This Cauliflower and Broccoli Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with nutrient-rich veggies and topped with feta and toasted almonds, it’s easy to throw together and adds a whole lot of flavour and nutrition to any meal. I love this because it is very simple to make, can be pre-prepared for dinner and it’s great for entertaining a large group too.
Health benefits of this easy to prepare salad?
With its combination of antioxidant rich cruciferous vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, and the option to add fresh herbs, this easy broccoli and cauliflower salad recipe is a great way to include a variety of nourishing ingredients into your day. Almonds contribute health promoting minerals, protein and good fats. The vitamin C rich lemon zest and lemon juice will support a healthy immune system. Another simple ‘super’ food side to compliment your meal.
The dressing, almonds, and feta are often enough to convert fussy children too. It takes boring old vegetables to another level!
Ingredients
You’ll need cauliflower, broccoli, red onion, flaked almonds, and feta cheese. For the dressing, grab a lemon, some extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Pour it over just prior to serving. Optional fresh herbs like mint or parsley can add a nice touch. It’s such a great combination of tastes and textures.
Instructions to make Cauliflower, Broccoli and Lemon Salad
Steam the cauliflower and broccoli florets for just a couple of minutes, making sure they stay crunchy. After refreshing them under cold water, toss with red onion, almonds, and crumbled feta in a large bowl or salad platter. Drizzle with a tangy lemon-Dijon dressing just before serving to bring all the flavours together. It has such a short prep time for such a delicious side.
Serving suggestions and how to store
This easy broccoli cauliflower salad recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats (like fish, chicken, salmon or lamb) or as a fresh side for any meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and if you have extra dressing, keep it in a jar to use for another salad.
Vary this to suit your dietary needs
For a dairy-free or vegan option, simply omit the feta. If you’re nut-free, swap the almonds for pumpkin or sunflower seeds, and for an onion-free version, use spring onions or sliced radish instead.
Want more sides and salad inspo?
For lots more sides and salad inspo, take a look at my hugely popular ebook ‘Well Nourished Sides and Salads’– where vegetables become the hero of the dish! It’s great value at just $9.95, click HERE to take a look.
Ingredients
- ½ cauliflower -washed and cut into small florets
- ½ broccoli -washed and cut into small florets
- 1 red onion/s -peeled, halved and sliced
- 40 g flaked almonds (½ cup) toasted
- 100 g feta cheese (Persian or danish is best)
Dressing
- 1 lemon/s -zest and juice
- 60 ml extra virgin olive oil (¼ cup) extra virgin
- 1 tsp dijon mustard -this makes it creamy, not spicy
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
Optional extras
- ½ bunch/s fresh mint leaves ( lovely with lamb especially)
- ½ bunch/s fresh parsley leaves -for a green iron boost
Method
- Steam the cauliflower and broccoli until they just start to cook, about 2 minutes over boiling water (they should still be a little crunchy).
- Remove from the heat and refresh by running under cold water (this stops them from continuing to cook).
- Drain well and place in a salad bowl.
- Mix all the ingredients for the dressing together and set aside.
- Add the almonds, onion and feta and dress just prior to serving.
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- If there is any extra dressing, pop it in a jar in the fridge for another salad.
Variations
Dairy-free and vegan
Omit the feta.Nut-free
Replace the almonds with pumpkin or sunflower seeds.Onion-free
Replace with spring onion or 5 radish, thinly sliced.Do you want more recipes like this one? Please comment so I know what information or recipes you need to become Well Nourished!
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Kylie Schubel says
Just finished making this I used goats cheese fetta looks amazing !!! Can’t wait for dinner!
Kylie Schubel says
Just finished making this I used goats cheese fetta looks amazing !!! Can’t wait for dinner!
Jane says
G, I struggle with salad dressings, love citrus, use lemons & limes all the time but need to be more adventurous with yogurt and oil blends, something that can be put together in no time?
Georgia Harding says
Try to always use the zest of the lemons and limes too – for a minute of extra effort, so much more nutrition and immune protection. I like yogurt based dressings with Indian and Moroccan salads. I usually add tahini, spices and citrus juice to the yogurt. My main rule with dressings is a fat (oil or yogurt) plus about half the quantity of an acid (citrus or a vinegar). Don’t worry, I have plenty of dressing ideas to come. G x
PS – see my oils for dressing/pouring under the ‘In the Pantry’ header bar.
Debbie says
Yum, yum , yum. We all loved it – kids too.
Georgia Harding says
Great Debbie, really pleased. Sometimes simple is best. G x
Rosanne O'Brien says
Loved this G so refreshing and tasty. I also made the lentil salad and ate both with some crusty Turkish bread. Easy dinner for one. Thanks x
Georgia Harding says
Very nutritious too, G x
Katrina says
Finally got around to making this and wish I’d done it sooner, absolutely delicious we all loved it, will be a new go to vege salad! Thanks Georgia
Georgia Harding says
Ooh, glad you liked it. A simple but really flavoursome salad. Thanks for letting me know, G x
Susan says
I am surprised at how delicious this salad is. I wasn’t expecting much, but it was really good.
Georgia Harding says
Yes it’s simple but really yum. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for rating it too Susan G x
Lou says
I think we are long lost soul sisters, Georgia!! We have such similar tastes it’s crazy. Once again, a total winner of a salad…. we have this in our household at least once a week. Amazing with a piece of fish, or even on its own. Keep them coming!!
lauren garrett says
This salad is just delicious! It makes a frequent appearance in our house and feels ‘special’ when we eat it – thank you
Well Nourished Team says
So glad you enjoyed this recipe Lauren!