This Broccoli Strawberry Salad is healthy and delightful. Topped with a creamy poppy seed dressing. A delicious side dish with light fruity sweetness.
In the US last weekend was Memorial Day Weekend and in Canada we had Victoria Day the week before. Both of these long weekends fall into May and somewhat mark the unofficial start of summer and BBQ season.
And along with BBQs starts the accompanying salad making. Whether out on a picnic, a friend's or family's house, or your own backyard, grilled meats always benefit from the balance the vegetables in a salad offer (not sure where pasta or potato salads fit my logic).
I Experimented and Made This Amazing Dish!
So, a few weeks ago we had friends over. It was before Victoria day, so no BBQ, instead we actually had this delicious family-friendly curry. Our friends brought along a salad that ended up being the inspiration for today's Broccoli Strawberry Salad.
The original was a broccoli salad but with cranberries and shredded cheddar. I had totally planned to do the same, but as I reached into the fridge to gather all ingredients, my eyes fell on the plump red strawberries I had just bought the day before. And right next to the strawberries was a container of feta cheese, intended for another recipe experiment.
I knew that feta and strawberries are amazing together, so I ventured out and made them the fruit and cheese component in this salad. Which totally worked and turned out to taste amazing! They give the salad a wonderful freshness that just screams summer!
Awesome Flavor Contrasts with Fruit and Cheese
If you know me, you'll know how much I love contrasts. There is a flavor interplay of sweet-tart from the sweet strawberries and salty-tart feta cheese.
Another contrasting element of this salad is the crunchy fresh broccoli paired with the creamy poppy seed dressing. Which is totally mayonnaise-free. Greek yogurt is the key component in this clean, creamy dressing. It also includes tangy vinegar to really round off the entire salad. You will love it.
At any rate, it's Friday and the weekend is supposed to be super warm and sunny (at least here in Calgary). So go out, have BBQs with friends and family AND make this awesome salad 🙂
Recipe
Broccoli Strawberry Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Ingredients
- 5 cups broccoli florets bite-sized
- 1 cup strawberry chunks
- ¼ cup feta cheese crumbles
- 2 tablespoons chives sliced; or green onions
Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt + pepper
Instructions
- Toss broccoli, strawberries, feta and chives in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over salad.
Pin Broccoli Strawberry Salad tutorial for later?
Other Delicious Salad Recipes
Keep it healthy with more amazing salad recipes!
- Russian Beet Salad
- Avocado and Corn Salad
- Shredded Carrot Salad
- Tomato and Onion Salad - Shakarob
- Beetroot Arugula Salad
- Tropical Fruit Salad
Random Questions
Broccoli salad typically includes fresh broccoli florets along with a variety of other ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and cheeses.
Yes, broccoli can be enjoyed raw in a salad, providing a crunchy texture and a fresh, slightly bitter flavor.
Raw broccoli salad can be a nutritious addition to your diet, as broccoli is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to overall health.
Consuming broccoli regularly can be beneficial, as it is a nutrient-dense vegetable. However, moderation is key, as excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort for some individuals.
The healthiest way to eat broccoli is by lightly steaming or sautéing it to preserve its nutritional content, as overcooking may lead to nutrient loss.
Yes, broccoli stems are edible and can be included in various dishes, such as salads, stir-fries, or soups, providing additional texture and flavor.
Angie@Angie's Recipes
So colourful and delicious! I love just how fresh and crunchy it looks.
Regina
Yes super fresh and crunchy. Perfect for summer!
Paula
The original salad with cranberries and cheddar sounds great and your version with the fresh strawberries looks awesome. I love salads and always looking for new variations. This one (and the original) are keepers! That creamy poppy seed dressy...oh my!
Regina
Aww... thanks so much Paula. Both are a real treat 🙂