Dressing Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of vinegar, such as white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
- Add-ins: This salad is incredibly versatile! Consider adding other ingredients like chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or toasted almonds for extra crunch and nutrition.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 5-7g
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 4-6g
This Sweet Tomatoes Broccoli Salad is a perfect example of easy recipes that are both healthy and delicious. It's a fantastic addition to any meal, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful side dish – it's sure to become a family favorite!