Description
A refreshing and healthy Greek-inspired broccoli salad featuring a creamy cashew-based dressing infused with lemon and Mediterranean herbs. This vibrant salad combines crunchy broccoli, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy kalamata olives, crisp cucumber, and red onion, making it perfect as a light meal or a nutritious side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1 cup raw cashews (140g), soaked in water overnight
- 6 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 whole medium lemon
- 1 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Salad
- 5 cups broccoli, chopped into bite-sized florets
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
- 6 tablespoons red onion, diced
- 1 large cucumber, halved and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Cashews: Drain the water from the soaked cashews and place them in a high-powered food processor to begin making the creamy dressing base.
- Make the Dressing: Add water, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, garlic, sea salt, basil, thyme, and black pepper to the food processor with the cashews. Blend starting on the lowest speed and gradually increase to the highest speed. Blend thoroughly for 2 to 4 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a very large bowl, add the chopped broccoli florets, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, diced red onion, and halved kalamata olives.
- Toss With Dressing: Pour the prepared cashew dressing over the combined vegetables and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best flavor and texture, chill overnight to allow the broccoli to absorb the dressing fully.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: After chilling, taste the salad and add extra salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Serve cold and enjoy this healthy Greek-inspired broccoli salad.
Notes
- Soaking cashews overnight is key for achieving the creamy texture in the dressing.
- This salad is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld and the broccoli to soften slightly.
- Can be made a day ahead for more intense flavor development.
- Use a high-powered food processor or blender to ensure the dressing is ultra-smooth.
- Feel free to adjust herbs and seasoning to taste.
