Looking for a vibrant and nutritious salad that’s under 250 calories? This chopped broccoli salad is your answer! Packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect side dish or light lunch option.
This salad combines crisp broccoli, crunchy nuts, and a tangy dressing that will make your taste buds dance. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it ideal for busy weekdays when you need something healthy and delicious.
Vibrant Ingredients
This chopped broccoli salad features a stunning array of fresh, colorful ingredients that not only look appealing but also offer a range of nutritional benefits.
Bright green broccoli florets serve as the star of the dish, providing essential vitamins and antioxidants. The addition of diced red onion adds a zesty kick, bringing a sharp contrast to the mellow flavor of the broccoli.
Sunflower seeds contribute a delightful crunch and healthy fats, while dried cranberries introduce a touch of sweetness, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Simple Preparation Steps
Preparing this salad is quick and straightforward, making it perfect for busy days. Begin by rinsing and chopping the broccoli into bite-sized florets, followed by dicing the red onion into small pieces.
Next, whip up a creamy dressing that ties the ingredients together. A mixture of Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of honey creates a tangy yet satisfying coating for the salad.
Combining Flavors
Once the vegetables are prepped, it’s time to combine everything in a large bowl. Add the chopped broccoli, diced red onion, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to ensure every piece is coated.
Letting the salad rest for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
A Perfect Side Dish
This chopped broccoli salad makes an excellent side dish for various meals. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or as part of a picnic spread.
Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients bring a lively touch to any table, making it a favorite among guests and family members alike.
Health Benefits
Beyond its delicious taste, this salad is loaded with health benefits. Broccoli is known for its high fiber content and numerous vitamins, such as vitamin C and K.
The inclusion of sunflower seeds adds protein and healthy fats, contributing to a well-rounded meal that promotes satiety and energy. With less than 250 calories per serving, it’s an ideal choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
Serving Suggestions
For an added twist, consider serving this salad with additional toppings like avocado or chickpeas for extra protein and creaminess.
Whether enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, this chopped broccoli salad remains a refreshing option that can easily adapt to personal preferences and dietary needs. Its versatility makes it suitable not just for lunches but also for potlucks and gatherings.
Healthy Chopped Broccoli Salad Recipe
This chopped broccoli salad is a crunchy, zesty dish made with fresh broccoli, red onion, and sunflower seeds. It’s drizzled with a light vinaigrette, making it a refreshing and satisfying choice for any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Rinse and chop the broccoli into small florets. Dice the red onion.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, red onion, sunflower seeds, and raisins. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy this refreshing salad chilled or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
Table of Suitable Diets and Adjustments
| Diet | Explanation/Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | This recipe is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat, poultry, or fish. No adjustments are necessary. |
| Gluten-Free | This recipe is gluten-free as it contains no wheat, barley, or rye. Ensure the sunflower seeds and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. |
| Low-Carb/Keto | This recipe is not keto-friendly as is due to the dried cranberries (high in sugar). Replace them with fresh raspberries or omit them entirely. |
| Dairy-Free | To make this recipe dairy-free, replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or almond yogurt. |
| Vegan | Replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make it vegan-friendly. |
| Paleo | Substitute the Greek yogurt with a Paleo-approved alternative like coconut yogurt, and use unsweetened dried fruit or omit it. |
| Nut-Free | The recipe is nut-free as is, making it safe for those with nut allergies. Ensure the sunflower seeds are processed in a nut-free facility if needed. |
| Whole30 | Replace the Greek yogurt with a Whole30-compliant dressing (e.g., mayo made from avocado oil) and omit honey or maple syrup. |
| Diabetic-Friendly | To reduce sugar content for diabetics, omit the dried cranberries or raisins, and use a sugar-free sweetener in place of honey. |
| Mediterranean Diet | This recipe aligns with the Mediterranean diet due to its use of fresh vegetables, seeds, and a light vinaigrette dressing. No adjustments are needed. |
